Speaking to leatherbiz.com, Joseph Connolly said that the decision was taken yesterday (April 15) with a view to a finding a buyer for the company. Mr Connolly said that several approaches had been made over the past few months and that selling the business as a going concern was a key priority. He attributed the company’s troubles to tightening margins in the automotive sector, and the inroads made by low-cost leather producers in Eastern Europe

Connolly relocated its wet blue, wet white, dressing and finishing operations to Northampton at the beginning of the year, taking up residence in the former W. Pearce footwear tannery. (See leatherbiz.com story "Connolly 'delighted' at progress of relocation." (01.02.02). The staff at Connolly have been told that jobs will be protected for the time being.