850 jobs go at carpets firm
More than 850 jobs have been lost at failed retail chain Allied Carpets after administrators were forced to close down 142 stores, including some of its branches in the West Midlands, it was revealed today.
More than 850 jobs have been lost at failed retail chain Allied Carpets after administrators were forced to close down 142 stores, including some of its branches in the West Midlands, it was revealed today.
Allied sites at Merry Hill, Stafford, Telford and at the company's former headquarters in West Bromwich have all been axed, with the loss of around 24 jobs.
The Wolverhampton store in Bilston Road was still open and trading today. It is understood to be in negotiations to be taken over, possibly by a new business set up by former Allied chief executive Clive Hutchings.
Administrators BDO Stoy Hayward have already sold 55 stores to the new firm set up by Mr Hutchings and recently struck a deal to offload another four to the firm, called Allied Carpets Retail Limited. The new company also includes the Allied store in Churchbridge, Cannock.
The stores were all closed by yesterday, after the housing market slump dented demand for flooring and carpets.
The future of around another 120 jobs is still uncertain as BDO seeks to offload the remaining 20 outlets in administration.
When Allied Carpets went into administration last month, 21,000 orders were still outstanding. BDO said it was making good progress finishing the orders, with 16,000 fulfilled so far.
The decision to axe the West Bromwich High Street store ends the town's historic link with the business. Founded by Birmingham market trader Harry Plotnik in the 1950s, Allied set up its first corporate headquarters in West Bromwich in 1974.
