Troubled bakery business on a roll under new ownership

COOPLANDS of Doncaster, the bakery business which fell into administration last month, is to offer a “bigger and better” range, according to its new owners.

More than 300 redundancies were announced at the business earlier this month, along with the closure of 39 stores together with Coopland’s bakery and head office in Doncaster.

However, 259 jobs were saved in a pre-pack deal.

Bought by London-based corporate restructure specialists ReSolve, 41 shops remain open and according to reports, some of these are being supplied by Hughes Family Bakers, based in Shipley, a major supermarket bakery supplier.

Paul Davies, director of ReSolve, said: “Following the purchase of the 41 Cooplands (Doncaster) stores and 26 Bap Vans by ReSolve, the emphasis remains on stocking our stores with local product and our product range continues to be baked locally. We are obviously keen to retain our loyal customers and will continue to offer exclusive Cooplands products, including our famous Roughage loaf moving forward.

“Cooplands (Doncaster) has been a local business since 1932 and understands the importance of local support. Whilst the last few weeks have been a difficult time for employees and customers, we are now in a stronger position to provide a bigger and better product range starting with a number of promotions.
“We hope that customers will continue to support their local bakery so we can ensure that Cooplands is around for many years to come.”

It is understood the business is to launch a range of promotional offers, including a cookie and a drink for 99p and a £1.50 meal deal.

Deloitte, which handled the administration of Cooplands, said: “The site in Doncaster which is the head office and the bakery is being marketed for sale with GVA Grimley and the plant and machinery is being marketed for sale by Edward Symmons.”