Forfars

A BAKERY that has been serving Sussex for nearly 200 years has turned off its ovens for the last time leaving more than 40 staff redundant.Forfars has been liquidated just two years before it was due to celebrate two centuries in the trade in what is being described as a “heart-breaking” demise.
Shops at Church Road in Hove, St James’ Street in Brighton, Orion Parade in Hassocks and High Street in Rustington, have all been closed down as well as the bakery headquarters in Newhaven.
The company was run by Timothy and Matthew Cutress until they handed over directorship to Dale Pritchard and Dean Evans in March this year.
It is understood a number of other stores which previously traded as Forfars, such as Dyke Road and St George's Street, are still open but are under different ownership.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was made redundant earlier this week having spent more than 15 years at the baker.
She said she lost her job with immediate effect and was left out of pocket by three week's wages.
She said: “I think we all knew it was coming.
“They had a meeting with shareholders on Monday and called in the receiver. As soon as the meeting finished they went round and shut all the shops.
“There was ten of us who met up on Tuesday that had all been let go.
“I feel a bit annoyed about the way it’s been done. They could have handled it much better.
“In a few years time the company will be 200 years old.
“It used to be a good company, everybody was happy. They ran it as a family business.
“The Cutress family were lovely people.
“It’s heartbreaking. Some people have been there for 30 years.”
Forfars Bakers Ltd registered a net worth of more than £1.3 million in October 2011, but the figure plummeted to a loss of more than £670,000 at the end of 2013, according to data filed to Companies House.
David Oprey, of restructuring and insolvency experts CVR Global, said: “I can confirm that Forfars Bakers Ltd went into liquidation on October 26 and I was appointed joint liquidator, with Elias Paourou of this firm.




“The company, which can trace its history back to 1818, has unfortunately had to make all staff redundant at its four shops and its bakery in Newhaven.”
“Shareholders have been informed and there will be a creditors meeting next week.
“The company is extremely well known in the Sussex area and has been a well-loved brand for many years."
The Argus attempted to contact Forfars, but could not reach anyone for comment

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mikeyjh said:

Unfortunately, Greggs have taken over the bakery provision in a lot of our towns - Look at B Hill, Greggs has knocked out at least 2 local versions.....

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surrey jim said:

Company has now closed down. Sad to hear of the job losses and another local bakery closed.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/13903904.40_jobs_axed_as_bakery_closes_after_200_years/?ref=mr&lp=2

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mikeyjh said:

Unfortunately, Greggs have taken over the bakery provision in a lot of our towns - Look at B Hill, Greggs has knocked out at least 2 local versions.....

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Fran Hagarty said:

Yes, a great shame - Burgess Hill has lost both Forfars & Truffles. I used to buy from both of those, but not Greggs - a poor substitute :-(

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Mr Banana said:

In a parallel universe devoid of NIMBYism, they'd have supported the stadium and club in a Donatello-ish way and become the caterers when we moved in. Everyone would have been better off.

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RandyWanger said:

What happened to Truffles? I saw a TV show on them trying to turn it around. Guess it didn't happen?

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I remember the good times said:

Always sad to see a local company go under because a major chain who has its own TV series has better publicity.

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