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A hotel chain and more than 100 workers are facing an uncertain future after it collapsed into administration.

Suite Hospitality Ltd operated three hotels, including the Buckerell Lodge Hotel, on Topsham Road, Exeter, as well as two others: the Harte and Garter Hotel, in Windsor and the Makeney Hall Hotel , Belper, in the Peak District, all under leases.

Ian Walker, senior partner at insolvency firm Begbies Trayor Group Plc, along with his colleague Julie Palmer, have been appointed administrators of the company by directors of Suite Hospitality.

The hotel chain had a disappointing year in 2019 and had been in negotiations with major creditors and landlords to find a way for the company to continue.

Unfortunately, two of the larger landlords could not agree adequate terms and, as a result, a decision was taken by the board that the company would have to proceed to administration, Begbies Trayor said.

The company employs 110 staff, most of whom are currently being furloughed. The administrators will now try to find a way to transfer operations at as many of the company’s trading sites as possible in order to retain employment for staff at those establishments.

Exeter-based Mr Walker, whose office covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, said: “We are working very hard to transfer the business to new owners and preserve as many jobs as possible at the three hotels, including Exeter’s Buckerell Lodge.”