Following the news that Bathstore has entered administration, BiKBBI says it is liaising with both Bathstore and the Insolvency Practitioner working on behalf of the retailer.
BiKKBI said it was sad to report that it has received more than 100 updates from members, representing around a quarter of those potentially affected, who are collectively owed in excess of £1 million by Bathstore for completed installation work. It expects this number to rise dramatically over the coming days as our members continue to update BiKKBI with their stake.
Of those members who have updated BiKKBI so far, the highest individual creditor is owed over £90,000, with the majority being owed between £2,500 and £10,000.
BiKKBI said it will support members by connecting them with new opportunities. Its statement said: ‘We are working with some great retailers and strategic partners and thankfully the general UK skills shortage will prove to be an asset in this scenario.
‘Great installers are in demand and we will ensure that our members are connected with those businesses and individuals seeking a professional installation service.
‘Furthermore, our find-a-member website, which is receiving a high volume of consumer visitors, will allow consumers to connect directly with our members and we hope that this will prove useful to those affected. We have invited Bathstore / BDO to reference this facility on their website and await their response.’
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “Once again it’s the little guy that’s hit the most. Honest, hardworking people who are the backbone of our economy are once again victim of a scenario which is clearly way beyond their control. I give my personal assurances to each and every one of them and their families that we’ll do everything in our power to ensure their voice is heard.
“We have requested meetings with the appointed administrators at BDO and will be meeting Ministers to discuss the available support to our members and their customers. I have spoken to our own Patron Stephen Metcalfe MP, and we are working on a strategy to seek government support on this matter - This will go right to the top and I will not rest until notice is taken and action is had”.
