Firm that lets out school facilities placed into administration

School Letting Solutions (SLS), which manages the hire of vacant school facilities to sports clubs and community groups, is being placed into administration with the loss of 93 full-time jobs due to restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Manchester-based SLS enabled more than 300 schools, academies and colleges across the UK to generate additional income by renting facilities such as sports halls, football pitches, tennis courts, classrooms and drama spaces during evenings, weekends and holiday periods.

SLS had 890 casual staff across the UK who monitored and managed the out-of-hours lettings. These positions have been made redundant.

Daniel Taylor of Fortis Insolvency has been appointed as administrator after SLS faced the uncertainty of when, and under what conditions, the facilities it hires will re-open.

Daniel Taylor said: “SLS gave communities access to sport and other recreational facilities while providing revenue-generating opportunities for schools, academies and colleges. Business stopped overnight when the Covid-19 lockdown was introduced and there is no clear timescale for when lettings can resume.

“The directors initially took steps to try and protect the business and jobs by using the furlough scheme although they have been unsuccessful in raising funds from Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. With all the current uncertainties which exist, and the tapering of the furlough scheme in the coming months, there really is no option but to close the business.”