Administrators for farming retailer Kent Wool Growers have sold the company’s wool-handling operations.

The British Wool Marketing Board has bought the business from the farmer-owned co-operative, known as KWG, which tumbled into administration after nearly a century of trading earlier this month.

The sale secures seven jobs in the wool grading division, which will continue to operate from its Ashford headquarters in the short term.

Bosses blamed its troubles on a downturn in retail and account sales, putting pressure on its cashflow.

Administrators from KPMG are still looking for a buyer for the company’s retail outlets at Ashford, Eastry and Handcross in West Sussex.

Steve Absolom, director and joint administrator at KPMG, said discussions with a number of potential buyers are ongoing.

Among these is thought to be controversial landlord and businessman Fergus Wilson, who confirmed to the Kentish Express he has made an approach about taking over the company.

Mr Wilson, of Boughton Monchelsea, has previously hit the headlines for his letting criteria policy for tenants, which has banned single mums, plumbers, battered wives, and “coloureds” who make homes “smell like curry”.

He said: “We have to move with the times. Farming is no different.

“The Kent Wool Growers has gone into administration. To avoid rumour I make it clear that I have not purchased the company from the administrators at this stage but merely made an inquiry.

“I want to keep it going as an agricultural merchant which why I am interested in purchasing it lock, stock, and barrel.”

KWG claims to have had no contact with Mr Wilson but asked him to get in touch.

Administrator Mr Absolom said the wool-handling sale “provides continuity of service to the sheep farmers of Kent and Sussex as well as the transfer of the employment of KWG’s highly skilled wool graders”.

“A number of parties have shown interest in acquiring all or part of the business and assets of the retail operations of KWG. Discussions with these parties are ongoing...” - Steve Absolom, KPMG

He added: “A number of parties have shown interest in acquiring all or part of the business and assets of the retail operations of KWG.

“Discussions with these parties are ongoing.”

KWG, which employed 48 people at the time it went into administration, is still trading from its retail stores.

Mr Absolom said the public’s support “under difficult circumstances remains hugely appreciated.”

KWG was set up in Ashford in 1920 and supports more than 4,000 members.

The British Wool Marketing Board, founded in 1950, is the only remaining agricultural commodity board in the UK.

The farmer-run not-for-profit organisation collects and promotes British fleece and is a central marketing tool for producers across the country.