JOB losses are feared with the collapse of a shopfitting and joinery business employing 120 staff.

Administrators are trying to save Brighouse-based GF Group Ltd, which specialises in fitting out shops and restaurants.

It is the second blow to Brighouse in recent weeks, following the collapse of ambulance firm UV Modular, with the loss of 140 jobs.

GF directors Bill Morris, Nathan Astley and Steve Taziker called in administrators from insolvency firm Begbies Traynor following several months of poor trading.

The Brighouse business was part of a £7m management buy-out last March, but this week failed in the face of mounting losses.

Charles Brook and Peter Sargent, of Begbies Traynor, have been appointed joint administrators of the company.

The move affects GF Group Ltd and its two subsidiaries, Inform Manufacturing Ltd and GF Interiors Ltd.

The £15m business, based at Gooder Lane, has clients including restaurant chains such as Nandos and Frankie & Benny’s as well as retailers including Flannels, bars, nightclubs, hotels and casinos..

The company was established in 1979 and had grown to be a leader in its sector.

The administrators said they were seeking a buyer for the company as a going concern but could not rule out the possibility of redundancies.

Mr Brook said: “This is a very established business with a blue chip customer base and a great reputation in the retail shop fitting sector.

“The failure of the business is due to a number of factors.

“Increased material costs, more competition and less investment in retail premises, have all contributed to substantial losses and the eventual administration.”

But he said: “This business has a great workforce and a fantastic manufacturing capability to produce the highest quality retail fixtures and fittings.

“We are confident that the business has a future with the right buyer.”