Paperchase faces closure

Paperchase, a leading brand in innovative and sustainable stationery since 1968, faces an uncertain future due to their recent fall into administration.

Tesco have recently announced their plan to buy the brand from insolvency specialists, meaning Paperchase stores are expected to permanently close in the future.

Jan Marchant, managing director of home and clothing at Tesco, said: “Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK.”

With stores all over the country, including branches in Durham and Newcastle, 106 shops are at risk, leaving 820 staff in doubt. Paperchase administrator, Begbies Traynor, has said that 75 workers at its head office have already been made redundant.

After a challenging few years of rising costs and falling sales, administrators were appointed as Paperchase received “no viable offers” for the company or its assets as the business failed to strike a rescue deal.

Administrator Begbies Traynor said, “The joint administrators will continue to monitor the trading in stores and further updates will be provided in due course.”

Gift card holders have been advised to redeem their cards as they cannot be used after two weeks.

Durham’s first gin distillery announces opening this Spring

Anne Parsons Proctor News Reporter

A new gin distillery is set to open its doors this spring in Durham. The distillery, which will be located along Durham’s river wear, will offer a unique range of courses from gin making masterclasses to distillery tours.

Founded by two local brothers Jon and Iain Chadwick, the Durham Distillery will be Durham’s first and only gin distillery. The Chadwicks have already received recognition for their award winning Durham gin.

A 90 minute distillery tour includes a guided tour about the history of gin accompanied with cocktails. The 2.5 hour gin making classes allow guests to mix and match botanicals with a take home 1.5-litre mini still.

(Thomas Tomlinson)

In a statement, Jon Chadwick said , “With almost a decade of industry experience under our belts, the time has come to step the brand on and open our beautiful new distillery to the public.

As well as taking our guests on a tasting journey designed to educate and show them exactly what we can do, our location and unique experience in the very heart of the city makes it essential.

It also gives our guests the chance to create something themselves by crafting their own version of Durham Gin in our gin-making school.’’

“I genuinely believe a positive change is in the air as far as Durham’s leisure and nightlife scene is concerned and we’re very much part of that. We can’t wait to welcome our first visitors this Spring.”