Family business goes into liquidation after more than 140 years of trading
Huddersfield-based Bower & Child, which installed and maintained cooking ranges and multi-fuel heating appliances, has ceased trading with a total of eight jobs lost.
The pandemic had a significant impact on the company’s business, as lockdowns in the UK and worldwide impacted suppliers’ delivery schedules due in part to supply-chain and logistical issues.
It became increasingly difficult to manage this situation and the company’s cash flow and turnover were “severely reduced.”
In a statement the directors of the business, which had operated for more than 140 years, explained: “It is with very heavy hearts we have had to accept that Bower and Child could not continue trading.
“The unfortunate events of the last two years have finally taken their toll and eroded all our reserves, meaning the business can no longer sustain its viability.
“We have followed the guidance given to us by our advisers and tried our best to minimise the impact on our valued customers. It is a tragedy that such a long-standing business has had to cease trading in the shadow of these unprecedented times.”
The directors have instructed Charles Brook, a partner at Poppleton & Appleby, Licensed Insolvency Practitioners of Huddersfield to assist in a liquidation process.
Brook said: “Bower & Child has a long, proud history in Huddersfield and districts and will be sorely missed by its many loyal customers who will have been on first-name terms with the long-serving fitters and engineers.
“Many small businesses in the UK are probably only two to three months of weak trading away from potential insolvency and, for businesses operating in specialised retail sectors as this company did, it is particularly true following the pandemic.
“Weakened demand and supply chain complications can rapidly lead to cashflow problems and potentially unsustainable trading losses.”
At a time still to be confirmed, there will be an online auction of the company’s residual stock of cooking ranges, stoves, and fittings, managed on behalf of the proposed liquidators by Walker Singleton (asset Management) Ltd.
Creditors or customers with queries regarding outstanding orders, deposits or payments can contact Poppleton & Appleby on 01484 437432.
