John Hammond MBE has stepped down as chairman and major shareholder of Devon based glass makers Dartington Crystal, with directors Neil Hughes (MD) Richard Halliday (commercial) and Alan Ramsay (finance) – supported by Barclays Bank – acquiring the majority control of thebusiness. From the beginning of 2019, the three directors will be taking the company forward and continuing its growth.
“We are grateful to John Hammond for his commitment and investment in Dartington Crystal over the last 12 years are are delighted to be able to further his ambitions for the company and for his belief in us as a management team,” stated managing director Neil Hughes.
Since 2006, John has led the company to independent ownership and strengthened its performance to its current healthy trading levels.
“Despite market challenges, the company and its employees are well positioned to meet them and prosper,” John commented. “I am very proud in what we have achieved over the years and look forward to seeing progress continuing.”
As the last factory scale producer of crystal in the UK, Dartington Crystal employs 130 staff at its Torrington HQ. The company also owns the Scottish Caithness Glass brand, Royal Brierley cut crystal and John Beswick ceramics.
In recent years it has developed a diverse range of sales channels including high street retailers, wine and spirits, corporate gifts and bespoke own label products. In 2017 the business celebrated 50 years of trading with record sales of circa £14m.
Top: From left to right: key shareholders Neil Hughes, managing director, and Richard Halliday, commercial director, drink a toast to Dartington’s future.
