Hayden Davies (29), who is in partnership with Jennian Homes' national franchisor Richard Carver and Nigel Smith, of neighbouring Jennian Homes Mid-Canterbury, began his apprenticeship in 2003 with Jennian Otago, and completed it, before leaving the company about three months ago.
"The recession has been tough for many home builders and in the past few years they have been hard hit throughout the industry. Sadly, some businesses have failed," Mr Davies said.
Jennian Homes Otago's former owner Kurt Reed had sought to stave off liquidation by injecting more than $100,000 into the ailing company, but he failed to get enough creditors to agree to accept his offer of 20c in the $1, subsequently placing the company in liquidation in August.
The first report of the Dunedin liquidator said almost 90 creditors were estimated to be owed more than $600,000, with no indication yet if there would be a dividend.
Mr Davies has five staff, including a new management team for the resurrected Otago franchise, is overseeing the completion of one apprenticeship, about to sign up a new apprentice and also hire another builder, plus he has numerous contractors.
Jennian Otago has nine houses under construction, including three for one client. Mr Davies said the majority of tradespeople who had worked with the previous franchisee were back on site.
