John Astley and Sons cease trading

We regret to inform our members that Cleaning Solutions framework suppliers John Astley and Sons, who had previously serviced Lots 1, 3 and 4 of NWUPC's compliant purchasing agreement, have formally ceased trading - after over 295 years.

Originally established in 1730, the Coventry firm (which traded as Astleys) outlasted the tenures of more than 50 British Prime Ministers, but sadly confirmed a 'controlled shut-down' and entered the process of solvent liquidation in May.

The company recently issued this statement, as partially replicated below:

It is with great sadness that the directors of the business have taken the decision to end our relationship with thousands of wonderful customers. However, it is the time to make this decision, whilst we are in the position to be able to withdraw with honour held - we are conducting a controlled shut-down, ensuring that we pay all our staff, suppliers and other creditors. Astleys has not gone bust, we are entering solvent liquidation.

Many of our customers have said many wonderful things, expressed shock and their disappointment. We have heard that Astleys is part of Coventry and indeed after 295 years of employing Coventrians, serving Coventry businesses and paying our taxes and dues, we also feel that sentiment. If only history paid the bills...

So, it is an end of an era. We have lots of great memories and would most like to acknowledge the hundreds of people who have worked for the firm over generations. Thank you to our recent staff - the experts who provided our customers with excellent, expert advice and faultless service. We will miss you.

If you have been a customer of Astleys, we would like to thank you for your business in and wish you every success.

We can subsequently confirm the firm's removal from the NWUPC framework, with all our relevant documents updated.

On behalf of CPC, we offer our very best to all those associated with John Astley and Sons in their future endeavours.