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End of the Road for Drury see page 23
Issue 03 2 may 2012
30p
ROTHWELL NENE DANCERS Tripping the light fantastic
A Hidden Gem
see page 11
see page 4
Workers hopeful of lifeline Future of firm in balance > Corby
In Short A decision on the sale of Aquascutum is expected this week, and while workers are hopeful that developments will throw them a lifeline, the future of the Corby factory is still very much in the balance. THE 115 workers who lost their jobs at the clothing company Aquascutum may be thrown a lifeline. The future of the Corby-based enterprise is still in doubt after the shock closure of the Princewood Road factory but administrators, FRP Advisory LLP, are expected to take decision on the sale of the company this week GMB, the union already representing nearly all the redun-
dant workers, is hoping the successful bid will include the reinstatement of jobs with a revival of manufacturing in Corby but this is not guaranteed. Administrators said the decision to close the Corby factory was, ‘to protect the positions of the 135 remaining employees’ with all head office and retail operations continuing as usual. Earlier this week a spokesperson for FRP Advisory LLP declined to comment on individual bids but in a statement it did confirm that there had been ‘a high level of interest from potential purchasers from around the world’. The statement continued: “Our focus is now upon progressing discussions for a sale of the Aquascutum brand and assets.” The assets include the Corby
factory, which has been operating in the town for more than a century. Potential owners have signed a confidentiality clause but one interested party keen to consider buying the company is textiles entrepreneur James Eden, who visited the factory before the bidding deadline. He has earned a reputation for promoting English manufacturing through his Salford-based clothing manufacturer Cooper and Stollbrand. The administrators declined to comment on individual bids but Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Regional Officer for members at Aquascutum, hoped the sale announcement would bring positive news for the redundant workers. Rachelle, who met James Eden late last week, said it had been a ‘positive’ meeting. She said: “Aquascutum had an incredibly skilled workforce that helped build the brand. We fully understand that the administrators will be looking for the best price possible but we hope the needs of the local community will be taken into account.”
CHAMPION: Simon Barclay is getting used to the idea of being heavyweight champion
Living the dream
The 22-year-old’s win caught the eye of national team selectors and he CORBY Boxing Club’s Simon Bar- is now preparing for the GB champiclay is still relishing the realisa- onships later this month. Simon talks to Corby Extra about his tion that he is the ABA heavyvictory in the ring, see Page 23. weight champion.
> Corby
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