100 jobs saved but 150 more to go as Focus DIY stores sold

Ernst and Young was called in earlier this month in a bid to find a buyer for the group as a going concern, but the company has now been broken up with three other firms taking over some stores.

Stores in Shipley and Skipton will be converted by Merseyside-based B&M to sell their range of cut-price homewares, while Wickes Building Supplies has bought the Focus site in Beverley.

B&Q owner Kingfisher has bought premises in Goole and Harrogate, and while both B&M and Wickes are expected to keep staff on, Kingfisher has not confirmed its plans for Focus’ current workers.

Figures supplied by Ernst and Young suggest that if all staff remain at the five stores 106 jobs will be saved. But 150 jobs will go at the other eight stores in the region which will shut.

The branches not bought are in Barnsley, Chesterfield, Guisborough, Guiseley, Pontefract, Retford, Selby and Sheffield.

Earlier this month, Ernst and Young said problems with the housing market and low consumer confidence had put Focus under “considerable pressure”.

Closing down sales are now beginning at all branches of the chain, under the guidance of international liquidation specialist Gordon Brothers.