Highbridge’s Mayor and MP have expressed their shock at this week’s announcement that one of the town’s longest-running employers has entered administration.
As reported here, furniture firm Woodberry Bros & Haines has recently experienced financial difficulties, and has not been successful in finding a buyer or new investment.
Burnham and Highbridge MP Tessa Munt told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is very sad news. It’s a dreadful day for the town and all those who have worked at the company for many years. My thoughts go out to them.”
The town’s Mayor Cllr Martin Cox, right, added: “It’s come as a shock to me that one of our biggest local employers has gone into liquidation.”
“I know this will affect a lot of people in our community through lost jobs and income. It’s a great shame and my thoughts are with them.”
The long-running firm, which was based on the Walrow Industrial Estate, employed 175 staff and had a turnover of £10m. It has manufactured furniture for retailers across the UK since 1949.
Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said that late last week a key trade supplier issued a winding up petition, accelerating the firm’s crisis. Read the whole statement here.
