Countrywide Farmers saves 14 stores but more than 200 staff made redundant

The administrators of Countrywide Farmers have confirmed they have sold 14 of the farming and equestrian retailer’s former stores, safeguarding 169 jobs but more than 200 roles have been axed at its Evesham headquarters, its logistics centre and stores that have closed.

The 14 stores, which are in locations around the UK, have been sold to various farming and agricultural store operators.

A total of 169 Countrywide Farmers employees have transferred to the respective owners of the stores in which they work.

However, 208 people have been made redundant at the company’s headquarters in Evesham, the Defford logistics centre and stores that have closed.

The decision in March by the Competition and Markets Authority to refer Countrywide Farmers’ sale of its 48 stores to Mole Valley proved to be the final straw for the business as it called in administrators.

David Pike, partner at KPMG and joint administrator said he is hopeful four further sales will be achieved but said redundancies are unavoidable.

“Following our appointment as joint administrators for Countrywide Farmers, we are pleased that we have been able to safeguard the future of 14 stores, and moreover the jobs of 169 staff,” he said.

“We are hopeful that we’ll be able to achieve four further sales from the remaining trading leasehold stores.

“With no prospect of going concern sales for 11 of the 15 remaining stores, these will be closing with a final trading date of 20 May 2018. All affected staff have been informed and will be paid up to and including their last day of employment.

“We are pleased that we have been able to trade the stores for this duration to allow the successful sales to take place. We’d like to thank every employee for the support and professionalism they have provided to the company, both before and during the administration.”