"Fighting 15s: Countdown to retirement" Topic

Fighting 15s and Gladiator Miniatures will cease casting on 1 October 2025, one day before I hit 65 (i.e. next year).

There's a variable. I bought a consignment of casting metal in August with the aim of carrying on the business until that metal is gone. That means casting may cease sooner than 1 October 2025. This advance notice will allow customers to complete armies or projects before I stop casting. I also have a few projects to complete.

I am retiring five years earlier than I intended. The past few months have confirmed that I sometimes find it difficult to carry out key tasks, such as casting. A combination of injuries, general tiredness arising from bouts of Covid (it takes me about two months to get perky and motivated again), and heat exhaustion in the summer months are basically telling me to stop. As is my wife. 🙂 The flags will probably continue to be available.

The Gladiator Miniatures ranges and name will therefore go up for sale; the Fighting 15s name is not for sale because it is uniquely linked to me, and since acquiring the rights in 2018 I have tried to rebuild the Gladiator Miniatures brand. Also, if I continue to sell flags I need to trade as Fighting 15s. The business is a going concern with a turnover of around £20,000.00 GBP a year and net profit of typically £5,000.00 GBP (i.e. a small pension). I will only be looking at selling to a buyer within the UK.

Ian
Fighting 15s and Gladiator Miniatures

Happy retirement, Ian!
15 years ago your Fighting 15s with AB figures inspired me enough to enter the 15mm world and later the business.. Thanks!

Congratulations on the impending retirement.
Its a big step to take

Best wishes and kudos for what was undoubtedly a difficult decision.

Best wishes to you, Ian. I enjoyed painting your Napoleonic figures, which still have pride of place in my display cabinet.

Good Luck Ian

Thank you for all your kindness and help with small awkward orders and friendlines at shows I hope to see you at a show in the next year before you hang up your boots

Christian

Enjoy your retirement!

Hope someone picks up Gladiator Miniatures – it's a nice range.

Thanks, everyone. The plan is to deregister for VAT by 1 April 2025, making the business more attractive to a small buyer, at which point I will seriously look at selling on the ranges. I expect my stocks of metal to last until at least then, even at the current rate of decline. :-)

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