York construction firm goes into administration – leaving large debts

A major York construction firm has gone into administration.

Evora Construction, based on George Cayley Drive, Clifton Moor, has posted this message on its website: “The affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by Robert William Sadler of Auker Rhodes Accounting Limited, who was appointed Administrator on 5 October 2020.

“All known creditors will be contacted by the Administrator in due course.”

At least one creditor is owed more than £100,000.

Evora has been responsible for some major construction and refurbishment projects in the ten years since it was founded.

These have included everything from the refit of Arabesque House at Monks Cross, the fit-out of the York Cocoa Works on Castlegate, and turning an historic building near Headingley in Leeds into apartments.

More recently it had been working on a project to turn Bootham House, at the junction of Bootham and Marygate, into 14 luxury apartments.

In 2019 co-founder Richard Elam said it had £11 million of work underway.

Now all its social media channels have been closed.

Quick expansion

The company was founded at York Eco Business Centre in 2009 by Mr Elam and Mark Reynolds.

Originally specialising in small-scale extensions and refurbishments, it was turning over £2 million by 2011.

Evora moved into larger premises at Chessingham Court on Clifton Moor in 2015.

In December’s New Year’s Honours, Richard Elam was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to business and the community in York.

At the time we reported: “Richard co-founded Evora Construction Ltd in 2009, based at Clifton Moor.

“He is also passionate about giving back to others with charity fundraising through challenges and sporting feats and enjoys working with York Cares.”