Ripon firm Farmison & Co has begun hiring staff as it prepares to start trading again.

Employees at the premium meat retailer were made redundant when Farmison entered administration on April 6.

But a consortium led by former Asda chief executive Andy Clarke and Chilli Marketing founder Gareth Whittle acquired the company from the administrators on Monday.

Mr Clarke, who has been appointed executive chairman, told the Stray Ferret yesterday everything was moving "very quickly" and he hoped trading would recommence in weeks rather than months.

He said the new company had so far hired five staff, who all previously worked for Farmison.

They include Michelle Kennedy, who as chief operating officer will be in charge of day-to-day operations, commercial director Andy Cavanna and finance manager Liam Duggan.

Mr Clarke said Farmison employed almost 100 people at its peak and the ambition was to get back to that number but right now he could not give a precise figure on how many roles will be created. He said:

Look out for a fuller interview with Mr Clarke this weekend.

Read more:

• Ripon firm Farmison to trade again after buyout completed


• Consortium submits bid to bring back Ripon firm Farmison