Historic Walsall saddle maker Jabez Cliff enters administration
WALSALL saddle maker Jabez Cliff has entered administration with the loss of 26 jobs. The move brings to an end 200 years of saddle making tradition in the town.
The company, best known for its Barnsby brand, had tried to secure its future with a restructuring of the business but ultimately this failed and Andy McGill, partner at the Birmingham office of Smith & Williamson, has been appointed as administrator for the 221 year old company.
All the saddles made by the company, which held a Royal Warrant as a supplier to the Queen, were hand-made. Barnsby saddles are used by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Household Cavalry and many elite equestrian riders.
McGill said: “The directors have worked very hard during the last six months to try and turn the business around. It had been hoped that it might be possible to boost international sales but unfortunately market conditions have proved too tough and opportunities have not matched their expectations.
“It is always extremely sad to see a heritage brand such as Barnsby endure such difficulties. I hope that the strength and reputation of the brand will generate interest to ensure that the Barnsby name continues as an important part of the equestrian market.
“We are working to sell the assets of the business, including the respected Barnsby brand, in order to maximise the realisation for creditors including employees.”
Based in the centre of the English saddlery industry, the company has been making top quality saddles and bridles for over 200 years.
The company was founded by Jabez Cliff, whose father George had been a saddle maker in the town. The company went on to be owned and run by his descendants throughout its history, with the seventh generation of the same family involved in the business until the very end.
Many of the staff made redundant have been with Barnsby all their working lives and for some this amounted to more than 50 years.
Oliver Morton, Barnsby’s president until his death in 2005, had spent 75 years with the business in what is thought to be an unmatched career within the industry.
Barnsby is unique in that its holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of Saddlery & Lorinery to H M Queen Elizabeth II. The company also manufactures saddles for the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Household Cavalry, the seats of which were still being made on the same wooden seat forming blocks originally used in 1900.
In an effort to move with the times it had aimed to provide a comprehensive selection of saddles, bridles and ancillary items across every equestrian discipline. Anky Van Grunsven, John & Michael Whitaker, Ginny Leng, Richard Davison, Di Lampard and Mary King are just some of the riders who, over the years, have helped Barnsby research and develop its extensive product range.
The firm had moved from its traditional home in Lower Forster Street (pictured), close to Walsall town centre to a new site in Aldridge Road some years ago. The old factory was burned down in a suspected arson attack three years ago.
