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Topic: DERANN CLOSING DOWN
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Adrian Simmonds
Film Handler
Posts: 49
From: Dudley, West Midlands, UK
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted August 19, 2011 11:03 AM
Just to set the record straight, and so that the rumour mongers do not start spreading false gossip following is a copy of the letter that all our customers will receive within the next 2 weeks. We have not gone 'bump', 'bust' or into administration.
It was my decision to simply close the business and cease trading.
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"It is with deep regret that I have to announce, Derann will cease trading next month.
This has been brought on by a number of factors, but in essence is due to the astronomical rising costs that the local council, insurance and utility companies continue to impose on small businesses.
Only 2 months ago, we had a 40% and 45% rise in our gas and electricity bills – now we have been informed that our rates and business insurance will more than double upon renewal (due in part to the riots no doubt).
With the continuing decline, in general to the High Street trade, I have had to make the very difficult decision of whether to continue - of which I can see no upturn, not just in the coming months, but possibly in the next 2 or 3 years.
I would like first and foremost to thank the loyal friends (as I have long since ceased to view you as ‘customers’) who have been buying from Derann over the past 30 or so years.
I would also like to thank all the staff with whom I have grown up and worked with for over 25+ years. I sincerely wish them and you all the very best for the future.
This is also going to mean that the Northern Film Collectors Convention will not be organised by Derann this year – of course, another dealer may wish to be the organiser and I have no problem if this is the case.
All customers and dealers have had their Blackpool deposits refunded.
We are having a final clearance / closing down sale on Sunday 11th September – can I stress, this is not an Open Day, there will not be a film show or a Bring and Buy table, but there will be coffee available – This will be your last chance to pick up that exclusive 8mm / 16mm title or accessory, PLUS of course, any electrical piece of AV equipment or connecting lead – AT PRICES CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN TRADE.
I hope to see you on the 11th, and in closing wish you all the very best for the future.
Regards
Adrian"
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted August 19, 2011 03:18 PM
I can only agree with all the expressions of sadness here. Even though Derann hadn't been able to release anything new for a while, it was always reassuring that they were still around. Of course their Blackpool Convention remained a highlight of the year for many of us, and the Open Days provided something to look forward to at otherwise uneventful times in the year. I'm sure that Blackpool regulars will agree that it was a great boost every year to be able to spend two days or more at a hotel, participating in a friendly occasion where film collecting actually seemed to be a normal and well-supported hobby!
It certainly feels like the end of an era because Derann existed in the days of Std 8 being the most popular guage, then also released product in the mass market days, led the super 8 revival of the 1980s and then carried on releasing for most of the last decade. No other company spans all those eras. Derek's vision in realising that it made good business sense for them to invest in Super 8 and become the 'world leader' around 1984 was remarkable. If you look at a Derann newsletter frem (e.g.) the late 1980s, it's extraordinary to see page after page of exciting new releases. There was then an amazing spirit at Open Days and other events, where you felt that against all the odds, the hobby moved forward and gained a new lease of life. Many titles were released that made you think that anything could happen. I think it's the memory of the upbeat mood of that period that I'll be grateful for as much as all the great titles in my collection that I wouldn't otherwise have. When we evaluate their contribution to Super 8 collecting, it's obviously massive and diverse but perhaps what will stand out the most was the number of full length features of real stature they released - that surely no other company can match.
But of course such memories will be of little consolation to the staff who will soon be out of work - obviously this is much worse news for them and their families than it is for us. It's also a sad day for all who appreciate a distinctive, independent family business that adds something extra to the high street. This shows how difficult it must be for many companies to keep trading nowadays.
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Adrian Winchester
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UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
What a major loss for our hobby. Their service is second to none, Gary is excellant with his email responses, their prices are more than fair, the films they sell are accurately described. I could go on and on. This is a major blow to the film collecting hobby. ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
I think I shall have to make an appointment with my therapist ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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