North Shields Property Maintenance Business Rescued in Pre-Pack Deal
A prominent property maintenance firm operating across Tyneside has been successfully rescued from administration, securing the employment of 28 staff members. First-Rate Maintenance, which originally launched in Newcastle in early 2020 before relocating to North Shields in 2023, has been acquired through a pre-pack administration process by the Scottish-based Dima Group.
Continuity of Operations and Services
The acquisition ensures that First-Rate Maintenance will continue to trade under its established name, maintaining all existing client contracts and service offerings. The business provides a comprehensive range of handyman and property maintenance services, including general repairs, decorating, roofing, joinery, plumbing, landscaping, and tiling. It has built a strong reputation serving housing associations, local authorities, landlords, and national retailers throughout the region.
Administration and Sale Process
Joint administrators Steven Ross and Shaun Hudson from FRP Advisory were appointed earlier this month to oversee the process. They noted that the business had faced significant cashflow pressures over the past year, prompting directors to seek professional insolvency advice. Despite efforts to stabilise operations, the challenges necessitated the pre-pack sale to Dima Group FM, which is trading as First-Rate Maintenance Limited—an entirely unconnected party.
Steven Ross, restructuring advisory partner at FRP, commented: "This transaction delivers a positive outcome for all stakeholders. The sale preserves employment, maintains service continuity for customers, and secures the future of a well-regarded regional business, while achieving the best possible result for creditors."
New Ownership and Future Prospects
Andrew Gilmour of Dima Group expressed commitment to building on First-Rate Maintenance's established platform. "As the new operator, First-Rate Maintenance is dedicated to supporting its workforce, customers, and partners as the business enters its next phase," he stated.
Background on Dima Group
Dima Group, based in Dunfermline, was founded in October 2018 as a security company, starting from a kitchen table with minimal resources. After opening its first office two years later, the firm navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since relocated four times. It now operates from head offices on Enterprise Way in Dunfermline, employing nearly 100 staff. The group has diversified into various services, including hospitality agency staffing and chef provision, and works across Scotland, notably providing services for every Dunfermline Athletic FC home game.
First-Rate Maintenance was initially launched with support from its sister company, Seekers (formerly known as Walton Robinson), a Newcastle-based student property specialist. The firm positioned itself as an expert in odd jobs and property maintenance across Tyneside and Newcastle, catering to homeowners, landlords, and managing agents for tasks ranging from minor repairs to full refurbishments.
