Property group picks up Ness retail assets

Part of fashion and accessory business Ness has been brought out of administration, safeguarding more than 35 jobs.

Property and retail group Kiltane has purchased four Ness outlets – in York, Keswick and two in Edinburgh.

It has also acquired the wholesale and e-commerce divisions of the company.

Before it went into administration in December, Ness operated 10 stores in Scotland and five in England plus four concessions, and employed 105 people.

It called in administrators BDO after financial difficulties.

Kiltane managing director Mark Keane said: “The addition of Ness to our existing stores builds considerably on our business infrastructure and capabilities, both in retail outlets in prime locations and online.

Seven Ness stores – including its Dundee outlet – closed in January.