Partners from Deloitte have been appointed as administrators at Carter & Carter

Nick Dargan, Dominic Wong and Chris Farrington will work with the management team to try and turn the training company around.

Dargan said: 'It is clear that the Carter & Carter group has a number of tremendous businesses within its portfolio. However, it found it increasingly difficult to sustain the significant level of debt carried following its strategy of growth by acquisition.'

He added: "We are delighted with the co-operation given to our team by the management and employees, the Learning and Skills Council and the group's existing lenders. That has provided a stable platform to allow us to review all options available to secure the future survival of the group."