Robertshaw’s Farm Shop is to open a new business on the site of Keelham Farm Shop in North Yorkshire, in a £2.2m deal.
Skipton’s Keelham fell into administration in January as a result of cashflow problems driven by inflation and the cost of living crisis. Although the business had made a profit in 2021 and 2022, it registered a £1.2m loss in the 12 months to 31 January 2023.
When a sale could not be secured for Keelham Farm Shop, it ceased trading, making all staff redundant in mid-January.
The site, a 27,826 sq ft unit on a 1.7-acre site, has now been purchased by Robertshaw’s Farm Shop, a fourth-generation family business that operates a shop in Thornton, Bradford.
The Skipton site is set to open under the name Robertshaw’s Farm Shop in early 2025, according to the Robertshaw’s Farm Shop website. The business, which has an on-site butcher and deli at Thornton, has also bought a large off-site bakery to increase production of baked goods, it added.
“This expansion represents a significant milestone for Robertshaw’s and presents exciting opportunities for growth and development,” Robertshaw’s stated. “Our owner James Robertshaw is passionate about providing good-quality, local produce at an affordable price. James, along with his family and our fabulous team at Thornton are working hard to get the new venture up and running.”
Watling Real Estate, which advised on the sale of the Keelham Farm Shop site, said it was delighted to have achieved a sale that would retain the property’s existing use. “There is a lack of similar offerings in the surrounding area and I’m sure local residents will be pleased to see the property open its doors as a farm shop again,” said Watling Real Estate associate director Rob Cruikshank.
“The reopening will help to boost the local economy and bring a number of jobs into the area.”
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