A century-old business in Gloucester is closing its doors, leaving a legacy and a community in flux. This news, delivered just before Christmas, has left workers at the timber merchant, Griggs Timber Company, facing an uncertain future.
The Kellaway Group, owners of Griggs, have made the difficult decision to close the business after over 100 years of operation. According to Julian Milligan, the managing director, this decision was not taken lightly, and the focus now is on supporting the affected employees.
"The board has concluded that closure is the only option," Milligan stated, adding that the business has been operating at a loss for three consecutive years, with no signs of improvement.
But here's where it gets controversial: some may question whether enough was done to turn the business around. With a rich history dating back to the 1870s, when it was founded by Joseph Griggs, the first mayor of Loughborough, and its long-standing presence in Gloucester since 1917, could more have been attempted to save this local institution?
And this is the part most people miss: the impact on the local community. With over two dozen employees, the closure of Griggs Timber Company will have a ripple effect, affecting not just the workers but also their families and the local economy.
So, what do you think? Is this a necessary step to ensure the long-term survival of the Kellaway Group, or could more have been done to save this historic business? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
