300 jobs go as Cooplands placed in administration

More than 300 jobs have been lost at bakery chain Cooplands after the firm went into adminsitration today.
A Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew RoeA Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew Roe
A Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew Roe

Staff were summoned to a meeting this morning where they were informed that jobs would go and stores would close across the region.

Administrators Deloitte has confirmed that 303 jobs have been axed across the business which employs a total of 562 workers.

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Cooplands’ head office and production site in Wharf Road, Doncaster as well as 39 stores will close.

A Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew RoeA Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew Roe
A Cooplands branch in Silver Stree, Doncaster, and (below) a ntoce in the window of the Waterdale branch. Picture: Andrew Roe

Business restructuring specialist Resolve has bought 41 branches from Deloitte and Cooplands’ Bap Van delivery business.

Adrian Berry, joint administrator, said: “Cooplands has seen a recent deterioration in trading performance across its retail business, which combined with a significant fixed manufacturing cost, has resulted in unsustainable losses.

“Regrettably we have had to close 39 retail stores together with the bakery and head office in Doncaster.

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“However, there is some positive news today with the sale of 41 retail stores and the entire mobile sandwich van business, which will preserve 259 jobs.”

The notice revealing that Cooplands has gone into administration.The notice revealing that Cooplands has gone into administration.
The notice revealing that Cooplands has gone into administration.

Paul Davies, director at Resolve said in a statement: “Resolve are pleased to announce the purchase of the majority of Cooplands (Doncaster) stores preserving over 260 jobs across the local area.

“Cooplands will continue to focus on providing great customer service and the best quality products at competitive prices. To celebrate the purchase, Cooplands will be introducing some great new offers from tomorrow.

“We would like to thank our loyal customers and staff for their support during Cooplands’ 83 year history and your local bakery looks forward to serving you for many years to come.”

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Staff today left the meeting looking sombre, some close to tears.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said: “People just want to know about how and when they are going to get paid.”

More to follow.