Couple Battles Son-in-Law Over £10M Textiles Empire in Court

A long-running family textiles business has become the centre of a bitter legal battle. The founders face a court fight with their son-in-law, who values the venture at about £10m.

From market stall to national chain

Natalie Berg launched the company in 1971 as a market trader in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Over decades she and her husband Jeremy expanded the firm into Fabric Land.

The company now has a headquarters near Bournemouth, high-street stores and an online presence. It also supplies fabrics to theatrical departments on cruise lines, including Carnival and Cunard.

Family involvement and alleged promises

The couple’s daughter, Marnie, joined aged 16 and spent 30 years with the business. She died in May 2022 at 49, following a decline in mental and physical health during the Covid lockdown.

Marnie’s husband, Darren Hill, worked at Fabric Land from 2007 until 2022. He says he sold his previous business interests to join after assurances about future ownership.

• Holiday in Vietnam, December 2003: Darren says family discussed succession plans.
• Alleged promise: Darren and Marnie would inherit control when the founders retired at 70.
• Claimed assets: Darren seeks shares and two warehouses in Ringwood, Hampshire.

Allegations of unfair treatment and valuation

Darren tells the court he worked long, unsociable hours and endured a strained, sometimes abusive, workplace culture. He says he continued through holidays and illness on the basis of the promised succession.

He values the business at roughly £10m and is suing to enforce the alleged agreement. The case hinges on whether binding promises were made.

Defence and counter-claims

Natalie, now 73, and Jeremy, 75, deny any binding assurances. Their legal team calls the claim a calculated attempt to seize family assets.

The couple’s barrister highlights that Darren was never a shareholder or director. He also notes Darren formally resigned in June 2022 and that, at the time of Marnie’s death, the couple were estranged and pursuing divorce.

Evidence contested in court

Darren’s lawyer, James Saunders, argued the founders repeatedly guaranteed control to the couple and that Darren relied on those promises. He described the Vietnam holiday as a key moment.

Pepin Aslett, representing the founders, dismissed the £10m figure as speculative. He questioned the extent of Darren’s managerial authority and suggested some duties involved routine sign-offs.

Next steps in the dispute

The case is being heard at Central London County Court. Judge Nigel Gerald will rule on whether any binding promises were made.

The trial continues as both sides present witness testimony and documentary evidence. The outcome will determine the future control of the textiles firm.

Filmogaz.com will follow further developments in this family dispute over the textiles business and its alleged £10m valuation.