Flintshire furniture firm collapses with 300 jobs at risk

A furniture manufacturing business which supplies high street chains has gone into administration, putting about 300 jobs at risk in north-east Wales. Interpath was appointed as administrator to Westbridge Furniture Limited, based in Holywell, Flintshire, on Monday. Joint administrator Chris Pole said it had been "a challenging time for furniture manufacturers and retailers" due to a combination of factors, including falling sales, high interest rates and inflation. One member of staff at the Flintshire factory, who did not wish to be named, claimed that while staff were currently still working on existing orders, the factory was set to close on Thursday, as things stood. The BBC has attempted to contact the company and Interpath has been approached for comment in response to the claims made by the anonymous employee. The employee said staff were told of the site's possible closure on 20 March. He said some staff left last week and those still working had been told they would definitely be made redundant, even if a buyer was found, adding that it would be up to any new owner to then rehire staff. Staff had been told not to speak to the media about the situation, he added. The compa