Following our announcement in January 2023 that Versus Arthritis had decided to close Arthr, our start-up business designing and selling original products for people with arthritis, we can confirm that as of 24 May 2023 the Member’s Voluntary (solvent) liquidation process has commenced through the appointment of Sean K Croston, of Grant Thornton UK LLP, 30 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AG. Arthr was created to meet the real needs of people with arthritis through products that were co-created, elegantly designed and feel fantastic to use. We are exploring ways of continuing to give people with arthritis the power to co-create this type of product going forward. Versus Arthritis’ trustee board had to make the difficult decision to close Arthr. The board did not feel it was right to continue funding a business that hadn’t been able to become profitable and that this decision was in the best interests of people with arthritis. The closure of Arthr meant four members of Arthr staff were made redundant following a period of consultation as of 6 January 2023. We want to thank Arthr’s staff, board, advisors and partners for their hard work and dedication over the last three years. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to Arthr’s loyal customers and Changemakers who have generously given their time, expertise, custom and support to Arthr since 2019. The combination of the Covid pandemic alongside tough and fast-changing economic conditions has meant Arthr has struggled to drive revenue. Retaining the balance between being profitable and prioritising beneficiaries of the charity has been very challenging.
