Pet store jobs saved in Cambourne and Cambridge as firm is sold

New owners to keep 18 stores open saving 200 jobs after takeover

The future of two pet shops in Cambridge and Cambourne have been saved after administrators found a way of keeping them open.

Just for Pets were ready to close both outlets but their sale to Pedigree Wholesale Ltd means that 18 of the threatened stores will now remain open.

These include the shops in Cambourne and Cambridge and overall, the 18 outlets that remain trading will, save 200 jobs into the bargain.

Dow Schofield Watts were appointed administrators of Just for Pets and completed the sale of the business with the loss of just seven stores and 60 jobs.

Joint Administrator John Carpenter commented “We are delighted to have secured the future of this long established retail business and wish the PSR Trading team every success for the future. The Just For Pets business is strongly focussed on customer service and animal welfare and its directors and management have worked alongside us to ensure continuity of the business and a positive outcome for the majority of its employees and other stakeholders.”

Kate Byrne, the Operations Director of Just For Pets, thanked the entire workforce of the company for continuing to work with dedication and integrity through very difficult circumstances, since speculation began in mid-September 2017.

She said: “The Just For Pets management team are grateful to Ben, John and the DSW team for concluding the transaction under considerable pressure in terms of timescale and threats from various fronts. The sale to PSR represents the best outcome for employees, creditors and our very loyal and valued customer base.”

The 18 stores that will continue to operate are:

Bristol, Bromsgrove, Cambourne, Cambridge, Coventry, Droitwich, Evesham, Kidderminster, Long Eaton, Malvern, Maypole, Northfield, Nuneaton, Stourbridge, Swadlincote, Telford, Wolverhampton, Worcester.

The following will close:

Bessie & Boo (Evesham), Burton upon Trent, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading, Wellington, Yardley.