Jobs fears at historic leather firm

An historic Walsall leather firm founded 86 years ago has gone into administration, leaving around 30 jobs hanging in the balance, it was revealed today.

Daines and Hathaway was founded in 1922.

The Bridgeman Street firm is one of the longest surviving leather manufacturers in the country.

It manufactures handmade leather products using skills that have been honed for nearly a century.

It prides itself on producing "timeless leather masterpieces" including classic English bridle hides, printed leathers and other high value leather goods sold at the top end of the market.

From wallets, document cases, ladies purses to desk top furniture, Daines and Hathaway products are sold by many of the world's most prestigious retailers.

The firm today confirmed it went into administration yesterday evening and administrators BDO, Birmingham, were now handling its affairs. It said around 30 staff were still working at the firm and were still on the premises today.

Keith Stanley, of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is always with regret to see long standing companies like this run into difficulties. I have visited Daines and Hathaway before. It is very much a craftsman-led business which is a part of the town's leather making history."