Struggling workwear firm sold in six-figure deal

A Derbyshire based workwear provider has been bought out in six-figure deal that will save the jobs of five staff.

Motifs, Ilkeston has been acquired by West Hallam-based duo Kevin Hatton and Louise Haslam, who have invested a six-figure sum in the business, after it was revealed that the company was suffering.

Kevin Hatton said: “I am delighted that Louise and I have had this opportunity to acquire Motifs and Nottingham Workwear – which came as part of the package. We have also saved five jobs along the way, it really is like a family now and we have already come such a long way.”

Kain Farrar, the company designer, said: “I didn’t realise the extent of the previous owners’ problems, they reassured us all was okay. When I found out what was going on I feared that I may have to go back to working at a large chain sandwich business. I took the job at Motifs to kick start my career as a designer. Now that Kevin and Louise have taken over it’s like having a second family.”

Since taking the business on Kevin and Louise have invested in ramping up stock levels, two new embroidery machines costing £30,000, along with a complete office revamp, new fixtures and fittings and a CCTV system on both sites. The pair have also purchased two new branded vehicles for the firm.

Kevin and Louise, owners of stationery business www.usavebusiness.co.uk, were initially approached three years ago by the previous owner, but said the time wasn’t right.

Now that they have made the move to acquire Motifs and Nottingham Workwear, the company will continue to work with brands such as Dickies, Portwest, Castle Clothing, Blackrock and Beeswift providing safety footwear, hi-vis garments including jackets and trousers and a range of personal protective equipment (PPE).