Business
Poundland's former owner offers to invest as minister prepares to meet board
Wolverhampton's Steve Smith says he attempted to contact Gordon Brothers but did not get a reply.
BBC Business•
The former owner of Poundland has said he would invest in the firm as a government minister said she would meet the firm's board.
Steve Smith, who left the business in 2006, said he had attempted to contact owners Gordon Brothers having been "really surprised" to learn about them filing for administration when sales were up 11% on last year.
The BBC understands that Business Minister Kate Dearden will meet with senior Poundland executives later this week to discuss the company's threatened insolvency.
He said he was still in touch with staff there at levels within the business and "even last week" sales were 11.2 % upon last year.