This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-21517018

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Axminster Carpets in administration talks Axminster Carpets in administration talks
(35 minutes later)
Hundreds of jobs could be at risk after Axminster Carpets, one of Devon's biggest employers, applied to go into administration.Hundreds of jobs could be at risk after Axminster Carpets, one of Devon's biggest employers, applied to go into administration.
The firm, which can trace its beginnings back to 1755, employs about 400 staff, at its east Devon plant.The firm, which can trace its beginnings back to 1755, employs about 400 staff, at its east Devon plant.
It said administration would provide "a moratorium period during which the various rescue options being explored can continue".It said administration would provide "a moratorium period during which the various rescue options being explored can continue".
The firm would go on trading, it said in a statement.The firm would go on trading, it said in a statement.
Royal customers
The company said it had filed notice of intention to appoint Benjamin Wiles, Geoff Bouchier and David Whitehouse of Duff & Phelps as joint administrators.The company said it had filed notice of intention to appoint Benjamin Wiles, Geoff Bouchier and David Whitehouse of Duff & Phelps as joint administrators.
Company director Joshua Dutfield said managers had been "working with key suppliers, creditors and the lenders in an attempt to resolve the company's financial difficulties".Company director Joshua Dutfield said managers had been "working with key suppliers, creditors and the lenders in an attempt to resolve the company's financial difficulties".
He said: "We continue to be committed to working to achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned and most importantly the staff and suppliers."He said: "We continue to be committed to working to achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned and most importantly the staff and suppliers."
The origins of Axminster carpets can be traced back to Thomas Whitty, who began making carpets and rugs in the town in 1755, using what became known as the Axminster method of weaving.The origins of Axminster carpets can be traced back to Thomas Whitty, who began making carpets and rugs in the town in 1755, using what became known as the Axminster method of weaving.
The first carpets were bought by the likes of King George III and Queen Charlotte, who visited the factory.The first carpets were bought by the likes of King George III and Queen Charlotte, who visited the factory.
The Whitty family business perished during the 1830s - but the tradition was revived in the town in 1937, when Harry Dutfield, the son of a Glasgow carpet designer, founded the current company.
In recent years, a commemorative rug made to celebrate 250 years of carpet weaving in Axminster was paraded through the town before going to Clarence House, the official home of the Prince of Wales.In recent years, a commemorative rug made to celebrate 250 years of carpet weaving in Axminster was paraded through the town before going to Clarence House, the official home of the Prince of Wales.
Tim Jones, from the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said it was "bad news" for the company which had tried to reverse recent problems.Tim Jones, from the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said it was "bad news" for the company which had tried to reverse recent problems.
He said: "They just got to the point where the market wasn't with them and they didn't have that bit of luck to turn it round.He said: "They just got to the point where the market wasn't with them and they didn't have that bit of luck to turn it round.
"It's desperately sad news for employees at a difficult time in the market generally."It's desperately sad news for employees at a difficult time in the market generally.
"This doesn't just affect Axminster, they also have employees in the Buckfast area [in Devon] too.""This doesn't just affect Axminster, they also have employees in the Buckfast area [in Devon] too."