Public school IT supplier goes titsup

To [not] serve them all my days

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in IT Channel, 29th November 2007 14:01 GMT

A leading provider of laptops and other computer services to private schools in the UK has gone into administration, leaving many with support headaches because existing warranty and support contracts are unlikely be honoured.

BDO Stoy Hayward has been appointed administrators for Mansardon Limited which is the holding company for: First Technology Leasing Limited, First Technology Network Solutions Limited, First Technology Computer Services Limited and First Technology Education Limited.

Major public schools including Bedales - Lily Allen's alma mater, pop fans - and Westminster have contracts with the firm. It specialised in leasing laptops to students. The company also provided machines and services to state schools and charities.

All four companies, which had headquarters in Thame, went into administration 22 November 2007.

Martha Thompson, partner at BDO Stoy Hayward, told the Reg: “Our immediate review of the business has, regrettably, led to the decision to close the company, resulting in all staff being made redundant.” Seven staff have lost their jobs as a result.

BDO Stoy Hayward said it was currently talking to several parties who may be interested in buying the assets and business of Mansardon Ltd.

First Technology clients also included Millfield and Stowe.

Details of Bedales' laptop scheme are here. ®

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