Famous UK glass maker closes forever - in business since 1988

Famous UK glass maker closes forever - in business since 1988The firm said the challenges they faced "stem largely from the government's appalling treatment of small businesses". Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Chris Samuel 11:06, Mon, Jun 1, 2026 Updated: 11:10, Mon, Jun 1, 2026 The closure marks the end of a nearly four decade-old business. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)A renowned Bristol glassware company pulled down the shutters for good yesterday (Sunday, May 31), in a fresh blow for the city's local economy. Bristol Blue Glass, a long-established glass manufacturer, announced the move in April, citing various factors including rising costs and the ill health of the company's directors. window.scriptsToLoad.push({url:'https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222',triggeredBy:'tcfLoaded',delay:1500,containerId:'ovp-primis',title:"Primis player",beforeLoad:()=>{window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v118222"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}})},}) In a statement shared online, the firm pointed to rising rental costs and fuel prices, "exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East," as well as the health of bosses, saying the financial strain had been "overwhelming" and that's why they announced the late May closure. Concerted efforts had been made to prevent the business from disappearing, with thousands of people signing a petition to find the firm a new site after the landlords of its factory and storefront on Bath Road, in Brislington, told it the lease would be terminated. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get personal finance news, money saving tips and advice plus selcted offers and competitions Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up...