Jobs at Farnworth furniture company saved as new buyers found

Clive Christian Furniture Limited went into administration earlier this month.

Employees at the Farnworth enterprise, which was incorporated as a business in March 1983, were left fearful of their future.

It had supplied furniture to some of the world’s most famous people and was visited by Princess Anne in 2018.

But in recent times the company had been troubled by challenging trading conditions as well as global supply chain difficulties brought about in part by the pandemic.

However fears among the workforce that 66 jobs would be lost have been allayed as the sale has been announced.

Mazards, the international audit, tax and advisory firm has revealed the business and its assets have been sold to Luxury Interior Manufacturing Limited, whose director has vowed to keep the brand intact.

Julian Irving, from Mazards, had been appointed as one of the joint administrators alongside Christopher Brindle from Campbell Crossley & Davis as they worked to secure new owners.

Mr Irvine said the “highly skilled workforce” would continue trading as a result of the sale.

He said: “We are pleased to complete on the successful sale to a new owner of such a noteworthy British brand. 

“The company has been adversely impacted by challenging trading conditions.

“The sale will provide continuity of operations and the company will retain all its highly skilled workforce and continue trading internationally.”

Phil Cole, the director of Luxury Interior Manufacturing Limited, said the reputation of the company would not change.

He said: “I am pleased to assume ownership of Clive Christian Furniture the business. Clive Christian Furniture is regarded as the originator of statement, opulent rooms for the home and this will not change.

“Synonymous with exceptional quality, craftsmanship and skill, I am proud to continue the work of the business and in doing so provide continuity for the workforce, suppliers and our global network of dealerships and partners.”