West Cumbrian bakery chain Pat-a-Cake has blamed competition from big rivals for a decision to close its six shops and small bakery, with the loss of 54 full and part-time jobs.
The family-owned business blamed "a downturn in trading conditions" caused by national chains opening rival outlets in its area.
"It’s been an increasing problem," said the liquidator Martin Shaw of Tenon Recovery.
Pat-a-Cake’s main outlet and bakery were in Workington and its other shops within a 16km radius, said Shaw. The owner was WR Pattinson, which was owned by the Pattinson family.
Shaw said the shops needed modernisation and were not viable: "Business is not sufficiently strong because of the new competition that’s on the doorstep."
However, he hoped to find buyers for one or two of the shops.
The Workington bakery could also be sold, he said. There will be a creditors’ meeting in Penrith on 12 December.
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