BERNARD Uniforms was one of the biggest employers in Harwich during its 110 years in the town.

After plans were unveiled to turn the now-derelict site into 27 homes for people on the Tendring Council housing waiting list, the Standard delved into its history.

The factory was launched in 1897 by Charles “Harry” Bernard. Workers tailored clothes for the Royal Family, Ministry of Defence, emergency services, Essex County Cricket Club and others.

The business also made its money by making garments for top designers like Paul Smith and Katharine Hamnett.

In 1993, the Hobson Group acquired the business.

By 1997, the business was celebrating winning a £1.3million contract from the Ministry of Defence.

The three-year contract saw the factory produce 27,000 Royal Navy uniforms and markedaturnaround in fortunes for the company, which had the previous year made 20 of its employees redundant and put its remaining staff on three-day weeks.

But just a decade later, in July 2007, staff were left devastated when it was announced the company had gone into liquidation.

In total, 46 staff, mainly women, were left without jobs.

On July 20, 2007, the Standard reported: “There were tears of anger, sadness and frustration as all 46 staff at Bernard Uniforms, Harwich, were told the devastating news they no longer had jobs

“They were called into a meeting at midday and told by liquidators they could leave immediately.”