Glastonbury tannery that once made Muhammad Ali's gloves becomes care company HQ
Refurbished Baily's Building houses south west-based Candlelight Homecare Services
Last updated 29th Sep 2026
Nearly 50 years after closing its doors, the historic Baily's Building in Glastonbury, Somerset, is abuzz with activity once again. The building, once renowned for producing gloves for boxing legend Muhammad Ali, has been transformed into a new headquarters for Candlelight Homecare Services.
South west-based care company Candlelight Homecare Services has recently moved into the building, marking the first time in nearly half a century that it has housed workers. The move is the result of a £7.6 million redevelopment under the Glastonbury Town Deal, part of a broader £23.6 million grant from the government’s Towns Fund initiative aimed at boosting local economies and sustainability.
The newly renovated building has retained many of its original features, including exposed walls and the drying tower, maintaining an industrial aesthetic to honour its manufacturing roots. This renovation included creating space for local start-ups and businesses, highlighting the blend of heritage and modern business needs.
Now home to over 60 workers and carers, Candlelight Homecare Services manages its operations across four main branches in the UK from this new location. Ken Marshall, Chief Executive of Candlelight Homecare Services, expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating, "We absolutely love our new home at the Baily’s Building; it’s just what was needed for us to grow as a business."
Cherry Catley-Day, founder of Candlelight Homecare Services, who started the company at her kitchen table in 1988, reflected on the company’s journey: "May this building be filled with ideas, opportunity, teamwork, and above all, exceptional care for many years to come."
The regeneration of the Grade II listed Baily's Building, spearheaded by the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT), began in the early 2000s. Ian Tucker, Chairman of the Trust, remarked on the significance of preserving its history: "As a listed building, we have been sympathetic to the factory’s heyday and maintained some of the fascinating original features, creating a fabulous, welcoming space."
Rob Taylor, Chairman of the Glastonbury Town Deal, praised the project as a successful restoration of a unique historic site, stating, "Those behind the project have shown great passion for bringing this area of Glastonbury back into beneficial use."
BIRT is now exploring further funding opportunities to renovate other sections of the former factory, including plans to preserve the iconic chimney that defines the skyline.