Jobs lost as historic textiles firm collapses

More than 25 jobs have been lost after a historic family textiles firm collapsed.

Harrison Gardner Dyers & Winders has ceased trading.

Administrators say 26 staff have lost their jobs after the 125-year-old business struggled against “increasingly challenging trading conditions (including) rising energy, labour, raw material and other operating costs”.

They add the firm was also knocked by the closure of a longstanding yarn-making partner.

Based in Bradford, the fourth-generation company – which provided dyeing services across the UK and Europe’s carpet and wool knitting sectors – worked with customers including Newhey Carpets, Axminster maker Carpets of Kidderminster and craft kits producer WM Briggs.

Administrator BTG says it is seeking offers for the firm’s assets, adding it will consider offers for the business.

A Harrison Gardner Dyers & Winders spokesperson said: “This is an incredibly difficult day for everyone.

“We have worked tirelessly to navigate the increasingly challenging conditions facing the UK and European textile industries.

“However, escalating costs and reduced demand have created pressures that, ultimately, have become impossible for the business to overcome.

“It is particularly sad that a business, which has survived two World Wars, significant economic downturns and decades of change in the textile industry, reaches this point in its 125th year.”

Julian Pitts, joint administrator and BTG’s Leeds-based national managing partner for restructuring, added: “After evaluating the situation and with no viable route to operating the business going forward, there was no alternative to the closure of the business. 

“The recent closure of yarn producer West Yorkshire Spinners was a significant factor in the failure of the business, and further highlights the challenges facing the wool and textile manufacturing industries, both here in the UK and in Europe.”

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