Sun, 04 Dec 2016 | BUSINESS SALE
The oldest manufacturing company in Britain, The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, has been put up for sale by its owner Alan Hughes. The foundry started business in 1570, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII.
The foundry has made many of the famous bells of the world, including Big Ben and the bells of St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. It also cast the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia which became a symbol for campaigners wanting to abolish slavery in the United States.
Mr Hughes, whose Grandfather bought the business in 1904 has said he hoped to have found a buyer by the time he retires in May 2017 when he will have to vacate the building. The Whitechapel-based Grade II listed property in which the business has resided since 1738 has been sold already.
"The Bell Foundry in Whitechapel has changed hands many times, but it has always been a family business.” Mr Hughes told local community website Spitalfields Life.
"My own family has owned the foundry since 1904, but other families have run the firm throughout its history.”
“We have made this decision with a heavy heart, but in response to the changing realities of running a business of this kind”.
"We hope that this move will provide an opportunity for the business to move forward in a new direction."
All current contracts will be delivered but no new business will be taken on until the future of the firm is decided upon.
Alan Hughes’ wife Kathryn has confirmed that negotiations are underway with potential purchasers for the business which she is hopeful will continue in a new location.
See more UK manufacturing companies for sale
This is an opportunity to acquire the shares, business and/or assets of an electrophoretic and powder coating specialist located within the North East of England. Indicative proposals, supported by proof of funding, are accepted by no later than 4pm...
This unique holiday accommodation business offers distinctive, design-led stays on over 15 acres of private land, complete with exceptional amenities and a residential property. With a strong occupancy rate of over 90% and excellent guest reviews, it...
FREEHOLD
This exceptional opportunity allows you to acquire a leading UK business in pneumatic tube systems for healthcare, boasting exclusive distribution rights and strong client retention through multi-year service agreements.
16
|
Sep
|
SRG expands retail division with acquisition of North West broker | BUSINESS SALE
Insurance underwriting and broking firm Specialist Risk Grou...
16
|
Sep
|
Pair of Midlands furniture brands fall into administration | ADMINISTRATION
Administrators are set to market the assets of a pair of Mid...
16
|
Sep
|
Training provider to pursue acquisitions with new PE backing | BUSINESS NEWS
Inspiro Learning, a Doncaster-based independent training pro...
16
|
Sep
|
Nottingham pharmacy acquired by husband-and-wife team | COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
A pharmacy in Nottingham has been acquired by a husband-and-...
16
|
Sep
|
UK administrations update: September 9 - 15 | ADMINISTRATION
Since our last update, the following businesses have been co...
16
|
Sep
|
Training provider to pursue acquisitions with new PE backing | BUSINESS NEWS
Inspiro Learning, a Doncaster-based independent training pro...
Business Sale Report is the complete resource for finding genuine acquisition opportunities.
Join today to receive:
All this and much more, including the latest M&A news and exclusive resources
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.