90 jobs under threat as Spode calls in administrators

AROUND 90 jobs are under threat at Spode after the historic pottery called in administrators.

Directors today called accountants from PricewaterhouseCoopers in to deal with the affairs of the company and its sister firm Royal Worcester as its efforts to return to profit were further squeezed by the global economic downturn.

The firm, which has been run in Stoke for 241 years, has spent two years in a strategy to transfer the bulk of its production overseas and sell off its landmark headquarters in Church Street, Stoke.

Last year the company, which employs around 90 people, split between its main base and a distribution centre in Newcastle, and its sister firm Royal Worcester shed more than 250 jobs in a bid to keep the firm afloat.

Matthew Hammond, joint administrator and partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Birmingham, said the company would be seeking a new buyer for the brands, which together employ 388 people in the UK.

Mr Hammond said: "The inability to complete the proposed sale of a site of strategic importance in Stoke and the effect of the current economic downturn on sales has led to the decision by the directors to place the company into administration.

"Our immediate priority now is to review all options for the company and immediately seek a buyer for the business.

"During this process we will work with the company's suppliers, employees and customers to try and ensure that a solution is found to provide a structure to take the business forward."

He added: "We will be continuing to use the company's extensive retail network and store concessions to supply customers with the full range of products which are in good supply."

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