Jobs lost as Hove wholesaler goes into administration

Up to 350 workers at a Hove wholesaler could be made redundant as the national firm was placed into administration yesterday (November 28).
The P&H headquarters in Hove (Photograph: Google Maps)The P&H headquarters in Hove (Photograph: Google Maps)
The P&H headquarters in Hove (Photograph: Google Maps)

Palmer & Harvey, the UK's largest delivered wholesaler to UK convenience stores, has 14 distribution centres across the UK, but its headquarters is at Davigdor Road, Hove.

Administrators PwC said the company has 3,400 employees and it will be making 2,500 immediate redundancies at head office and the branch network. Staff will be paid for November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It added: "The remaining employees will assist the joint administrators in managing the activities of the business to an orderly closure. Currently 450 employees have been retained within the wholesale business."

It said the firm had been 'hit by challenging trading conditions in recent months and efforts to restructure the business have been unsuccessful'.

Matthew Callaghan, Ian Green and Zelf Hussein of PwC were appointed joint administrators of Palmer & Harvey.

Mr Callagha said: "The Palmer & Harvey name has been a trusted partner for retailers and suppliers for nearly 100 years. This is a devastating blow for everyone who has been involved in the business. The administration team will focus on working with employees, clients and suppliers to facilitate a smooth and effective wind-down or transfer of operations over the next few weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The P&H Group has faced a challenging trading environment, and the need for significant restructuring has been recognised for some while. The company has insufficient cash resources to continue to trade beyond the short term and the directors have concluded that there is no longer any reasonable prospect of a sale. Therefore, the directors have had no choice but appoint administrators.

“The administrators are working closely with employees affected by the closure of the business to ensure they receive the support they need during this difficult time to assist with their claims for redundancy and other compensatory payments. Our priority is to ensure that all employees made redundant are assisted in processing their claims with immediate effect. We will be circulating correspondence to all staff as soon as possible which will outline the support available to complete redundancy payment forms.”