A prominent UK cake manufacturer has collapsed into administration, placing 120 jobs in jeopardy at its Chichester facility in West Sussex. Sussex Bakes Ltd, which operates under the name More Foods, entered administration on May 11, according to an official notice published in the London Gazette.
Background and operations
The business was established in 2003 and has been producing traybakes and other baked goods for bakeries and major retailers. It operates a 28,000 sq ft state-of-the-art factory that employs 120 staff. The company manufactures a wide range of products under the More Foods and Sussex Bakes brands, as well as own-label items for prominent high street retailers, coffee chains, restaurant groups, and wholesalers. Its product range includes muffins, cookies (both baked and unbaked), meringues, tarts, traybakes, and bespoke seasonal items for holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
Administration details
The notice in The Gazette confirmed that David Kemp and Richard Hunt, both of Exigen Group Limited in London, have been appointed as joint administrators. Administration is a procedure where an insolvent company is managed by an external party with the goal of rescuing all or part of the business. It provides the company with breathing space to continue operating while attempting a turnaround and protects it from creditor actions.
Sussex Bakes Ltd has not yet released a statement regarding the administration. The Mirror has contacted the company for comment.
Previous administration
This is not the first time the business has faced financial difficulties. More Food Ltd was acquired by Sussex Bakes in 2017 after it entered administration, as part of a going concern sale that saved all 150 factory jobs at the time.
Company history
The business originally began as Upstairs Downstairs, a coffee shop founded by Caron Howe and a close friend, serving scones, cakes, and other baked goods to locals. It quickly gained popularity, attracting other businesses to the coffee shop in search of baked goods for their customers. This led to the sale of the café side of the business, with the company shifting its focus to wholesale supply.
The company's website states: "We proudly produce award-winning, premium handmade cakes and indulgent treats, delivering both branded and own label ranges across the retail and food service sectors."
