Haywood Office Services in Chandler's Ford to leave building

Haywood Office Services have occupied its showroom on Chandler's Ford for 28 years, and has been in business for 40 years.

But now its owner says the company can no longer afford to keep its £1.25m building.

Haywood specialises in the design and supply of office furniture, bespoke boardroom furniture, and home office furniture.

The upstairs of the showroom (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Owner Mark Haywood told the Echo that people working from home and buying online have caused a significant reduction in trade, and its means he can no longer keep the showroom at School Lane in Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate.

He said: "The market has changed, so unfortunately we are going to have to downsize.

"It is horrible to be honest. I have built it up over the years, I have seen it really grow well and then for this to happen.

"If you had asked me pre pandemic if this would ever happen I would say no, but here we are.

Downstairs of the shorwoom (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

"We have seen about a 40 to 45 per cent drop in trade since the pandemic which is massive. A lot of people aren't going back to the office.

"There aren't many places like this left where you can see what you are buying. 

"It has been price rise after price rise, raw materials and electricity going up."

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(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The goods currently stored in the showroom will be on sale, with some items going for as much as 70 per cent off as Mark tries to clear his remaining stock.

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Haywood will continue to use the building until a buyer or renter can be found, though this is expected to take weeks or months.

Mark says two members of his team have been able to find new roles elsewhere, and the remaining three will continue as the business changes to remote working.

Once the showroom closes, Mark says his business will continue to operate online and will offer bespoke fittings, which he says was always a core part of his business.