Northampton's Tricker's factory receives 'support' from HSBC to tide firm over until lockdown lifts

Northampton's oldest shoe manufacturer has been supported by an undisclosed sum by HSBC to look after the business until the lockdown lifts.

Last month, Northampton's Tricker's factory had to close for the first time in the company's 191 year history to comply with the lockdown.

The firm, which provides shoes for Prince Charles and carries a Royal Warrant, has been handed the "facility" by the UK bank to support the company and its 96 colleagues.

A statement from HSBC claimed the support was to help the firm "during these uncertain times, ensuring that it remains in the best possible position to resume ‘business as usual’ when the factory reopens."

Managing director of Tricker's Martin Mason said: "We’re the oldest footwear factory in Northampton and it’s very important that industries like ours are supported during these challenging times so we can get back up and running as quickly as possible post-Covid-19.

"We were extremely encouraged and pleased by the additional support we received from HSBC UK which will support our whole business.”

HSBC's Nick Broome said: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during this period of uncertainty, and we were delighted to be able to support Tricker’s with an additional facility during these times to help ensure they are in the best possible position to resume ‘business as usual’ when the restrictions are lifted.”

Tricker's carried on production through both world wars but was forced to stop production and shut its shops last month.

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo after the closure last month, Mr Mason said: "It's purely for health and safety reasons as social distancing in a factory is difficult as it's a hot and loud and busy place and not something I want to put my staff through.

"But hopefully the shoe industry will be back on its feet soon enough."

Tricker's was founded in Northampton in 1829 by Joseph Tricker and has been making shoes at its St Michael's Road factory since 1904.