Wedgwood Museum to continue trading despite insolvency

THE WEDGWOOD Museum will continue to trade and there will be no redundancies despite its recent collapse into insolvency, its administrators say.

Begbies Traynor, the accountancy firm, which is currently running the business, says it is confident for the future of Barlaston’s world-renowned Wedgwood Museum.

The museum was placed into administration earlier this month as a result of a large deficit in its pension fund.

The company, which has five full-time and six part-time staff, has now sought the help of the Pension Protection Fund.

Bob Young and Steve Currie from Begbies Traynor’s office in Stoke-on-Trent have been placed in charge of the company while its affairs are being arranged.

“We are confident that we can find a way to keep the museum open and no redundancies are planned,” said Mr Young.

“It will inevitably take some time to assess the best way forward in this complex situation, but we are aiming to find a solution in conjunction with the trustees and the Heritage Lottery Fund that will enable the museum to continue trading and to maintain its marvellous collections.”

George Stonier, of the Wedgwood Trust, added: “The museum’s trustees and their advisors are now working hard to find a solution to this extremely unfortunate situation.

“The trustees are extremely grateful for the continued support of the Museum’s staff and its many friends, and remain optimistic that the collections will continue to be available to the public.”