UK: The Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, which operated purpose-built rail research and development facilities in Dudley including the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, has entered administration.
Former Head of Marketing & Operations Olivia Brown said ‘we succeeded in establishing BCIMO as a recognised force in rail and transport innovation. But despite this, we failed to secure the core funding that had always been intended as a cornerstone of the centre’s original business case – and ultimately, that’s what led to our demise.’
On July 1 Deviesh Raikundalia and Tyrone Courtman of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory were appointed joint administrators. The BCIMO business and assets are being sold by Lambert Smith Hampton, with offers invited by July 8.
The centre developed at cost of £32m has a range of facilities including a 2·2 km railway test track, engineering laboratories, meeting and event spaces, and serviced offices.
- Rail Business UK visited the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre earlier this year.
