It has been announced that Better Bathrooms has made 325 staff redundant and closed all its showrooms, trade counters and warehouses.

Phil Pierce and Gary Blackburn from specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, were appointed as joint administrators. The business entered administration on 1 March 2019 and ceased trading with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, 10 employees in the head office and the warehouse functions have been retained temporarily to assist with the administration process and support the orderly wind down of the business.

Better Bathrooms is said to be the largest independent bathroom retailer and has 13 showrooms and two trade counters. The business employed 362 people across its network, which includes its Leigh HQ, Didcot warehouse and customer service centre in Glazebury.

Phil Pierce, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “The challenges facing the UK retail industry are well known and are putting immense pressure on businesses operating in the sector. Unfortunately, Better Bathrooms has suffered from severe cashflow difficulties and an extended period of soft trading, which has forced the business into administration. Without significant investment or the cash to continue trading, the difficult decision was made to cease operations.

“We will be working with all the affected staff to support their claims through the Redundancy Payments Service during this difficult time. We know that customers will also be particularly concerned, and they should email Betterbathrooms@frpadvisory.com with their details. We will be writing to all customers as soon as possible.

“We urge any parties who might be interested in acquiring the assets of the business to come forward as soon as possible.”