I was genuinely saddened to hear about the sudden closure of Butterwick Bakery’s branches. As someone who’s followed their journey from a home-based cake business to a well-loved high street bakery, the news came as a shock. In September 2025,
Butterwick Bakery announced the closure of 12 out of its 14 UK stores, leaving only two locations operating. The move was driven by rising costs, declining footfall, and unsustainable trading conditions.
Key takeaways:
- 12 branches closed immediately across the Midlands
- 62 employees were made redundant
- Only Rushden Lakes and Northampton (St Giles Street) remain open
- Customers can still redeem orders, gift cards, and loyalty points
- Founders promise a “new chapter” focused on in-store experiences
Let’s explore what this means for you, as a customer, supporter, or someone affected by the closure.
What Led to the Sudden Closure of Butterwick Bakery Stores?
Butterwick Bakery’s collapse in September 2025 stemmed from a combination of intense financial pressure and changes in customer behaviour. Operating costs soared, particularly due to the rising prices of ingredients, energy, and rent.
At the same time, foot traffic to their high street locations dwindled, affecting daily sales and long-term sustainability. The situation became untenable despite efforts to restructure the business and maintain operations.
The bakery’s directors, Ryan and Fiona Scarborough, acknowledged in a public Facebook statement that “continued rise in operating costs and significant changes in customer spending habits” were the core reasons behind the closure.
They described the decision as “not taken lightly,” emphasising their attempt to protect jobs and store locations before resorting to shutdowns. Ultimately, the company was placed into administration, leaving behind a major gap in the Midlands bakery scene.
Their response highlights the harsh reality many UK high street businesses face when costs rise faster than customer demand can support.
Which Butterwick Bakery Locations Are Still Open?
Despite the widespread closures, Butterwick Bakery has kept two locations open, showing signs of hope and continuity for loyal customers. These remaining branches are positioned to serve as the new core of the business.
Current Operating Stores: Rushden Lakes and Northampton (St Giles Street)
The only surviving Butterwick Bakery locations are:
- Rushden Lakes Retail Park – A popular shopping destination that maintains footfall, offering visibility and traffic for the brand.
- Northampton (St Giles Street) – A location known for its strong local community and repeat customers.
These two outlets are expected to reflect the founders’ renewed vision of returning to their “roots”, offering an “authentic in-store bakery experience where craft, freshness, and creativity come first,” as stated by Ryan and Fiona.
Full List of Closed Stores
Below is a table of the stores that closed as of late September 2025:
Closed Location Region
Corby (Rockingham Road) Northamptonshire
Kettering Northamptonshire
Melton Mowbray Leicestershire
Market Harborough (Town Centre) Leicestershire
Market Harborough (Train Station) Leicestershire
Oakham Rutland
Rugby Warwickshire
Retford Nottinghamshire
Milton Keynes (Midsummer Place) Buckinghamshire
Leicester (Highcross Shopping Centre) Leicestershire
Northampton (Weston Favell Shopping Centre) Northamptonshire
Corby (Second Location) Northamptonshire
These closures were announced with immediate effect, catching many staff and customers off guard. Customers from these areas are now directed to either of the remaining stores for order fulfilment and customer service.
While the loss of local outlets is disappointing, the continued operation of two stores shows Butterwick’s determination to restructure and preserve the brand in some form.
How Are Customers Affected by the Store Closures?
As a customer, you may be wondering how the Butterwick closures impact your pending orders, vouchers, and access to the brand. Fortunately, the company has confirmed that all existing orders for celebration or wedding cakes will be honoured through the two remaining branches.
Customers with gift cards or loyalty points can also continue to redeem them at Rushden Lakes or Northampton (St Giles Street).
The closures may cause inconvenience for those living near the shuttered locations, especially since no advance notice was given. But the brand has committed to maintaining service quality where possible and supporting loyal customers during the transition.
For those seeking refunds or order queries, communication has been redirected through the operating branches and Butterwick’s social media channels. The abrupt shutdown has left many with mixed emotions, but Butterwick has assured customers of continuity through its remaining outlets and future plans.
What Impact Did the Closures Have on Bakery Staff?
The closures had a devastating impact on Butterwick Bakery’s team, resulting in the redundancy of around 62 staff members. Employees were informed suddenly, with many learning about the closures just days or even hours beforehand.
Some, like Chloe Morrison, who managed two branches in Market Harborough, described the experience as deeply emotional and unfair. She said, “My heart shattered,” upon learning she wouldn’t receive her expected wages.
Staff were reportedly told that liquidation papers were filed days before stores remained open over the weekend, which some interpreted as misleading. Allegations arose suggesting the company operated stores for free labour before announcing job losses. These claims remain under review by liquidators.
Other former employees like Tia Andrews expressed frustration about being hired shortly before the closures, suggesting the company may have already been aware of the financial instability. In video meetings led by IPERA Services, some staff noted poor communication from management, further compounding their distress.
The overall sentiment among affected staff has been one of betrayal and disappointment.
What Support is Available for Former Employees?
If you’re one of the employees affected by Butterwick Bakery’s closure, there is structured support available through government schemes and insolvency services. These measures are designed to help you recover unpaid wages, holidays, and redundancy pay during this difficult transition.
Role of IPERA Services Limited and BRI
Two key organisations are managing the closure and employee claims:
- Business Recovery and Insolvency (BRI) is handling the voluntary liquidation process of Butterwick Bakes Ltd.
- IPERA Services Limited has been appointed to guide employees through the redundancy claim process.
Following the announcement, IPERA conducted an all-staff video call and sent letters with detailed information packs. While the communication style during the meeting was criticised, with some staff upset that management remained muted, it was confirmed that all 62 redundant employees were formally contacted.
Redundancy Payments Service: Wages, Holidays, and Notice Pay
Former employees are eligible to claim from the Redundancy Payments Service, a UK government department responsible for handling financial compensation during insolvencies. You can claim:
- Unpaid wages
- Accrued holiday pay
- Statutory notice pay
- Redundancy compensation (based on tenure and earnings)
Process for Claiming Government Support
The redundancy claims process can take several weeks, but begins once you receive your Reference Number from the insolvency practitioners. You’ll need to submit your claim through the GOV.UK portal, using the unique claim code provided in the IPERA information pack.
For queries, IPERA has made themselves available to answer individual questions and provide status updates. Although the process is understandably frustrating for many, especially those dealing with housing or financial stress, government and insolvency bodies have pledged to ensure every claim is processed lawfully and as swiftly as possible.
The redundancy process officially started on 22 September 2025, and liquidation is expected to complete around 21 October 2025.
What Have the Founders Said About the Future of Butterwick Bakery?
Founders Ryan and Fiona Scarborough addressed the public through statements on Butterwick’s Facebook and Instagram pages, expressing deep regret for the closures.
They said, “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of all Butterwick stores with immediate effect, apart from our Rushden Lakes and Northampton St Giles’ locations.” Acknowledging the emotional toll on staff, they added, “We are heartbroken for the impact this has on our incredible team members.”
However, their message was not solely about closure, it also hinted at renewal. The couple insisted this was “not the end of Butterwick,” but rather “the beginning of an exciting new chapter.” They intend to return to the brand’s roots with a focus on craft, freshness, and creativity through the two remaining outlets.
By prioritising in-store quality and community engagement, the Scarboroughs hope to rebuild Butterwick from a smaller, more sustainable base.
Their message, though optimistic, was met with mixed reactions from both staff and customers.
How Has the Community Reacted to Butterwick Bakery’s Collapse?
The community response to Butterwick Bakery’s sudden collapse has been a mix of shock, frustration, and sympathy. Many local customers expressed sadness over losing their go-to bakery, particularly in towns like Corby, Kettering, and Melton Mowbray. Long-time fans turned to social media to share fond memories and express concern for the staff who were affected without warning.
Locals in towns where Butterwick stores closed voiced disappointment at how the closures were handled. Posts on Facebook and Instagram showed support for the staff, with some customers offering donations of food, resources, or emotional support to those who lost their jobs.
Some customers also questioned the lack of communication from the owners, especially after learning that stores operated over the weekend before the official closure. Despite mixed emotions, there was a strong show of solidarity with former employees and appreciation for the bakery’s impact on the community.
The overall sentiment: customers feel deeply let down, but many still hope Butterwick can recover.
What Can You Expect From the Remaining Butterwick Stores?
As a customer of Butterwick’s remaining stores, you can expect a refreshed and focused in-store bakery experience. The owners have promised that the Rushden Lakes and St Giles Street (Northampton) outlets will lead the brand into a “new chapter.”
These locations are expected to receive menu upgrades, including the return of “most loved original products” and freshly made sandwiches. The focus will shift to high-quality, indulgent treats and a strong community-oriented service.
The Scarboroughs expressed a desire to “deliver the very best of Butterwick” by offering an authentic in-store bakery atmosphere where freshness and creativity are central.
Customers can still redeem their gift cards and loyalty points at both locations, and celebration or wedding cake orders will be fulfilled. Staff at these stores are reportedly still in place and committed to maintaining the quality that the brand was once known for.
If you’re near one of these locations, you’ll likely enjoy a more refined and personalised Butterwick experience.
What Does This Mean for the UK Bakery Industry?
The closure of Butterwick Bakery highlights the growing challenges facing independent and regional bakeries across the UK. Like many others, Butterwick was hit by soaring ingredient and utility costs, compounded by a drop in high street footfall.
These conditions are not unique to Butterwick, they reflect a broader pattern affecting many small to mid-sized food retail businesses.
Butterwick’s story underscores how inflation, economic shifts, and changing consumer behaviours are reshaping the bakery industry. While some chains have managed to adapt through online delivery or reducing physical store presence, many are still struggling to stay afloat in uncertain times.
This case may prompt other bakery owners to evaluate their business models and seek more sustainable strategies. From centralised production to limited-store operations, brands might pivot in similar ways to Butterwick in order to survive and thrive in today’s market.
It’s a stark reminder that even beloved community brands are vulnerable to the UK’s economic pressures.
Final Thoughts – Is This Truly the End for Butterwick Bakery?
While the closure of 12 stores marks a major setback, it’s clear that Butterwick Bakery is not giving up entirely. The Scarboroughs have voiced their commitment to a smaller, more focused version of the brand, powered by passion and authenticity.
With only two stores left standing, Butterwick faces the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and restoring customer trust.
Whether this marks a slow comeback or a quiet fade-out depends largely on how the remaining stores perform, and how effectively the brand re-engages with its core community. The founders have the experience, the fan base, and a defined product niche to build upon.
So no, this isn’t the end. But it is a turning point. Customers, staff, and bakery enthusiasts across the UK will be watching closely to see what Butterwick does next.
There’s still a chance for the brand to rise again, stronger, smaller, and more grounded in its roots.
FAQs
Why did Butterwick Bakery go into administration?
Butterwick entered administration due to unsustainable operating costs and a sharp decline in customer footfall. These financial challenges made it impossible to continue running most of their locations.
Are my Butterwick gift cards still valid?
Yes, gift cards and loyalty points can still be redeemed at the Rushden Lakes and Northampton (St Giles Street) stores. These are the only locations currently operating.
Can I still get a cake order fulfilled by Butterwick?
All existing celebration and wedding cake orders will be honoured by the remaining stores. Customers can contact those locations directly for updates.
Who is handling the Butterwick liquidation process?
The business recovery firm BRI is managing the liquidation of Butterwick Bakes Ltd. IPERA Services Limited is assisting with staff claims and support.
How can former Butterwick staff claim redundancy payments?
Staff must file their claims through the Redundancy Payments Service using the reference number provided by IPERA. Claims include unpaid wages, holiday pay, and redundancy.
What do the founders say about reopening more stores?
The founders have not announced any plans to reopen closed stores. However, they describe the current phase as a “new chapter” with future potential.
How can I support the remaining Butterwick locations?
You can visit the two open stores, redeem your points, and make purchases to help keep them running. Sharing positive reviews also supports the brand’s recovery.
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