Administrators have been called in to Energy Batteries, a automotive battery national distributor.

The collapse comes just three months after attempts to sell the business to rival Manbat ended without success.

Joint administrators Mark Orton and Richard Philpott of KPMG have made 38 of its 46 employees redundant.

The business has been experiencing trading difficulties as a result of a decline in sales in key sectors, especially within the automotive marketplace.

Orton said: “Over the next few days we will be working to stabilise the business while we are seeking a buyer.

"Unfortunately, the business is unable to sustain the employment of all 46 employees and as a result, we have had to make 38 people redundant upon appointment.

"This will enable us to stem the losses while we look to secure a future for the business.”