Colart has a future in Harrow, say Council leaders
Published 2nd December 10
Harrow Council leaders met Colart management in Wealdstone to press the case for the fine art company to keep its HQ in the borough.
Colart last month announced that it will be closing the Winsor and Newton factory in Whitefriars Avenue with the phased loss of around 190 jobs from January next year. However, the company will be keeping its headquarters in the UK , including its research and development functions together with its museum
Additionally, the company is seeking to incorporate artist studios and an art gallery.
Council Leader Bill Stephenson yesterday called on Colart to continue its long association with Harrow and find new premises in the borough. At a positive meeting, Colart thanked the Council's Economic Development Unit for helping its staff find jobs, training opportunities and financial advice.
Cllr Stephenson was joined at the meeting by the Council's Deputy Leader and local ward councillor, Cllr Phil O'Dell, London Assembly Member Cllr Navin Shah and Mark Billington Head of the Council's Economic Unit.
Cllr Stephenson said: "While we are disappointed that Colart has decided to move its manufacturing operations, the company is retaining up to 80 staff in its headquarters and we believe there is an excellent case for those jobs to stay in Harrow.
"We are offering the company all the help available to find new premises in the borough, and we will, of course, continue to support those staff facing redundancy."
Neil Robson, Managing Director of ColArt Fine Art & Graphics Limited, said: "We welcome the continued support of Harrow Council to find a suitable location for our head office group and look forward to continued discussions with them on this."
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