A HEREFORD company has been brought back from the brink of closure by the man who founded the business in the early 80s.

John Baker and his wife Carole sold Central Provisions, which produces pre-packed and grated cheese at the Grandstand Business Centre, to British Creameries in 1999.

Eighteen months later, 26 jobs were on the line as the parent company went into receivership and Mr Baker set about saving the business.

"Once I had made up my mind to buy back the company, my immediate objective was to secure the jobs by attempting to maintain as much business as possible while seeking out new customers," said Mr Baker.

"Staff had to cope with erratic work schedules and longer hours as we responded to every order. Without their support we would not have succeeded.

"We feel we are now turning the corner with estimated turnover in excess of £4m and production levels topping 30 tonnes of cheese a week.

"Significant investment has been made in new machinery, and new products are planned."

Mike Langford, a banking solutions manager with Lloyds TSB Commercial, realised that speed was vital.

"I am very pleased that the bank was able to step in with backing for the company at an important turning point in its history," he said.

Following the purchase, Mike Hammonds has been appointed production director, John Goddard sales and distribution director and John Baker's daughter, Rachel, company secretary.