Administrators for Advent Computer Training, and its sister school for plumbers, believe they have found buyers for the company.

In fact they've found two buyers for the Hagley-based firms and got cooperation from a major creditor. The collapse left many students out of pocket because they had paid up-front for Microsoft Certified Engineer and other courses.

Brian Gould, partner at administrators PKF, said last week: “We have agreed sales of the businesses subject to contract, with two separate training organisations and also with one of the major funders involved.

"This covers the interests of a considerable number of the students affected who should be able to continue their studies soon. Hopefully this will take a weight off their minds."

Gould would not name the companies but said one was a technology training specialist and the other focused on trade services like plumbing.

Negotiations are continuing, we were told today.

The two firms employed 250 people and had annual turnover of £30m. The precise outcome for students who have already paid fees will depend on the details of any sale agreement. ®