The closure of coal mines in the UK was primarily driven by a combination of economic and political factors. This was largely due to the Conservative government's claims that there was a decline in demand for coal and the emergence of cheaper energy sources from abroad. Despite appeals from mineworkers and their families to save the pits during the 1984-1985 strike, many collieries in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas were closed in the following decade. Once a thriving coal mining region with thousands of miners, Mansfield has a rich and complex mining history. This legacy continues to be explored and celebrated through museums, exhibitions, and the remaining miners' welfare clubs.placeholder image
The closure of coal mines in the UK was primarily driven by a combination of economic and political factors. This was largely due to the Conservative government's claims that there was a decline in demand for coal and the emergence of cheaper energy sources from abroad. Despite appeals from mineworkers and their families to save the pits during the 1984-1985 strike, many collieries in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas were closed in the following decade. Once a thriving coal mining region with thousands of miners, Mansfield has a rich and complex mining history. This legacy continues to be explored and celebrated through museums, exhibitions, and the remaining miners' welfare clubs.

Retro: Mansfield and Ashfield businesses and industries we've loved and lost through the years

By Phoebe Cox
Published 29th Jul 2025, 12:58 BST

Businesses have faced challenges from online shopping, increased competition from overseas, and various social and political factors. These challenges have led to unexpected closures, many of which we’ve covered here at your Chad.

Over the past 30 years, we have lost many long-standing businesses due to closures, factory shutdowns, and companies going bankrupt.

So, for a retro article this week, we have taken a look back at some of the Mansfield and Ashfield businesses we have loved and lost through the years.

Did you one work at one of the following places?

Savanna Rags International Limited was a family run textile recycling company. Savanna Rags, a textile grader and collector, and former member of the Textile Recycling Association, opened its doors in 1994. Savanna Rags employed around 170 people. A fire, which occurred at the company's warehouse in 2023, involved over 100 firefighters from 16 crews, but no one was hurt in the blaze. Following the fire, Savanna Rags announced its immediate closure.

9. Savanna Rags

Savanna Rags International Limited was a family run textile recycling company. Savanna Rags, a textile grader and collector, and former member of the Textile Recycling Association, opened its doors in 1994. Savanna Rags employed around 170 people. A fire, which occurred at the company's warehouse in 2023, involved over 100 firefighters from 16 crews, but no one was hurt in the blaze. Following the fire, Savanna Rags announced its immediate closure. Photo: Lizzi Lathrop

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In June 2025, it was announced that long-established Ashfield-based haulage firm B Taylor & Sons Transport had gone out of business. The hauling company had been in operation for over 50 years, offering a range of services including distribution, driver training, and warehousing. B. Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd, which is now part of Taylors Transport Group, was founded in 1974 by Barry Taylor, who started the business with a single van. Image: B Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd.

10. B Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd

In June 2025, it was announced that long-established Ashfield-based haulage firm B Taylor & Sons Transport had gone out of business. The hauling company had been in operation for over 50 years, offering a range of services including distribution, driver training, and warehousing. B. Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd, which is now part of Taylors Transport Group, was founded in 1974 by Barry Taylor, who started the business with a single van. Image: B Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd. Photo: B Taylor & Sons Transport Ltd

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Wilko closed its doors in 2023. Wilko first opened in 1930, with stores across the UK. The Clumber Street Wilko store in Mansfield closed on September 29, 2023. The Sutton store (pictured) closed on October 8, 2023. Across the country, approximately 12,000 workers lost their jobs.

11. Wilko

Wilko closed its doors in 2023. Wilko first opened in 1930, with stores across the UK. The Clumber Street Wilko store in Mansfield closed on September 29, 2023. The Sutton store (pictured) closed on October 8, 2023. Across the country, approximately 12,000 workers lost their jobs. Photo: Brian Eyre

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