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
Opportunity to acquire a well-established engineering product and equipment distributor located in the heart of the West Midlands.
Presenting an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established specialist joinery business located in Southport, Merseyside.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a thriving cold pressed juice manufacturer and online retailer based in Liverpool, Merseyside, with a strong market presence.
01
|
Jul
|
Seafood and pork supplier acquires food manufacturing business | BUSINESS SALE
Sofina Foods Europe, a North Yorkshire-headquartered supplie...
01
|
Jul
|
UK administrations update: June 25 - July 1 | ADMINISTRATION
Since our last update, the following businesses have been co...
01
|
Jul
|
Fox Group acquires haulage firm in first Stellex-backed deal | BUSINESS SALE
Construction materials provider Fox Brothers Holdings has ac...
01
|
Jul
|
Fox Group acquires haulage firm in first Stellex-backed deal | BUSINESS SALE
Construction materials provider Fox Brothers Holdings has ac...
01
|
Jul
|
UK administrations update: June 25 - July 1 | ADMINISTRATION
Since our last update, the following businesses have been co...
01
|
Jul
|
Seafood and pork supplier acquires food manufacturing business | BUSINESS SALE
Sofina Foods Europe, a North Yorkshire-headquartered supplie...
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.