Geoff Jacobs and Alistair McAlinden were appointed as Joint Administrators to Dovetail Enterprises (1993) Limited, trading as Dovetail, on 28 March 2025.
Dovetail is a well-known registered charity and manufacturer of safety doors, mattresses and bed bases. The business, which is based in Dundee and trades from large, owned premises, traces its roots back to 1865. It employed 51 staff and has a history of providing employment and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of society.
Dovetail has faced significant financial challenges over recent years as its revenues have not been able to sustain rising costs which has resulted in trading losses, severely impacting cashflow. The Directors had worked tirelessly and secured funding in recent years to address losses incurred and have been focussed on implementing operational improvements in an effort to turn around the business’ performance.
Amidst cost inflation, an ageing factory, and a competitive market, Dovetail needed significant capital investment. However, despite exhaustive efforts in examining multiple routes and liaising with a range of stakeholders, the Board has not been able to secure the necessary funding. Now, without further funding, the business is unable to continue trading and led to the Board reluctantly having no other option than to seek the appointment of the Joint Administrators.
Upon appointment, the business ceased to trade and, regrettably, 47 staff were made redundant. A small number of staff have been retained to assist the Joint Administrators in their duties. The Joint Administrators are engaged with multiple agencies to co-ordinate a package of measures to support employees and are also exploring options to sell the business and assets.
Geoff Jacobs, Managing Director at Interpath and Joint Administrator at Dovetail Enterprises (1993) Limited, said: “Supporting employees through this incredibly difficult period is an absolute priority for us. Our specialist team on site is co-ordinating a package of measures alongside multiple agencies, including the Scottish Government through PACE and Dundee City Council, to provide as much assistance as possible to staff. The package incorporates a range of initiatives comprising DWP Work Coach support, Disability Employment Advisers, Access to Work claims support, and assistance with applications to the Redundancy Payment Service, which together will help guide staff through the process and towards new employment.
“Dovetail has been a prominent enterprise in Dundee for generations and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many people in the local community. Unfortunately, despite the Dovetail brand being well known for quality products, the financial position of the business was not sustainable and, it is disappointing that despite the significant efforts of the Board, trading could not continue. We are now rapidly exploring options to sell the business and assets, which include, among other things, a well-positioned property, strong brand name and order book, and encourage any interested parties to come forward very quickly.”
Alistair McAlinden, Managing Director at Interpath and Joint Administrator at Dovetail Enterprises (1993) Limited, added: “This is far from an isolated case for the third sector. We have worked with a significant number of charities in recent months as they suffer from many of the same challenges that Dovetail has experienced, from funding cuts or struggling revenues to rising costs that put margins under real pressure.”
Interested parties should contact Geoff Jacobs.
