Bemix calls in Opus Business Advisory for charity’s administration
People with learning difficulties and/or autism are often not fully involved in society. Based in Medway, Kent, Bemix is a charity focusing on helping people with disabilities, to access training and education.
Running projects to support people to learn skills, gain qualifications and become more confident and independent, Bemix works with employers, businesses and services to make sure their work is inclusive. However, in a difficult environment for charities, the organisation has fallen on hard times.
The financial year concluding at the end of July 2024 saw Bemix record almost a £200,000 loss – with total income of £1.5 million, and expenditure of £1.7 million. With the reporting of the 2025 year now overdue by more than 80 days, the organisation has called in administrators.
Following an extended period of working alongside the charity, Opus Business Advisory has been called upon to oversee the process. Opus had previously been tasked by stakeholders to explore every possible option to preserve Bemix’s services.
Throughout this process, the primary focus has been on protecting the valuable support bemix provides to people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Kent. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, it has not been possible to secure a future for the remainder of the charity’s operations, and 51 employees have been made redundant.
Charles Turner, partner at Opus Business Advisory, and joint administrator, commented, “Bemix has made a significant contribution to the local community over the past 25 years and everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to find a solution that would preserve as much of the charity’s important work as possible. Administration is always a last resort, particularly where a long-established charity is concerned.”
In some consolation, as a result of extensive work undertaken prior to the administration, Bemix’s supported employment programme has transferred to Q+; a Kent-based charity with a similar remit to Bemix. The Be A Leader is expected to transfer shortly, ensuring these important services can continue under new ownership. More than 40 members of staff have also transferred to Q+, helping to maintain continuity for people supported by Bemix, as well as employers and commissioners.
Turner added, “We recognise this is a difficult time for those employees whose roles have unfortunately been made redundant, and the trustees as well as the joint administrators would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication to bemix over many years.”
The joint administrators will now work with the charity’s stakeholders to wind down the remaining affairs of Bemix in accordance with their statutory duties.
