BHS staff across south-east London are set to lose their jobs after a bid to rescue the struggling department store failed, it was announced this afternoon.

The retailer has four shops in the News Shopper area, in Bromley High Street, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath and in New Road, Gravesend. 

The administrators, Philip Duffy and Benjamin Wiles, Managing Directors of Duff & Phelps, said today that they were unable to agree a sale.

In a statement they announced the "orderly wind down of the BHS business."

They went on to say: "Although multiple offers were received, none were able to complete a deal due the working capital required to secure the future of the company."

11,000 jobs are expected to be lost across the country.

The statement continued: "Our thoughts today are with the employees.

"We thank them for their professionalism and hard work.

"We would also like to thank the great British public for helping us in our efforts to save BHS resulting in several weeks of significant sales.

All 163 stores will be in close down sale mode over the coming weeks and whilst continuing efforts will be made by the administrators to sell stores the jobs of 8000 members of staff are likely to go.

A further 3000 jobs of none BHS employees who work in the stores may also be at risk.

TOP STORIES


Philip Duffy, Managing Director of Duff & Phelps and Joint Administrator said "The British high street is changing and in these turbulent times for retailers, BHS has fallen as another victim of the seismic shifts we are seeing.

"The tireless work and goodwill of the existing management team and employees of BHS with the support of my team were not enough to change the fortunes of the company."

Councillor Samir Jassal, Lead Member for Business Development for Gravesham council said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the retail business and it will be a great loss to the town.

"It’s been one of the larger units in the town for many years. It is devastating news for the staff who will be losing their jobs.

"As one door closes, another opens and just this week B&M announced it will be making a long-term commitment to Gravesend as it plans to move into the former Marks & Spencer building.

"Let’s hope another company can look at the BHS unit in the same way and with the same commitment and that the store will be filled quickly.

"Our team here at Gravesham council will work with the administrators and potential new owners to achieve a positive outcome as soon as possible.”