Textile businesses in administration

TWO established Yorkshire textiles businesses, C&J Antich & Sons and HFW Huddersfield, have been placed into administration following extended periods of poor trading.

C&J Antich employs 130 staff at its Station Road, Huddersfield base and weaves fine fabrics for use in the manufacture of clothing for high street retailers such as Debenhams, M&S and Next as well as international designer brands including Prada, Chanel and Armani. 

The firm also supplies finished suits and uniforms for businesses such as British Airways and sporting teams including Huddersfield Town. It has a 1,500 sq ft retail outlet at its factory selling off the peg suits to the public.

Textile manufacturer and wholesaler HFW Huddersfield was 50% owned by C&J Antich and employs 30 staff at its nearby base at Albert Mills in Huddersfield.

The company trades under a number of established brands including J&J Minis and John G Hardy and holds a royal warrant for the supply of woollen cloths.  

Joint administrator of both companies, Rob Sadler of Begbies Traynor, said: “We are optimistic that we can find a buyer for these businesses, either together or separately and save a number of jobs.

“The reputation and brand names of the firms, as well as the highly skilled workforce are significant assets and we are marketing the businesses across the textile sector to establish interest in the businesses as a going concern,” he added.

The weak pound, falling sales and high cost base have contributed to the demise of the businesses.  They will continue to trade as usual for the time being, in order to allow for discussions with potential buyers to progress, and no job losses have been announced at this stage.