THE business behind The Computer Shop and the Tiny and Time brands went into administration yesterday, with the loss of 1,500 jobs.

Granville Technology Group, Britain's largest computer manufacturer, closed its 78 outlets, including those at Teesside Retail Park, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Scarborough and York.

The customer services and helpline numbers remained busy throughout the day as concern mounted over the delivery of thousands of computers ordered by customers.

Customers who ordered computers by credit card may be able to get a refund through their card provider, but those who paid by cash or cheque stand less chance of seeing their money.

Administrators Grant Thornton blamed a fall in prices and consumer demand, coupled with pressure from suppliers.

The redundancies will affect staff at the company's head office in Burnley, Lancashire, and at stores nationwide. All but one of Granville Technology's directors had resigned before yesterday.

The GMB union is calling for an investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Union organiser Graham Coxon said: "The GMB is angry that the management have let the company run down to this point without saying anything. We will be asking the DTI to launch an investigation to find out what happened and how it happened.

"We will be seeking immediate talks with the administrators to see if there are any viable options to save jobs and to get proper compensation for those who have lost their jobs."

Granville Technology, which also sells computers through Tesco, Asda and Woolworths, was formerly known as Time Group and bought Tiny Computers out of administration three years ago.

The group reported a profit of £2.5m from a turnover of £207m in the year ending June 30, 2003. No accounts have been filed since, but management accounts show losses of up to £2m a month since January.

There are thought to be more than two million Tiny personal computers and laptops in UK homes, as well as thousands of Time computers in schools, colleges and universities.

Grant Thornton said it would maintain the customer support operation and has set up a helpline to assist customers and creditors who have made orders but not yet received their goods.

Customers can also inquire to see if warranties taken out on Time or Tiny computers are still valid.