Neil Parish ‘delighted’ that world famous Axminster company has been saved by a local business consortium

Axminster’s MP has expressed his delight that the town’s world-famous carpet factory has been saved.

Neil Parish offered his “heartfelt congratulations” to managing director Josh Dutfield on securing the deal to safeguard the firm and around 100 local jobs.

A consortium led by businessman Stephen Boyd, which includes Centric Commercial Finance Ltd, has acquired the business as a going concern from the administrators Duff and Phelps.

The newly formed company - Axminster Carpets (2013) Ltd - began trading last week, ensuring the continuation of the well respected heritage brand with a new, focused approach on its core markets and the values of premium quality product and exceptional service.

Mr Parish said: “I am pleased that the remaining 100 jobs at Axminster and Buckfast will remain locally and continue to contribute to the local economy and the community.

“Throughout this difficult time I have been in contact with Joshua Dutfield who has fought tirelessly to keep the company going for as long as possible and to keep as many jobs as possible in the local area. I am delighted that Josh and the management team have secured this investment and I hope that Axminster Carpets will once again be a local champion and a global leader.”

Earlier Mr Dutfield, who led the management team bid, spoke of the overwhelming support from local people – in particular, East Devon District Council, Neil Parish and Axminster mayor Andrew Moulding.

He said: “As a local man, born and bred, I have fought for the survival of this business over the last few months and indeed the last few weeks have been the most challenging of my life.

“I have been determined to do everything possible to secure the continuation of the business for the Axminster community and I feel a sense of pride in securing our future.

“On behalf of the management team I would like to thank our customers, suppliers and employees who have been behind the efforts to save the business throughout this difficult period. I would also like to offer personal thanks to each of my colleagues in the management team who have been tireless and unwavering in their support and dedication to the business.

“This fantastic brand and company will go on making world-class products here in Axminster - we march forward with pride and with a passion to succeed.

“We will be starting a campaign to regenerate the brand and to encourage on-going support for the future success of the business; anyone wanting to be involved and to pledge their support should register their interest supportaxminster@axminster-carpets.co.uk”

Neil Parish ‘delighted’ at tAxminster’s world famous firm has been saved