Administrators secure sale of Bristol ambulance company BAEMS Ltd, safeguarding services and jobs

Nick Harris and Lucinda Coleman, of PKF Francis Clark, have today (Friday 22 May) been appointed joint administrators of BAEMS Ltd (trading as Bristol Ambulance EMS), a provider of patient transport and specialist ambulance services across the South West.

Immediately following their appointment, the administrators completed a sale of the business and its assets to EMED Group, a national provider of specialist transport and care services.

The transfer of operations has been carefully planned to support continuity of services for patients, NHS partners and healthcare organisations across Bristol and the South West.

Approximately 315 colleagues, 120 ambulances and operational services across seven depots will transfer into EMED Group as part of the agreement.

Joint administrator Nick Harris, partner in our restructuring team, said: “BAEMS provides important ambulance and patient transport services across the South West and continuity of those services has been a key priority while we have been working with the company over recent weeks to explore all options to secure its future.

“Following a complex and fast-moving sale process, involving negotiations with several interested parties, we are pleased to have completed a sale of the business to EMED Group, protecting the jobs of all employees.

“This outcome supports continuity for patients, NHS partners and operational teams whilst enabling services to continue under EMED Group.”

Craig Smith, group CEO of EMED Group, said: “Our immediate priority is supporting patients, Bristol Ambulance colleagues and NHS partners through this transition and ensuring services continue to operate safely and effectively.

“Over the last 15 years Bristol Ambulance has built a great operation, with outstanding CQC reports, and provides critical services across the region that enable access to healthcare in a wide range of settings. We are pleased to welcome colleagues into our family.”

Rob Johnson, CEO at Bristol Ambulance EMS, added: “Our priority throughout this process has been protecting continuity of service for patients and supporting our colleagues across the organisation. EMED Group has demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining services, supporting teams and working closely with NHS partners during the transition period.

“I would also like to thank colleagues across Bristol Ambulance EMS for their professionalism, resilience and continued dedication to patient care throughout what has understandably been a challenging period.”

Prior to their appointment, the administrators have been working with commissioners and partners to ensure a smooth transition of the contracts operated by BAEMS.

They have been assisted by Paul Evans, of PME Consulting, Andrew Knox, restructuring and insolvency partner at Stephens Scown, and valuation agents Simon Bamford and Josh Chivers, of Gordon Brothers.

Following their formal appointment, the administrators will undertake their statutory duties as the administration process progresses, including investigating BAEMS’s financial position and the circumstances leading to a winding‑up petition brought by HM Revenue & Customs, and will report to creditors in due course.

Creditors are invited to direct any immediate enquiries to Dan Ott, at PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office, by emailing [email protected].

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