British bread brand Roberts Bakery plans to enter administration: 400 jobs at risk.

According to The Sun: The well-known British bread manufacturer is preparing to enter administrative management.

This brand, whose products can be found in Asda, Tesco and Morrisons, has been around for 138 years.

Roberts Bakery plans to appoint administrators to preserve jobs.

The company, owned by Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd, has filed a notice of intention (NOI) to appoint an administrator.

This document was filed with the court on October 6.

Although this step allows the business to 'recover' somewhat under debt pressure, 400 jobs remain at risk.

Roberts, which produces more than two million loaves of bread a week, is working with PwC consultants to find solutions to save the company.

Official Comment

A company spokesperson told The Sun newspaper that negotiations with potential partners are at the 'final stage', and the company is 'optimistically' set for a positive outcome to preserve the business.

Roberts Bakery also confirmed that it is actively engaging with potential partners to secure the company's future.

The statement says that the NOI will give time for management and 'experienced professionals' to find the best solution for the bakery.

“The priority is to protect jobs, preserve brands, and ensure the stable operation of the business,” the statement said.

The company also noted that recent years have been 'exceptionally challenging'.

In its statement, it mentioned a 'devastating fire' at the Northwich factory, which knocked out nearly two-thirds of production capacity.

Additionally, it emphasized 'unprecedented inflation since the start of the war in Ukraine', rising energy and ingredient costs, and 'intense competitive pressure'.

“Despite the efforts of all involved, these factors have complicated recovery,” the spokesperson added.

What Does Entering Administration Mean?

When a company goes into administration, control is handed over to an appointed administrator.

• The administrator uses the company's assets to pay creditors any debts.
• A 'moratorium' is imposed, preventing legal action against the company.
• Administrators inform creditors and Companies House of their appointment.
• They aim to prevent the liquidation of the company and, if necessary, recover as much debt from assets as possible.
• The administrator has eight weeks to prepare a plan for the future development of the business.
• This plan must be sent to creditors, employees, and Companies House for their approval.
• The notice of intention informs stakeholders of the company's intent to go into administration.
• It is usually filed by directors who seek to prevent liquidation.
• The mechanism is similar to standard administration initiation, and until this time, prevents creditors from taking legal actions against the company.

“We are keeping all stakeholders informed, including our employees. Daily operations remain unchanged, and the company continues to trade and fulfill orders as usual.”

Rumors of Sale

Meanwhile, The Grocer reported that Warburtons was considering a possible sale of the Roberts specialty bread factory, but nothing is currently known about any deals made.

In July, Roberts began restructuring its main factory in Cheshire, cutting 250 jobs.

Last month, the company closed its factory in Derbyshire, putting another 38 jobs at risk.

Bread production volumes cannot recover after the fire in Northwich, as customers have shifted to other suppliers.

The same issues of excess capacity recently forced competitors Hovis and Kingsmill to agree on a merger.

History of Roberts

The Roberts brand, founded in 1887, currently operates at three sites in Northwich, Ilkeston, and Winsford, where biscuits are produced.

Before the crisis, the group employed over 750 workers.

In 2024, changing consumer preferences from traditional bread to specialty items such as croissants and brioche led to a decline in the company’s sales.

Despite this, category leader Warburtons gained a larger market share.

Roberts' sales decline continues into 2025, according to the latest report, with a 28% drop.

More About Business

Last month, Polish company Pepco Group sold Poundland to the American investment firm Gordon Brothers for 1 British pound due to a drop in trade.

The new owners are seeking court permission to close 68 stores and are negotiating to reduce rents in others, with the possibility of closing another 82 stores in the future.

Companies Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop are also closing branches as part of restructuring.

Overall, the situation in the baked goods market presents serious challenges faced by manufacturers, especially in light of changing consumer preferences and economic difficulties that may affect not only Roberts Bakery's future but also that of other companies in this sector.