Bakery Firm That Closed Harborough Stores Set for Voluntary Liquidation

A bakery firm that closed both its Market Harborough stores earlier this week is set to enter voluntary liquidation.

Butterwick shut 12 of its 14 sites including the shops on Church Street and at the railway station, leaving more than 60 staff out of work.

The owners of the Northamptonshire-based company said the decision was made with ‘deep regret’, citing rising operating costs and changes in customer spending habits as the reasons behind the closures.

Workers say they were given no prior warning of the closures and have criticised the handling of the matter.

The Church Street store was one of two branches in Market Harborough to close

A spokesperson for BRI Business Insolvency said: “BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency (“BRI”) has been instructed by the directors of Butterwick Bakes Ltd (“the Company”) to assist with the closure of 12 of the 14 sites across the Midlands and also to assist with placing the Company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation.

“Approximately 62 employees were made redundant following the closure of the 12 sites and they are being supported by IPERA Services Limited.

“The directors’ have explained that by returning to the Northampton and Rushden Lakes sites they will be returning to their roots to allow an authentic in-store bakery experience where craft, freshness, and creativity come first.

“For those with celebration or wedding cake orders, all cakes will be made as planned. If your chosen collection store is no longer open, the directors’ will be in touch directly to make alternative arrangements.

“All loyalty points and gift cards remain valid and fully redeemable in the Northampton and Rushden Lakes stores.

“A date for the liquidation has not yet been proposed but it is estimated to be around mid to late October 2025.”