Suppliers

• Robert Lewis and Zelf Hussain of PwC have been appointed as joint administrators of Laura Ashley Limited (“Laura Ashley”) and Laura Ashley Investments Limited, Laura Ashley Holdings Plc, Texplan Manufacturing Limited and Premier Home Logistics limited (together “the companies”) on 23 March 2020.

• Like many other retailers, Laura Ashley has been hit hard by lower consumer spending, especially for big ticket items such as furniture. 

• In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak has had an immediate and significant impact on trading. 

• Unfortunately given the current situation, Laura Ashley UK does not expect to be able to obtain sufficient funding in the timescales currently required.

• The directors of Laura Ashley UK believe that they have explored all available alternative options. 

• As a result, the directors have taken the difficult decision today, Monday 23 March 2020 to put the companies into administration. 

• The joint administrators will trade the remaining stores and the website whilst they continue discussions with interested parties. The sales process to find a buyer for the business is well underway and we are hopeful the right buyer will be found. 

  There is no definitive timetable in place but we hope to make substantial progress within the next 10 days. Whilst it is not possible to provide a “running commentary” we will try to keep you informed as possible. 

• International franchise partners and licensees are continuing to trade.

• Payment for goods and services provided prior to the date of appointment will not be paid for. 

• However, you can submit a claim with the Administrators for the amount you were owed prior to their appointment. Depending on funds available and the level of assets realised, you may receive a dividend payment in due course.  However, at this time we cannot estimate what this will be. Details of how to file a claim will be sent to all suppliers in the coming days. 

• You will be paid on normal terms for any goods and services provided to the companies with a signed purchase order after the date of the Administrators’ appointment.

I have goods on site, can I get them back?

• If you believe you have a Retention of Title claim over goods that you have supplied to the companies please contact the Administration team at uk_lauraashley_suppliers@pwc.com who will deal with your enquiry.

• The Administrators may request that you continue to supply goods and services to the companies during the administration. The Administrators or their appointed agents will speak to you about this directly. 

• Only services and supplies ordered by the Administrators or their authorised representatives will be paid for.

• All purchases will be ordered using a new sequence of purchase order form. This will be signed by one of the authorised signatories whose names and signatures are shown on the suppliers letter, a copy of which will be made available to you. 

• Only goods and services supplied to the company in administration accompanied by a signed purchase order form will be paid for. It is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure compliance with this procedure.