Sudbury councillor calls for clarity on future of town’s Homebase store amid uncertainty around DIY chain’s finances

A DIY retail chain could be heading for a partial collapse, with thousands of jobs at risk – prompting calls for clarity on the future of the company’s Sudbury branch.

Homebase is reportedly lining up insolvency practitioners at the Teneo consultancy, which could see the business placed into administration.

Retail magnate Chris Dawson, who owns The Range chain of homeware outlets, is also planning a late rescue deal, which could see him buy as many as 70 Homebase stores.

It is understood that, if the buyout deal goes ahead, around 1,500 jobs could be saved – but, at least 1,700 others would still be in doubt.

The situation has created uncertainty for the four Homebase stores in Suffolk, including the Sudbury outlet in Waldingfield Road.

Homebase was bought for just £1 by investment firm Hilco Capital, which has since brought in a swathe of cost-cutting measures.

The retail chain reported an £84.2million loss last year, as customers cut back on spending amid the cost-of-living crisis.

In August, Sainsbury’s struck a deal to buy 10 Homebase stores and convert them into supermarkets.

Homebase has declined to respond to the latest reports, while Teneo and The Range have been contacted for comment.

Adrian Stohr, a Labour member on Sudbury Town Council, has urged ‘speedy action’ to clarify the position of the town’s Homebase branch.

Mr Stohr, who is also an official for the GMB trade union, told the Suffolk Free Press: “What we need now is complete transparency from all those involved.

“Whether it’s the owners, consultants, or potential buyers, we need quick action to resolve the issue.

“The livelihoods of many of our townsfolk appear to be hanging in the balance, and that is a terrible threat to have hanging over their heads.

“This is about working people and their families. My heart goes out to them and to all of the people who depend on them.

“Local people have worked incredibly hard for the business.

“The council should do anything it can to help bring about a positive outcome.”

Mr Stohr said he hoped the recent announcement that B&M is opening an outlet in Sudbury, at the site of the former B&Q store, would ‘bring a ray of hope to the town’.

“I hear that the Range group may be considering buying some of the Homebase sites,” he added.

“I hope it can see the news about B&M, and that other store owners and investors have confidence in our great town.”