AN historic Southampton based shipping company has stopped trading after urgent talks to save it failed.

Channel Island shipping company Huelin Renouf said bosses had taken the difficult decision to wind up after 80 years of trading.

In a statement on its website it said an arm of the business, Eagleway Freight Limited based in Southampton along with Jersey and Guernsey based Huelin-Renouf had ceased to trade at close of business on Monday, August 19.

It said: “The directors have taken steps to commence winding up proceedings.

“This is not a decision that has been taken hastily or lightly and the CEO and senior management team have made a concerted and fully committed effort to secure this lifeline service, through lengthy negotiations with a number of interested parties.

“Despite this they have been unable to agree a sale of the business.

“The companies are no longer in a position to continue to trade, and in the absence of a potential purchaser, the directors consider that they have had no alternative but to take the decision to terminate all operations in the Channel Islands and UK with immediate effect, and to commence winding up proceedings immediately.

“It is anticipated that the companies will be placed into liquidation, or in England Administration, later this week.

“Employees were notified in person at each of the company locations.”

The firm employs 40 staff in Jersey and another 50 in Guernsey, Southampton and Cherbourg.