A BUILDING restoration firm has handed a lifeline to staff affected by a 269-year-old company’s collapse.

Heritage Building and Conservation (HBC) is providing work for people let down after York-based William Anelay ceased trading.

Bosses at HBC say the business, which has just been founded, has a number of projects in its order book, including improvements to Bradford City Hall and an historic Hertfordshire private residence.

More than 100 jobs were lost earlier this year when William Anelay, which restored Roker Pier and lighthouse, went into administration after difficulties with highvalue projects damaged finances.

Chris Quinn, who is leading York-based HBC, said the new venture has great potential.

He said: “This is an entirely separate company with a fresh team, bags of energy, top-level heritage buildings experience and a bright future.”

The business is a subsidiary of HB&C Investments, which is owned by South African businessman, Gordon Verhoef, and oversees Hare and Ransome Joinery and Lowery Roofing, which were part of William Anelay.