Family-run business goes bust

FIRM NOW TRADING UNDER CONTROL OF NEW COMPANY

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A FAMILY-run Plymouth plumbing company which can trace its roots back more than 170 years has gone bust with debts of more than £500,000.

Soper Plumbing and Heating Ltd was only incorporated in 2016 but it was part of the Soper family dynasty which goes all the way back to Henry Soper, who also laid some of the famous Barbican cobbles, in 1860.

Soper Plumbing and Heating Ltd, was owned by Henry's great-greatgreat grandson, Marc Soper, who joined the business in 1996. He called in liquidators after becoming insolvent, with debts of £574,981 expected to remain unpaid.

However, the Cattedown-based Soper plumbing and heating business is continuing to trade under control of a new company which is also owned by 47-year-old Mr Soper. He has signed a declaration to say it is his intention to carry on the business of the insolvent company under the name Soper Homecare Ltd.