Several attempts were made to reignite the company, but issues around premises and equipment ownership made the situation complex. While manufacturing continued sporadically, it wasn’t until Richard Hughes raised funding and bought the historic John Crossley design archive that Avena’s narrow-width looms were back in business. That business is where we are today: a 15-strong team based in modern premises at Southowram, just 2 miles from the company’s previous location. *Picture – The current team at Avena Carpets | From left back – Rachel Tighe, Jason Hunt, Richard Hughes, John Joyce, Ethan Bentley, Jake Ward | From left front – Dylan Branter, Alison Sheddon, Gary Charles, Michelle Newton