Liquidators wish to hear from anybody who may be interested in acquiring a non-defunct Sudbury charity’s assets, as they continue the winding-up process. Business rescue and insolvency specialists McTear Williams & Wood were appointed to guide the liquidation process for The Bridge Project following the organisation’s closure last month.

The long-running organisation – which had supported vulnerable adults in the Sudbury area since it was established in 1995 – ceased operating on 10 April 2025 due to unsurmountable financial difficulties. In the first public update since being appointed, the liquidators confirmed to Suffolk News that a full appraisal of the Bridge Project’s land and property remained ongoing.

Gary Rupping, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner at the McTear Williams & Wood, said they were exploring the potential of sales or transfers and invited contact from any interested parties. “I understand the public interest in the liquidation of The Bridge Project”, he said. “I can share the following update regarding the winding up process. “As liquidators, our primary responsiblity is to act in the best interests of creditors, ensuring a fair transparent process. At this stage we are in the process of evaluating the charity’s assets including the property to maximise return for creditors. This involves a thorough assessment to determine the most effective means of realising value which may include sale or transfer to interested parties. If there are any interested parties in the charity’s property they should make contact with us as soon as possible. To make an inquiry about The Bridge Project contact Mr Rupping by emailing gary rupping@adam

According to the accounts published by The Charity Commission, The Bridge Project saw its total liabilities – encompassing all debts owned by the charity – skyrocket in recent times. For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the latest for which data is available the charity’s liabilities were £346,850 – triple the figure of £115,260 that had been recorded 12 months earlier. This exceeded the £263,953 it had in cash, bank balances, debtors and investments, while its own-use assets – those used to run the charity, such as its buildings – were recorded at £720,354.

Following their appointment the liquidators at McTear Williams & Wood confirmed that once the asset realisation process was completed it would begin considering claims by creditors. This includes any individual or organisation that had an outstanding claim for money from The Bridge Project prior to its closure. Mr Rupping said “As is standard industry practice, we do not deal with creditor claims until the charity’s assets are realised. Given the complexity of liquidating charities this can take time.”

Shortly before the liquidation process began leaders at The Bridge Project said many people had been aware of the charity’s fragile financial situation. However, while some apparently offered help in a timely manner, they alleged that others chose not to act or made decisions with ‘significant and lasting consequences. A statement from trustees in April added that the full story behind the closure may become clearer in the future and they would focus on ‘closing this chapter with dignity, care and respect. These are challenging times for the voluntary sector and charities cannot survive on goodwill alone, their statement read.

“Be proactive, get involved and champion the organisations that make a difference and when offering criticism – however well-intentioned – please remember the real people behind the scenes doing their best. Words carry weight and so do silences.” In the wake of the charity’s closure, work has continued to transition services to alternate providers. Sudbury Arts Centre at St Peter’s – where the Bridge Project had been a primary delivery partner – confirmed it would continue to operate independently, supported by Churches Conservation Trust. Meanwhile many recipients of the organisation’s meal deliveries have now been transferred over to Aspect Living, while other customers are being served by 1 Oak Community Meals.

Suffolk News
22 May 2025