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'Onwards and upwards' for historic Walsall firm saved by biggest customer

An historic bridle leather company is looking to the future again after being bought out by its biggest customer.

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Sedgwick's has been producing leather for the equestrian trade for more than a century

J&E Sedgwick Ltd in Walsall entered administration in October 2018.

Staff were made redundant and the company was being wound up.

But now the firm has been saved, and will soon be back up and running for the long-term future thanks to its biggest customer, Abbey England Ltd.

The company has also been successful in obtaining a grant of more than £400,000 from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal, which has allowed bosses to purchase the building and equipment of the old business, keep on 19 jobs and continue trading.

The property deal, which will be funded through this grant is the last step to secure the long-term viability of the Sedgwick name in Walsall.

'Shining knight'

Phil Bevington, general manager of J&E Sedgwick Ltd, said the firm had been through ‘turmoil’ but that it felt ‘marvellous’ to come out the other side.

He said: “We’ve been living through turmoil these past few months. Just living and breathing it. But Richard Brown of Abbey came in like a shining knight.

"And we’ve had support from grant money and the council, who definitely do not want to lose another local leather manufacturer.

"It’s onwards and upwards now. We’re just so pleased with everything.”

Richard Brown, managing director of Abbey England

Richard Brown of Abbey England Ltd, based in Cheshire, said: “Our ties with J & E Sedgwick go back a long way.

"It was important to find a way to allow the company to continue trading.

"I’m delighted that we’ve found a solution and I’d like to thank Walsall Council for all their assistance.”

Officers from Walsall Council have also been supporting the funding application and business salvage operation.

Deputy leader, Councillor Adrian Andrew added: “It’s encouraging to hear a good news story in these challenging times.

"It’s been a tough time for this business but I’m proud to say the council has been able to assist in saving jobs and ensuring that a respected Walsall company can continue to trade.”

J&E Sedgwick are curriers, supplying English Bridle leather to the trade, and counted a number of prestigious leather manufacturers among their customers.

Recently, as part of a larger group of companies, they had been unable to continue trading despite a healthy order book and strong pipeline of work.

Abbey England Ltd, based in Cheshire but with substantial assets and business in Walsall, were their biggest single customer.