UK homeware brand plunges into administration – in business since 1970 | UK | News

A popular UK homeware brand has plunged into administration. Designers Guild Limited has taken the difficult decision after facing a tough trading environment and overall rising costs.

The brand, which is owned by founder Tricia Guild and chief executive Simon Jeffreys, tried to continue operating. However, the business has now ceased trading completely, resulting in the closure of its operations, with 93 jobs at risk. All affected staff are expected to be made redundant.

Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath have been appointed joint administrators on September 24.

The latest setback comes just 16 months after Tricia Guild licensed the Designers Guild brand back from retailer Dunelm following its acquisition of the business.

Founded in 1970, the company has built a reputation for designing, wholesaling and selling a wide range of luxury home products, including upholstery, furnishing fabrics and home accessories.

A spokesperson for Designers Guild previously told Sky News: “We have been working with our advisers for a number of months as we assess and explore a range of potential investment options which will help drive the next phase of our strategy.

“In recent days, we have taken legal steps to protect the position of the business while discussions with potential investors continue. In the meantime, it remains business as usual and we will provide further updates in due course.”

Now, in a final statement, Ms Guild and Mr Jeffreys announced the closure with “great” sadness, describing Designers Guild as more than a business, but also a “passion”.

A small number of employees will remain in place to assist the administrators as they oversee the closure of the company and manage the winding-down process, while the majority of the workforce will leave the business.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “For over 50 years, Designers Guild Limited has been one of the UK’s most recognised and respected names in the world of interior design, so it’s tremendously sad that the business has not been able to overcome its recent challenges.

“As a matter of priority, we will be supporting those members of staff who have been impacted by insolvency, while we also explore options for the Company’s remaining assets, including leftover stock.”