Jobs at risk as Focus DIY goes into administration

ALMOST 4,000 jobs are at risk with the collapse of a DIY chain.

Administrators have been appointed to Crewe-based Focus DIY Group, which has 175 stores across the UK including ones in Barnsley, Pontefract and Guiseley.

Simon Allport, Tom Jack and Alan Hudson, of business advice firm Ernst & Young have been appointed joint administrators.

Mr Allport said: “Low consumer confidence and a very weak housing transaction market has impacted on Focus and placed considerable pressure on sales and margins.

“Despite management’s actions to tightly control costs and restructure the operations, unfortunately it has not been possible for the business to continue to trade outside of insolvency.”

The administrators are seeking offers for the sale of the business as a going concern.

Said Mr Allport: “Focus will continue to trade as we look for a buyer for the group and its stores.

“It is very much business as usual and we are grateful to all the group's loyal customers, suppliers and employees for their continued support,” added Mr Allport.

Focus, founded in 1987, has annual sales of about £450m.