A HUDDERSFIELD town centre kitchenware shop has ceased trading – with the loss of up to 20 jobs.

The independently-owned Cook and Bakeware Company has closed a little over a year after it opened in premises at Westgate.

For several weeks, the windows have been covered in newspapers and a sign said it had closed for redecorating. But there had been little evidence of anyone at work in the premises.

Now Charles Brook, of Huddersfield-based business recovery firm Brook Business Recovery, has been appointed liquidator of the company at a meeting of creditors.

And efforts are under way to find a buyer for the business with a view to the shop quickly re-opening.

Cook & Bakeware, which occupied the former Strawberry Fair premises and employed up to 20 mainly part-time workers, sold premium brand crockery and kitchenware.

It also included The Dining Rooms, a brasserie-style cafe.

Mr Brook said the business had been hit by a combination of factors, including slim margins and declining footfall.

“There is a lot of competition in this particular market,” he said. “Cook and Bakeware was competing with large multiples such as Argos, TK Maxx and House of Fraser, who are able to buy in bulk and get discounts.”

He said: “It is unfortunate the shop has had to cease trade.

“The directors have fought to develop the business by building on its high street presence through the creation of an e-commerce website to exploit the burgeoning online marketplace.

“Investment had been made into the restaurant and this, too, was showing significant potential.”

Mr Brook said the owners had put their “heart and soul” into the business – and that had the economy been recovering they would probably have been able to continue trading.

The three-storey property forms a cornerstone of the town’s Byram Arcade. Mr Brook said: “Interest has already been shown in the business and I am working with the landlords, Kirklees Council, to attempt to secure a future for the store.

“Whilst there is only a limited timeframe within which a sale can be agreed, I remain hopeful someone will see and value the established goodwill and latent potential that exists in securing continuity of the store.”

He added: “It would be very nice if someone wanted to move into the premises, buy the stock and open a similar store. The premises are ideal for that kind of business.

“But we would be happy to see any business come along because the last thing we want to see is another hole on the high street.”

Chartered surveyors Walker Singleton, with offices at Highfields, have been appointed agents for Mr Brook and are advising on the business sale.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “We are working with the liquidators to look at different solutions.

“The council does a great deal of work to support local business and this has contributed to Byram Arcade becoming a popular venue for traders and customers alike.

“We are committed to making sure that the arcade retains and strengthens its position as a major success story in Huddersfield town centre.”