THE future of 25 jobs is in the balance after the directors of a Worcestershire PR firm “put the business on hold”.

Sanity Marketing, which operated from Chequers Close, Malvern, has removed its website, phone number and social media channels as seeks funding to keep the business alive.

In a statement, director Jordan Baker confirmed the company had deferred payments to “several key staff” last month and that delays in securing finance had led to them shutting the business last Thursday, but added he is still trying to save the business.

Mr Baker said: “Last month we ran into cashflow troubles like most businesses in the UK and several key staff were asked if we could make two payments over the course of a week.

“This included senior management and myself. Those who needed full payment in one lump sum were paid in one lump sum.

“To mitigate future issues we downsized at the beginning of June to help with future cash flow. We also managed to secure considerable funding for July 31.

“On Thursday afternoon we learnt that the finance deal had been delayed until September due to economic uncertainty.

“Within hours we called a staff meeting and put the business on hold whilst we held talks with finance partners and professionals.

“We are doing everything we can to continue doing the good work for small businesses that we do.

"That includes taking a brief pause for a few days to assess how we can move forward. That pause includes hiding our socials and website.

“I have personally financed paying the majority of the staff to see them through until we have a decision – that decision doesn't lie with me. Staff and partners are being consulted and remain our core focus.”

Mr Baker also paid tribute to his staff having moved to the Malvern area alongside business partner and fellow director Riley Gardiner during the height of the 2020 lockdown before expanding to a team of 20 staff as recently as March.

“In the last year since we came to Malvern we have hired 25 mainly inexperienced young people, some long-term unemployed, and trained them in marketing,” he said.

“Staff were well aware that we are a start-up business trading in a challenging and unprecedented economic situation and were keen to be part of the journey.

"They were aware of what that meant, stood ready to support us and were thankful for the opportunity.

“They have been incredible and a true credit to Malvern and the wider area.”