Hardy & Greys looks to trim HQ staff

To blame Thatcher is ridiculous, and the same old trash spouted by Special Brew Pseudo Socialists How dare you! I am a champagne partial fascist.

How dare you! I am a champagne partial fascist. I share your outrage but ... I'm more of a Sauvignon Blanc radical (with a touch of Taylors Landlord).

The writing was on the wall when the reception staff no longer said, "House of Hardy" and muttered Hardy, Greys, Fishpond. I thought I had mis-dialed.

Tripe, some of us are doing rather nicely actually :wine: What a pathetic sad clown i hope one day you are faced with the same possibility as my friends in losing your home car and everything else you stupid fool!!!!

What a pathetic sad clown i hope one day you are faced with the same possibility as my friends in losing your home car and everything else you stupid fool!!!! Really ? What did he work as with Hardy ? Or is this another fake post ?

He worked in HAC if you know about Hardy then you will know what im on about,and she was a multi tasker, rod finisher when they were built at Alnwick also repair/warranty work.It seems to me that you are the FAKE fishing about to see what you can find out re the payoffs....................

Guys ... Hardy is Hardy. Is Sintrix ***** to you all or a worthwhile development in fly fishing? I don't know about the people within Hardy, nor do I know their skills, what I do know however is that if anyone gets involved in an industry and doesn't understand it, it doesn't work. Bring in a brilliant engineer from say AUDI, to TESCO, he doesn't stand a chance. Is this what you're saying? They brought in the wrong people? Price wise ... we all scream that Hardy is 'expenive' ... what have they given us over the last decades? Stuff to be simply duplicated by other brands, reproduced in China, or wherever, and sold 1/4 of the original? Look at the new brands ... what have they given us ... in my opinion, nothing more than mere replicas of what the 'real' companies have given us. All of it built 'elsewhere' ... Hardy is not just a brand, it's a pioneer, an inventor, an innovator ... along the lines of Sage and Orvis ... all other brands deserve to exist, surely, and produce good product ... but let us not forget where it all came down from. Adele sings 'Make you feel my love'... it's Dylan. She's just Adele. While Dylan is Dylan. Well ... Hardy is Dylan of fly fishing. But Hardy is not as good as Dylan in his own field though. I feel for the workers who'll be unemployed, while we seem to be feeling for 'losing' a brand ... or our guarantees on products ... It seems also that we somehow (like me) cherish hardy ... or this thread wouldn't have had so many opinions nor ideas nor readings. Frankly, I don't like any failing company, whether old, new, innovating or not, or whether I like the company or products or not, there are always people involved and behind it, owners, workers, staff, wifes, children etc ... Thats' what matters. All of us deserve a comfortable life, and no mistake in marketing, branding, should take that away from the people who work there. J.J.

No but i have a full set if you wish to buy them in presentation case along with a 3/38ths winston perfect in leather block since your loaded £2500

All my kit is Hardy Greys except my wading boots, Airflo, so I'm hoping they don't go through the hoop, I was even up there a couple of weeks spending my hard earned. What I will say is, if you haven't been up to the House of Hardy then get up there quick before they decide to close the place down full stop, even if you don't go to empty your wallet then go for the museum.

I think this news is devastating. I have managed to buy a few items of Hardy tackle over the years and it is an absolute pleasure to own & use. I worry deeply when I see brands with such heritage born in the UK struggling in these turbulent times. My thoughts are with the people who have lost their jobs. I hope they weather the storm.....

Now maybe they'll get an MD that knows a thing or two about manufacturing rather than marketing. LOL, You obviously dont know very much about the "House of Hardy" and its structure over the last decade or so! Previous MD and current non-executive director Richard Maudslay has returned to Hardy & Greys in an interim capacity. Above statement taken from press release. This is the Richard Maudslay who was MD when hardy board bought out the sportfish and farlows empires! The same board with Mr Maudslay as MD (BOARD MADE THE DECISIONS, NOT RICHARD ON HIS OWN) tried to amalgamate all three companies, with a view to increased profits, but some really risky decisions re placement of stores nearly killed off all three companies! however, as always, I wish Richard well in his renewed attempts to ressurect the brand. regards bert

I don't really care about what they make good, bad or indifferent but I do sympathise with the people who are losing their jobs especially at this time of the year.

don't really care about what they make good, bad or indifferent but I do sympathise with the people who are losing their jobs especially at this time of the year I wholeheartedly agree regards bert

I wholeheartedly agree regards bert Im very pleased some of us anglers have sense Northumberland even tho a relevately small place is very close knit and alot of my friends will be dreading this festive season........

Dj vass, what a complete bellend this guy has shown hinself to be. Maybe there are a few companies out there who are riding out the storm, but not many. As for attacking people who are finding it hard at the moment, that is downright disrespectful.

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Not easy times.

this really is sad news especially at this time of year i was on the bad end of cuts at the start of the year as all who know me know. i have worked with hardy greys and all who i have dealt with have been great people so i hope it all works out for the best

Dj vass, what a complete bellend this guy has shown hinself to be. Maybe there are a few companies out there who are riding out the storm, but not many. As for attacking people who are finding it hard at the moment, that is downright disrespectful. You bring the candles I'll get the wine cutie [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYWuo9OFAw&ob=av3e]Goo Goo Dolls - Iris (Video) - YouTube[/ame]

Dj vass, what a complete bellend this guy has shown hinself to be. Maybe there are a few companies out there who are riding out the storm, but not many. As for attacking people who are finding it hard at the moment, that is downright disrespectful. Vass is a low life rat of the highest order :rolleyes: Col

Guys ... Hardy is Hardy. Is Sintrix ***** to you all or a worthwhile development in fly fishing? I don't know about the people within Hardy, nor do I know their skills, what I do know however is that if anyone gets involved in an industry and doesn't understand it, it doesn't work. Bring in a brilliant engineer from say AUDI, to TESCO, he doesn't stand a chance. Is this what you're saying? They brought in the wrong people? Price wise ... we all scream that Hardy is 'expenive' ... what have they given us over the last decades? Stuff to be simply duplicated by other brands, reproduced in China, or wherever, and sold 1/4 of the original? Look at the new brands ... what have they given us ... in my opinion, nothing more than mere replicas of what the 'real' companies have given us. All of it built 'elsewhere' ... Hardy is not just a brand, it's a pioneer, an inventor, an innovator ... along the lines of Sage and Orvis ... all other brands deserve to exist, surely, and produce good product ... but let us not forget where it all came down from. Adele sings 'Make you feel my love'... it's Dylan. She's just Adele. While Dylan is Dylan. Well ... Hardy is Dylan of fly fishing. But Hardy is not as good as Dylan in his own field though. I feel for the workers who'll be unemployed, while we seem to be feeling for 'losing' a brand ... or our guarantees on products ... It seems also that we somehow (like me) cherish hardy ... or this thread wouldn't have had so many opinions nor ideas nor readings. Frankly, I don't like any failing company, whether old, new, innovating or not, or whether I like the company or products or not, there are always people involved and behind it, owners, workers, staff, wifes, children etc ... Thats' what matters. All of us deserve a comfortable life, and no mistake in marketing, branding, should take that away from the people who work there. J.J. well said Flempike!!!

I know how the employees of Hardy feel, as my own place of employment is up for sale. So from day-day myself & the other staff, don't know what will happen. An uncertain future lies ahead.

Releasing staff, and then trying to sell fly rods at £1000 I think their business plan has been put together by a complete amateur or someone from the banking sector. My thoughts are with the people losing their jobs.

I think looking at there Range they do offer somthing from every price level including my own . It also looks to me that the mass of there product range falls now into the affordable bracket for most and they have a small offering at the very Top end for those that can afford it ..... Personally I dont think they will be going any where soon - they have survived for 150 years or so and will survive this Blip - sadly a Blip that is costing Jobs . lloking at the numbers that are available it seeems there sales are still good but overheads and over spending have caught them out - If I had to Guess a leaner fitter Hardy will emerge just like after the last Blip they had a few years ago . It's funny how any blip at Hardy spins huge doom mongering and bizzare comments up yet when loop avoided collapsing twice last year by the Skin of there teeth no own bothered in the slightest ......

There's plenty punters out there with buckets of spare cash i.e. teachers, police officers, anyone that works for the NHS.................. Not any I know and I know quite a few. Your comments are so crass and inane, i'm imagining they are for provocation only. when loop avoided collapsing twice last year by the Skin of there teeth no own bothered in the slightest ...... To be honest, I don't think that was widely known, or did not appear to be in the angling media much.

I read somewhere here that this year has been a catastrophy in general in the entire tackle industry (not only fly fishing). Hardy now announces this sad reduction of staff and dreadful figures. Haven't read anything on the other brands, but I can't imagine they'd been having a fantastic year either ... wonder about Sage and Orvis for instance. Concerning LOOP, I didn't know and just bought an EVOTEC 100 line :) ... these younger brands, they must all be in difficulty, if the 'old' well established guys are ... yet, one must have the courage to come out with it also and Hardy did, which is courageous, one must admit, and a plan is better than no plan. A bad decision is always better than no decision. Hardy, Orvis, Sage they have at least their reputation ... not to mention their 'addicts' who will only swear by the brand ... and I know many 'Hardy People'. Wonder what will be next ... and how many downfalls there will be in the industry ... and how many people unemployed as well. Sad times ahead ... on the news every single day. J.J.

Not any I know and I know quite a few. Your comments are so crass and inane, i'm imagining they are for provocation only. Hardy's failure is that of their own making and has very little to do with the economy. Range Rover sales are up and try ordering an Aston Martin, three year waiting list. There will always be a demand for quality. Their business model was wrong and that comes down to their MD. Unless they get an MD that understands high end manufacturing instead of marketing tripe their finished. Sales director, marketing director etc what was MD doing ? Hardy had more cling-ons than Star Trek, I'm looking forward to seeing John Horsefly leering from the front cover of TF with FLEXTEC on his hat. :D I suspect what will happen is a slick bit Thatcherism, setup a new company, asset strip the back catalogue, this will be the directors pension fund, and sell the name Hardy Greys to an Indian company.

Hardy's failure is that of their own making and has very little to do with the economy. Range Rover sales are up and try ordering an Aston Martin, three year waiting list. There will always be a demand for quality That is down to the demand from China, I don't think fly fishing is that popular over there. Hardy had more cling-ons than Star Trek, I'm looking forward to seeing John Horsefly leering from the front cover of TF with FLEXTEC on his hat. And what has John ever done to you?

JH in the same sentence as ' cling on '........... that makes the author look really bright :thumbs::D:D:omg:

Don't get me wrong when I say this... I love hardy and have bought and used there products for many years and no one wants to see blokes put out of work but they need to drop there prices to stay competitive .. Just this year I decided to move away from hardy having needed to buy a new set of jacket and trousers as usual visited local shop started walking to the counter with my gear in hand when I saw the snowbee geo sat there at a greatly reduced cost... Tried it on couldn't find a great deal of difference and have used it all season and it's the warmest and most dry I've been for years... Come on hardy drop the prices and sell more gear simples...

Vastly overpriced equipment, mainly bought by people with more money than fishing sense. Expensive kit is no guarantee of success, if you can not read water or cast with either hand no product will help. Lots of other more affordable kit out there at realistic prices.:thumbs:

Vastly overpriced equipment, mainly bought by people with more money than fishing sense. Expensive kit is no guarantee of success, if you can not read water or cast with either hand no product will help. Lots of other more affordable kit out there at realistic prices.:thumbs: Well said Silstar Boy..:D:D

Vastly overpriced equipment, mainly bought by people with more money than fishing sense. Expensive kit is no guarantee of success, if you can not read water or cast with either hand no product will help. Lots of other more affordable kit out there at realistic prices.:thumbs: Crass generalisation. I own several Hardy rods and I purchased them because I happened to think they were at least as good as some of their competitors and better than most. I certainly did not buy them as some sort of panacea for my shortcomings. I don't belittle anybodys choice of tackle, neither should you.:thumbs:

I don't belittle anybodys choice of tackle, neither should you. I agree to that. J.J.

Just ordered a Zenith Sintrix.:D

im waiting for the Artizan:whistle:

I own hardy rods and reels, as well as others in and above that price range. All i am saying is that, in my opinion, Hardy equipment is really overpriced and you can catch fish and handle them on more sensibly priced kit. To think that you can catch more or become a better angler with expensive equipment is nonsense. I live right on the river and i can assure you that the anglers catching most, year after year,are those who can read the water and understand what fly is going to take fish and when. Sorry if i have upset some of you anglers who can only get to the river once in a blue moon, pay too much for the privelege and think expensive kit is your saviour. :D

ianquacks ... you won't be disappointed ... i have one. The 10 foot 6 ... casts like a dream. From bank or boat or belly. Handles fish like anything. Dreamrod. J.J.

"I own hardy rods and reels, as well as others in and above that price range." So do I, so what is your point? "All i am saying is that, in my opinion, Hardy equipment is really overpriced and you can catch fish and handle them on more sensibly priced kit." Of course you can, but you have already stated that you own Hardy rods/reels and others that are dearer. So again, what is your point? "To think that you can catch more or become a better angler with expensive equipment is nonsense." I agree, as I stated in my previous post. Did you think that you would become a better angler when you purchased your Hardy tackle? I live right on the river and i can assure you that the anglers catching most, year after year,are those who can read the water and understand what fly is going to take fish and when. So do I mate, agree with you on this. "Sorry if i have upset some of you anglers who can only get to the river once in a blue moon, pay too much for the privelege and think expensive kit is your saviour." You obviously didn't think expensive kit was your saviour when you purchased yours and neither did I. Not everybody can live next to a river and due to constraints can only fish occasionally. GOOD fishing CAN be expensive, if people are prepared to make the sacrifice why ridicule them? Just carry on using your Hardy tackle, and the dearer stuff, and enjoy. No need to beat yourself up about it old chap.

OOH, TOUCHY OLD CHAP ! I own Hardy rods and reels because i bought them thinking they would offer me something extra. They do not. Similar opinion of other top priced makes. I have a B and W Powerlite Deluxe sea trout rod, which is no better than my Daiwa Lochmore Z, which was a fraction of the price. All i am saying is that if Hardy need to downsize, as an awful lot of companies are at this point in time, then perhaps it is in part, due to overpriced products. All businesses can rely on good name and brand loyalty to a certain point, however, at times of economic downturn, price is king. Hardy should react and make their kit more affordable to all if they wish to maintain market share. No problem with anyone paying for anything , their choice indeed. :wine:

I can manage perfectly well with my present rods, but my arm is starting to feel its age :doh: so I'm going to have to find a lighter rod SWMBO has decided we shall have a holiday in a cottage next year & take my daughter & grand daughter, I'm a good sort of chap so I found a nice one in Amble :whistle: (must remember my sea tackle :D ) As I've decided to look for a lighter rod I'll be popping in to Hardys while we're there (oops I forgot to tell her) More than likely get a Greys but if theres a Hardy at the right price & it performs well on their casting pond who knows :thumbs: I wonder if they do drip :goodcast:

Received my Zenith today, first impressions, STUNNING!!!!!!

Stunning price too, for something made in China! Hardy have you all in the bag, willing to pay top dollar for their imported kit, all in the name of vanity. Rather like the kid at school who always had the top kit but never played for the team. Have you ever been to their factory to see where they make the rods. You will need your passport to do so! At least B&W and many other top makes are made in england and at reasonable prices.

Stunning price too, for something made in China! Hardy have you all in the bag, willing to pay top dollar for their imported kit, all in the name of vanity. Rather like the kid at school who always had the top kit but never played for the team. Have you ever been to their factory to see where they make the rods. You will need your passport to do so! At least B&W and many other top makes are made in england and at reasonable prices. Yawn..here we go again. I am going to lay my cards on the table...I own several Hardy rods/reels, several Bruce & Walker rods, a Sage, and heaven forbid, an Orvis Helios and a few Orvis reels. Nothing to do with vanity, just an enjoyment of owning and using, in my eyes at least, nice tackle. I resent the implication that I am vain or buy such tackle to try and overcome my angling shortcomings. Spouting such sheeite as above leads me to think that you may have been the kid at school, who you keep referring to, who was never picked for the team. Must have left a deep scar on your psyche, I am truly sorry for you. Of course I may be wrong and possibly just jumped to a rather hasty and misinformed opinion, easy to do when I don't know you personally and resort to generalisations.:whistle::thumbs:

Rather like the kid at school who always had the top kit but never played for the team. A well dressed team is not necessarily a good team, but a good team is always well dressed.

I am bored with this now. The comment about the school kid, simply suggested that, no matter how expensive the kit, if you are not in control of it and do not know how to apply it, it is useless. I have no ill feeling towards Hardy, they have helped me with servicing over the years. A case in point. Slight repair to my perfect reel was quoted as £85 by the factory. One of their lads APOLOGISED FOR THE RIDICULOUS QUOTATION and did it for me himself for £10. Great service in my opinion! If they are cuting back on staff it is sad. My point is, they should be cutting back on prices as all other companies need to do at this point in time. Even the people working there acknowledge it is too expensive. Perhaps they would then keep customers happy, sell more kit and avoid having to let people go. Some really nice lads work there.

Why do people assume that something made in Britain has to be better than something made in china (or Korea, for the Zenith). Are our far eastern friends not capable of doing a good job, because it would appear to me that they are. Having once worked for a top brand golf club manufacturer, supervising 20 people I'd rather have a team of hard working Poles, Mongolians, Koreans, Chinese etc than some of the bone idle young Brits I had to put up with, who think all they need to do is turn up. SOMETIMES!!! Rant over.

Our far eastern friends do a good job no doubt, i would not be using my laptop if it were not for them. Not too chuffed about them driving up steel prices though.. Anyway, the fact that Hardy rods are made in the far east,( despite them still pushing the "made in Alnwick " line ) by workers on poor wages, suggests Hardy could reduce prices, however, they do not. Does anyone else think they are too expensive, or is it just me. I am not tight, just can not see how Hardy can chop jobs and not look at themselves and wonder why sales are down. Also, if you pop into the Alnwick shop, you can get rods at 40 -50 % less !!! Simple economics appears beyond them. Customers are generally being more selective in the current climate and who can blame them.

I am not tight, just can not see how Hardy can chop jobs and not look at themselves and wonder why sales are down. Perhaps the people who spend a lot of time talking them down should go and have a chat with the redundant workers?

That is my point entirely. Example; Management set product costs. Product cost too high = low sales. Low sales = lack of revenue. Lack of revenue = inability to meet overheads. Inability to meet overheads = losses & insolvency. Solution options. 1. Cut product prices, maintain staff and increase production. 2. Cut overhead / cost of production, keep prices high. Option 2 has been chosen, hence redundancies. Hardy could cut their inflated prices and keep staff, they choose not too!! Surely anyone can see the effects of maintaining high product prices in a deflated market.:omg:

Dear miss/mr splodge, You really don't get it do you? How many impressionable youngsters, new anglers, and others, have you, the wonderful Mr Vass, and all the other nay sayers with simplistic business views, persuaded NOT to buy Hardy Goods? :omg::wine::omg:

Dearest Mr Enigma! They are not simplistic views, purely economic fact. If a product is advertised as being good quality and is AFFORDABLE, sales will increase and the beginner and younger anglers will be able to buy it. Market share will increase and with posistive feedback, sales will inrease. If a product is advertised as good quality but is EXPENSIVE, only a select few can buy it. It will appear elitist and THAT is waht is happening with Hardy. Stack it high, sell it cheap is not what i suggest but surely you can see i have a point.:omg:

I'm no businessman; I work in the public sector and times are indeed challenging. I don't agree with all splodge100 has said (just joined as D J Vass departs - hopefully not taking up that particular gauntlet) however there are some simple economic truths in what he has posted. Very sad to see job losses at Hardy; we have another two rounds of redundancies to go so nobody is safe. Not sad to see Vass gone though to be honest. I have a soft spot for Hardy and own a few rods and reels. The Sintrix is going great guns but the Artisan I think is beyond the pale. To keep moving upmarket in these times you need to appeal to the new money markets such as China and Russia. While Range Rover and Aston Martin have managed to do so with a mixture of good product, marketing and - important - branding and product placement, Hardy still have a whiff of mothballs and old tweed jacket about them that doesn't do them any favours in this regard. I know China and Russia aren't big on fly fishing but I mean the new money, wherever it may be. For my money I'd do a 'Range Rover' business model with Hardy - keep Hardy at the upper end but introduce some lower price but good kit under the Hardy name (still reassuringly expensive) with a fresh look and some celebrity zeitgeist tie ins (to wit the Range Rover Evoque) while having the mental-expensive Artisan as the flagship Range Rover. This introduces new cleintele while avoidintg alienating the stalwarts. A mid range of kit with a more 'techy' bent could also work (the Range Rover Sport), even if it isn't that techy! The more 'utilitarian' everyday market could be taken up by Greys, but with a bit of rebranding to make them more Land Rover than Ford Mondeo. That way people would be happy to pay a range of prices for the same sort of products as today. Sure they'll pull through and hope they do so. Ben

hardy still have a whiff of mothballs and old tweed jacket about them that doesn't do them any favours in this regard. Lol.:D:D:D

whats wrong with the tweed it will look cool on a hardy rod:whistle::D

I am bored with this now. The comment about the school kid, simply suggested that, no matter how expensive the kit, if you are not in control of it and do not know how to apply it, it is useless. I have no ill feeling towards Hardy, they have helped me with servicing over the years. A case in point. Slight repair to my perfect reel was quoted as £85 by the factory. One of their lads APOLOGISED FOR THE RIDICULOUS QUOTATION and did it for me himself for £10. Great service in my opinion! If they are cuting back on staff it is sad. My point is, they should be cutting back on prices as all other companies need to do at this point in time. Even the people working there acknowledge it is too expensive. Perhaps they would then keep customers happy, sell more kit and avoid having to let people go. Some really nice lads work there. Maybe if the staff stopped taking back handers off people who don't want to pay the going rate for spares, repairs & new kit then perhaps those staff would still be in jobs. I'm sure someone from Hardys would be interested to know who took your tenner?

I heard the unfortunate one's were told this week...

Already the news to them is devastating without a doubt, but it is downright awful management skill to do this at this time of year, when people are supposed to be jolly, high spirited, meet family and friends, buy presents and all that ... at least Hardy could have found a better time. Yet I know there's never a good time for such news. Wonder if they at least offer decent 'arrangements' to those fired. Anyone know? Redundancy packages for these people? Are they 'ok' ... They never are ok, at least gives them some time to find something else ... J.J.

Very sorry to hear that people are losing their jobs so near to Christmas, I am sure it will hit hard in the local area. It’s interesting that on this thread there are many view points as to why this has happened. I hope the folks losing their jobs can make the best of the holiday season.

Devastating for the staff affected and the picture is of course the same for many workers throughout the country. It's especially sad to see long-standing British companies decline like this. I agree with previous posters that Hardy would've benefited by diversifying in the way that Orvis has over the years and lending its luxury brand to other luxury products. I also think though that as a fishing brand, Hardy has become somewhat confused in recent years. As a kid I would look through fishing catalogues and marvel at the House of Hardy pages. It was clear that Hardy was the top of the pile - an aspirational brand with tackle that you hoped one day that you could afford. Now it seems it's neither one thing or the other. I don't know what the acquisition of Greys has done to the P&L but in brand terms I think that it has diluted the Hardy brand equity. You only have to see listings for Greys tackle on eBay to see how sellers stress that they are selling a "Hardy Greys" rod. To me, this relegates a high-end brand into a mid-range brand. I think they would've been better off keeping Greys as a very seperate brand and not renaming the company Hardy Greys, or whatever it is these days. I also think that they should've decided which end of the market they wanted to cater to. Luxury brands represent luxury products whereas Hardy rods range from the relatively cheap to the incredibly expensive. In short, I think the brand has lost its way somewhat and has a confused identity and I think that it should've stuck to the top end of the market and kept its routes into other parts of the market under distinct and seperate brands. As for Hardy's tackle, I own some and I really like it. The rods I have are good quality, look great and perform well. I am personally put off by some of Hardy's modern designs and what draws me to the Hardy brand is that sense of fine traditional British products rather than impersonations of modern designs that other makers probably do better.

This guy seems to think Hardy reels have gone up in value by £136 in three weeks. :rolleyes: eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace Check his feed back, he paid £513 for it on the 23rd of November. Good luck to him, but I think he overpaid for it at £513 TBH. Hardy WILL survive, no doubt of that, but the work force has my deepest sympathies. S.

I'm gutted and outraged with those selected who now have to sign on the dole for Christmas. As I said some of them are my friends. I think apart from the disgusting timing of this, I think the whole set of cuts are nothing less than short sighted. It is clear as day to me that the most important thing that Hardys have lost is their BRAND. This is what makes people pay top dollars for things like Prada and all other "Designer" stuff. Hardys should go out and try to rediscover their BRAND and get out of the rat race. People will always pay over the odds for something with a BRAND Get yours back Hardys.

. Now it seems it's neither one thing or the other. I don't know what the acquisition of Greys has done to the P&L but in brand terms I think that it has diluted the Hardy brand equity. You only have to see listings for Greys tackle on eBay to see how sellers stress that they are selling a "Hardy Greys" rod. To me, this relegates a high-end brand into a mid-range brand. . I think that more or less sums it up. The brand seems very directionless and i'm not sure what demographic it now appeals to. I remember looking in awe in the 80's at the catalogues and marvelled at my Richard Walker Superlite that I was lucky enough to get one Christmas. Incidentally, This was my first "switch" rod with its extension handle, long before the concept was started... I don't think they're helping themselves with the "take the ****" pricing of the Artisan range. I'm not sure what they can do to stop circling the plug hole as far as marketing and product range goes.. Grim for the employees who have lost their jobs.

Good luck to him, but I think he overpaid for it at £513 TBH. Just a tad! Although he might get his asking price from some Japanese lad a bit the worse for wear from the ol' Saki. Alcohol and ebay are cruel bedfellows. I should know :wine: :omg: :o

Just a tad! Although he might get his asking price from some Japanese lad a bit the worse for wear from the ol' Saki. Alcohol and ebay are cruel bedfellows. I should know :wine: :omg: :o You as well Mike? :omg: S.

This guy seems to think Hardy reels have gone up in value by £136 in three weeks. :rolleyes: eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace Check his feed back, he paid £513 for it on the 23rd of November. Good luck to him, but I think he overpaid for it at £513 TBH. Hardy WILL survive, no doubt of that, but the work force has my deepest sympathies. S. Ebay used to be great for bargains but sadly its getting very expensive , Spotted a watch in Argos for £99.00 , Ebay seller wanted £179.00:eek: Col

Alwyn's observations are absolutely spot on. You can't market Prada - Levis together, as you can't market Hardy - Greys together. It is just not doable. This sais, it is economic crisis, and i believe stronly that we haven't seen the tip of the iceberg yet, and usually in a recession, the likes of Prada suffers before the likes of Levis. In Prada's case, as a much leaner outfit than Levis, and tons of money at the bank, because of incredible margins, it's just a wave on the sea. Should be the same for Hardy, and it isn't. I equally still believe they really missed the oportunity of the 'geatest breakthrough in rod development' with the SINTRIX. They should have made a killing with that thought alone ... yet they didn't, did hey? If they had gotten it right, these people wouldn't have lost their jobs. Although, if one watches that DVD 'The Lost world of Mr Hardy' what is being said is that the buyer of Hardy couldn't pay much for the takeover, as there wasn't any profit ... J.J.

It is terrible that jobs have been lost, especially in a region with such a high rate of unemployment. Hardy appear to be losing the market share they once took for granted and obviously think the way to prevent impact on bottom line is to cut jobs. WRONG. They should make their cuts in prices and this will increase sales. Hardy products have, in my opinion, been overpriced for a long time. They now have more competition for top end products, at more affordable prices. I know Loomis & Sage are also expensive, however, they are stand alone manufacturers, whose main product is rods. Hardy sell a wide range of products and they are all more expensive than the competition. The consumer has spoken and Hardy have not listened!! Lets hope they get their act together, drop the old elitist attitude and re empoly soon.

Even the price of entry to the Alnwick Garden is a rip off.