A BUSINESS has come to the rescue after Dorchester company Fordingtons went into administration earlier this month.

Weatherbury Hearn Roofing Ltd has taken on Fordingtons' windows and conservatories element following a deal through administrators which were called in when the money ran out.

Ian Pollock, commercial director of Poundbury-based Weatherbury Hearn Roofing, said it was good news for customers and the companies.

He said the windows and conservatories business was being launched under the name Inspired Home Improvements Ltd.

Mark Richardson, who was a director with Fordingtons windows and conservatories, is spearheading the new set-up.

Two former Fordingtons fitters have already been taken on and Mr Pollock said he hoped more would be employed.

Mr Pollock said: "The Fordingtons brand is top quality, second to none - that was the appeal. This will fit in nicely with our portfolio.

"We do a lot of work for housing associations across the south of England and the windows side would fit in well with that.

"We're not affected the way new building is at the moment - people still want new windows and conservatories to improve properties. The work is there."

He said the move came about after Sean Hearn, founder and managing director of the roofing and scaffolding company, spoke to Mr Richardson in the aftermath of Fordingtons' closure.

He said: "Sean and Mark know each other and were just having a chat. When Sean heard that the administrators were trying to sell the business he was interested in the windows and conservatories side of it.

"It's happened very fast. It means customers who had work started or were planning work can have it done and to the same high quality.

"We're using the same materials and suppliers and equipment and vans. And Mark will be running the business."

He said Inspired Home Improvements was also taking on the conservatory furniture side of the business.

Mr Pollock added: "We're aiming to have three teams of fitters with two in each team. Our first team are already out there busy working."

He said they also hoped to take on other Fordingtons employees who lost their jobs when owner John Manley called in the administrators.

Mr Manley is continuing with his Fordingtons estate agency and lettings business.

All other elements including the builders and joinery companies and the recently-established blinds and awnings company closed at the beginning of September with the loss of 65 jobs.

Mr Manley said at the time that rising costs of fuel and materials plus the housing slump forced him to draw a line under the business.