Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Job losses at Meridian Huntingdon (and the state of the economy)

Really sorry to hear that but I hope, if the worst happens for them, that one or more enterprising souls will consider setting up a UK-based Meridian repair / mod service (as Mark K has done in the US).

Another Duncan

Yes, an excellent opportunity if any of the service technicians will be leaving.

Please don't shoot the messenger, but....

While this situation is indeed unwelcome for Meridian, I can't help but feel that in ditching their more bread-and-butter 'entry level' products in the promise of so-called richer pickings that Meridian have not helped their own cause.

How many of us feel priced out of the market for Meridian's current offerings, while scavenging around for occasional used or nearly-new cast-offs.

Gone are the days when one could stretch to the financial horizon to buy something like a 551 and 506 - and once purchased, could justify extra purchases until one had an entire Meridian system.

Today, however, the Meridian entry ticket is in the thousands and not the hundreds as it once was. Surely, it's much better to appeal to the much broader aspirational market than the more narrow, occasional, pocket?

Does anyone know if the Sooloos range is made at the Huntingdon factory?

Totally agree.

I am not going to say what my earnings are, but I know I am in the top 5% of UK wage earners, which is what I would guess Meridians target audience is and most users on here.
I have been priced out.

Living is getting seriously expensive, we spend around �3500 each month on the basics, that is before thinking about going out to the theatre, cinema, restaurants etc. and definitely doesn't take into account holidays etc.
My gas bill is now �300 a month!
Our food shop is �150 a week before considering wine or treats.
I have a daughter off to Uni next year and a son who will be starting school the year after, and we may go private with him as he is real live wire and think he will really benefit from a smaller class size.

I have not had a pay rise since 2007, and can't see me getting one for another 2 years at the very least.

Right now my main priorities are paying off my debts, I want my Merc and my wifes BMW paid for within 2 years ready for the education fees, and speaking to people of all ages they all seem to be doing the same, getting debts paid.

We have managed to grow our business this year and we did last year, but we put in more products at a keener price point, still quality, but at a price where the customer bought instead of said "I love it but I'll think about it." which we all know means "I Love it but I can't afford it."

Nothing wrong with going hi end, but in times like these I think taking out a massive amount of potential customers is suicide.


I wonder how many people on here would go out and buy a Meridian system today new if they didn't already have some M bits?
I certainly couldn't afford to.

Some may be very pleased with a salary of �3500/month.

Regards I

Some would just be very pleased with a salary.

�3500 is not much above average wage, the UK average wage dropped �2500 last year to �28,000 and I would hardly say that Meridian products are aimed at the average wage earner.


My point was, I am gutted for the workers at Meridian, and think that it was a silly business decision on their behalf.

Hopefully they will sort something out for them even if it is in different positions.

[quote=gIzzE�3500 is not much above average wage, the UK average wage dropped �2500 last year to �28,000 and I would hardly say that Meridian products are aimed at the average wage earner.

My point was, I am gutted for the workers at Meridian, and think that it was a silly business decision on their behalf.
Hopefully they will sort something out for them even if it is in different positions.[/quote]With respect gizze you no nothing about the decision. These things are rarely silly and always very serious.

[quote=ncplWith respect gizze you no nothing about the decision. These things are rarely silly and always very serious. [/quote]
You're absolutely right.

Of course when I say it was a silly decision that is from someone looking in from the outside, of course as far as I know they could be scrabbling to survive like nearly every one else out there in these very tough times and it was the only choice they had.

Everyone I speak to in business is adding extras to their business though, not taking away from it, just to keep doing the turnover they have been doing. But I can see Meridian becoming a software developer in the coming years, far less stress than being a manufacturer for sure.

I wish Meridian and the workers all the very best.

�3500 a month, wow! I would be rich. Try living on 21K a year. I manage, and my car is paid off. I too have a daughter at university and a 4 year old son. Sorry about the dig glzzE but you sound hard up.

You are a Meridian fan Shaun.

If you were starting out now with kit would you go to your dealer and buy their kit?