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
Established in 2012, this business offers a comprehensive suite of staffing solutions, the company provides experienced in-house recruitment professionals for managing open vacancies on a fixed-term basis, catering to both UK & Europe and Australian...
Now available for acquisition is a well-established tyre supply and fitting centre catering to the needs of Midhurst and its neighbouring areas. Operating for over 34 years, this establishment specialises in the sale, repair, and replacement of tyres...
Explore an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thriving Italian café and restaurant situated in the vibrant town of Surbiton. This esteemed establishment has garnered a strong reputation for its delightful cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.
LEASEHOLD
25
|
Apr
|
Tile business old to management team by Norcros | MBO/MBI
Johnson Tiles UK, a tile business based in Stoke-on-Trent, h...
25
|
Apr
|
New private equity owner for fleet hire firm | BUSINESS SALE
West Lancashire-based fleet hire business NRG Riverside has ...
24
|
Apr
|
Middlesbrough metal recycling firm acquired from administration | BUSINESS SALE
Cupral Group Limited, a metal recycling business based in Mi...
25
|
Apr
|
New private equity owner for fleet hire firm | BUSINESS SALE
West Lancashire-based fleet hire business NRG Riverside has ...
25
|
Apr
|
Tile business old to management team by Norcros | MBO/MBI
Johnson Tiles UK, a tile business based in Stoke-on-Trent, h...
24
|
Apr
|
Kitchen firm expands construction sector offering with new acquisition | BUSINESS SALE
Nolte Kitchens UK has completed the acquisition of contracts...
Business Sale Report is your complete solution to finding great 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.