The statement today from the liquidators called in to salvage a future for Cleveland Bridge has at last supplied valuable information - but we need more.

Theirs was the first insight into this shattering situation since The Northern Echo broke the story yesterday morning that the world-renowned bridge builder had to urgently find a new buyer.

Read more: Administrators blame Covid for Darlington's Cleveland Bridge crisis

But there are still six key questions that will move the whole thing forward and give 319 people (221 at Darlington and Newport, 48 contractors in Darlington and 50 other contractors) some confidence in their futures.

The Northern Echo: Work goes on at the factoryWork goes on at the factory

  1. What is happening for the workers today? Are there meetings or communications, and are their unions involved?
  2. Are current contracts safe because full production is continuing for now?
  3. Is the site itself safe or could a new owner move production abroad?
  4. Are there any potential buyers the company is already aware of who might take it on at such a turbulent time?
  5. Why was there such a delay in issuing any statement yesterday – was that just so workers could all be informed or was there a specific problem?
  6. Is there any information about when the company came to their decision - was it in the last few weeks, months... days?

Administrators FRP have filled in some of the gaps - and it is good to see them getting down to work so soon. They clearly sense the urgency for information and progress since we covered the breaking news.

Read more: Cleveland Bridge calls in administrators: All we know so far

They told us four key things:

The Northern Echo: The familiar sign and mini-bridge on Yarm RoadThe familiar sign and mini-bridge on Yarm Road

Covid is to blame - "No business is immune to the far-reaching impact of the pandemic, which has delayed major infrastructure projects around the world and put significant financial pressure on the teams behind them."

The challenge is huge - the company "requires significant further investment. The business is unable to continue operating at its current capacity."

A new buyer could be found -  "It has great potential and should attract interest from the steel fabricants sector and other firms looking to break into the specialist bridge building market."

Work goes on...  for now - "We will engage with CBUK’s clients to discuss continued support on live projects. We are urgently reviewing contracted work in progress to determine the shape of the business going forward.”

Some answers, more questions. This will be a long few weeks for staff, bosses and the administrators.