More than 40 staff have been made redundant after an upmarket conservatory business collapsed into administration.

Marston & Langinger has fallen back into difficulty after a bold growth strategy – rolled out by the firm after it was placed into administration in 2009 – failed to turn the business around.

The Fakenham firm, which has been building conservatories, orangeries and property extensions since the 1970s, will continue to trade until the business is sold. It is understood that, while competitors are interested, a buyer outside the sector is currently leading the talks to takeover the firm.

The company had previously employed 63 staff and had a turnover of £4m per year. Business rescue and insolvency specialists McTear Williams and Wood placed the firm into administration on Monday.

Andrew McTear, joint administrator, said: 'The company had ambitious growth plans which never materialised leaving no choice but to place the company into administration.

'We will now be working with the employees to finish off current contracts and market the business and assets for sale. We would ask any party interested in buying the business to contact us immediately.'

Mr McTear added: 'It is early days but we have already had positive conversations with customers and interested parties in the business and assets.

'The company will continue to trade for the time being. Unfortunately we have had to make a little over 40 employees redundant out of a workforce of 63.'

He said: 'The company has a long established reputation internationally and we hope that a short period of administration will give the business some breathing space to be sold as a going concern.'

The company declined to comment.

Do you have a business story for the Eastern Daily Press? Contact business editor Ben Woods on 01603 772426 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk.