An award-winning home improvement firm is to go into administration after being forced to close.

Paving and asphalt company Dorset Showhomes - which specialised in laying resin driveways - was based on Cambridge Road on the Granby Industrial Estate.

It has ceased trading due to problems with a supplier, said former managing director Tom Bugler.

He said no jobs were lost as employees were transferred to work for another company he runs based out of the same premises. This company is completely independent from Dorset Showhomes.

Mr Bugler insists no Dorset Showhomes customers have been left 'out of pocket'.

The firm won awards over the years, including South England Prestige Awards' Home Improvement Service of the Year and Company of the Year for the past three years. 

READ: Weymouth home improvements company scoops top award

It also contributed to many charities and local causes - including Portland Town Football Club, Top Club in Littlemoor, the Veterans Hub and the Lantern Trust  - donating thousands of pounds.

Customers contacting Dorset Showhomes by email receive an automated message stating:  "Unfortunately, due to hugely reduced orders as a result of the cost of living crisis and our sole product being a non-essential home improvement, coupled with the closure of two of our resin suppliers, spiralling material costs and difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled staff have all contributed to rendering it no longer viable to continue."

Mr Bugler said: "For the past eight years, Dorset Showhomes has proudly installed around 11,000 resin-bound driveways for our valued customers.

"During this time, we have relied on a specific supplier for about 90 per cent of our materials.

"Around 12 months ago, this manufacturer underwent a change in ownership, and the new owners have chosen not to honour the manufacturer's guarantees on the work previously completed.

"This change placed us in a challenging situation.

"Without the manufacturer’s backing, Dorset Showhomes has had to shoulder the full cost of any resin-related repairs, which average around £500 each.

"With multiple repairs needed each week, these costs have quickly added up, especially given the current lack of new orders."

He added: "Every single repair I have paid out of my own pocket - that is me taking no wage. 

"No customers will be out of pocket."

He said the company has now completed all the remaining work it had outstanding from orders taken in 2023. It did not take any orders in 2024.

Mr Bugler said he is in the process of ensuring that all customers who have had work completed get their insurance-backed guarantees.

He added: "After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cease trading.

"This decision was necessary to ensure that all our customers with insurance-backed guarantees remain protected; this cannot happen while the company continues to trade.

"Please be assured that these guarantees are still valid, and you will receive further information from the insurance companies over the coming weeks regarding any issues or claims."

Any one wishing to contact Dorset Showhomes regarding insurance-backed guarantees can email closure@dorsetshowhomes.com