Deals have been agreed for two separate companies to buy the interests of Hagley-based Advent Computer Training and Access 2 Careers.

It is anticipated that many of the students caught up in the collapse of the Midland training companies are set to see their futures secured. It is further hoped that other students can expect similar news soon.

PKF partners Ian Gould and Brian Hamblin were appointed last month to run the firms while a purchaser was sought and agreed the deals.

Advent Computer Training, established in 2002, provided IT training to over 8,000 students, while Access 2 Careers, formed in 2004, offered plumber and electrician training for up to more than 3,000.

Mr Gould said: “We have agreed sales of the businesses subject to contract, with two separate training organisations and also with one of the major funders involved.

“This covers the interests of a considerable number of the students affected who should be able to continue their studies soon.

“Hopefully this will take a weight off their minds.

“We hope to move to formal contract over the next few days. It is too early to give full details at this stage but we will make a definitive announcement shortly.

“We hope that more funders will follow suit in relation to those other students involved and we will be working hard to conclude matters so that the majority, if not all, are back in training as soon as possible.”

Although at present the training companies who have stepped in cannot be named, Mr Gould said one specialised in IT and the other concentrated on trade services including plumbing.

Negotiations have been taking place over several days.

Both Advent Computer Training and Access 2 Careers were operated by directors Ivor Allchurch and Ashley Jones from offices at 5 The Mews, Hagley Hall, Hagley, Worcestershire. They employed around 250 people and had a joint annual turnover of £30 million.

Many students had taken on substantial financial commitments, and feared they had lost out.

Mr Gould has previously stated that the size of the liability across both companies “will be largely dependent on how successful we are in mitigating the students’ losses through achieving an early sale”.

This remains the position while a final outcome is awaited.

Websites and helplines have been set up to assist students, employees and creditors.

The websites are at www.pkf.co.uk/advent and www.pkf.co.uk/access2careers. The help line number for Advent is 0844 770 1921 and for Access 2 Careers 0844 770 1922.