Massive jobs blow as bathrooms retailer falls into administration

More than 300 jobs have been lost with the collapse into administration of Wigan-based retailer Better Bathrooms this afternoon.

The country’s largest independent bathroom retailer has 13 showrooms and two trade counters in the UK, which have all closed their doors and stopped trading.

FRP Advisory has been appointed as joint administrators this afternoon.

They said 10 staff will be kept on temporarily to help with the closure of the Leigh-based business, but 325 people have lost their jobs.

Phil Pierce, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “The challenges facing the UK retail industry are well known and are putting immense pressure on businesses operating in the sector.

“Unfortunately, BetterBathrooms has suffered from severe cashflow difficulties and an extended period of soft trading, which has forced the business into administration.

“Without significant investment or the cash to continue trading, the difficult decision was made to cease operations.”

He added: “We will be working with all the affected staff to support their claims through the Redundancy Payments Service during this difficult time.”

And he said: “We know that customers will also be particularly concerned, and they should email Betterbathrooms@frpadvisory.com with their details. We will be writing to all customers as soon as possible.”

In 2016 the retailer announced plans to create 100 jobs after securing further investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF).

BGF had invested another £4m into the company after an initial £10m investment in July 2013.