One year on, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause financial hardship for various businesses and organisations in Milton Keynes.
Most companies, including those that are usually highly profitable, have reported large financial losses in 2020 compared to previous years.
There have been support packages been made available by the Government and Milton Keynes Council to help businesses heavily impacted by the lockdowns, however for some this has not been enough.
With April 12th marking the reopening of non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality, residents can expect to see some empty units and 'permantely closed' signs.
These are some of the businesses that will not be opening when the nation comes out of lockdown:
Paperchase
Paperchase in the centre:mk has permanently closed and all staff have subsequently been made redundant.
The struggling stationery chain collapsed into administration at the start of this year, and weeks later was sold to Aspen Phoenix NewCo in a deal by administrators PwC.
This move secured Paperchase's future, although it means that the company will now have to operate on a smaller scale.
In the last month, it has been announced that dozens of Paperchase stores across the UK would be permanently closing, and unfortunately, MKFM can reveal that amongst those closures is the Milton Keynes branch.
Topshop
Popular fashion store Topshop has permanently closed after the brand was bought out by online giant ASOS and shifted to online only.
The deal went through in February 2021 which resulted in all staff at the intu-based store losing their jobs. They spent their final days working for the company packing up clothes to be sent to ASOS.
In an emotional goodbye, staff left a note for customers in the window of the empty unit which read: "We love you all and you will be sorely missed."
Prezzo at Kingston
Prezzo at The Kingston Centre was one of the 22 restaurants to permanently close across the UK in February 2021 as part of the chain's "rescue deal" caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These closures will affect hundreds of jobs nationwide, including several here in Milton Keynes.
Cain International, an investment firm that bought the company in December 2020, has said that this was a "difficult but essential" decision to save the majority of the company's workforce.
La Collina
La Collina in Little Brickhill was a huge hit with the locals, but the owners decided to close its doors at the start of this year.
In a moving message, La Collina thanked its customers for all their support over the years and many customers spoke of their sadness over the closure.
The owners will still continue to run their online shop of Italian food, but have sold their Watling Street-based premises to another independent company.
The George - a traditional village pub - will open in its place this Spring.
Dorothy Perkins
The Dorothy Perkins brand was bought by online retailer Boohoo around the same time that Topshop was bought by ASOS.
The deal saved the brand from administration but all stores had to close and shift to online-only, resulting in the closure of its Bletchley-based store and concession within Tesco Kingston.
Burton
Burtons in the centre:mk closed its doors due to Milton Keynes heading into Tier 4 last year, and will not be reopening again.
The brand is part of Boohoo's buyout and will be sold online only.
Wallis
The third brand part of Boohoo's multi-million-pound buyout is Wallis, that again has since shifted to online only.
In February 2021 the Wallis concession at Tesco Kingston permanently closed and the clothes have since been shipped off to be sold on the internet.
Cath Kidston
All Cath Kidston stores will remain closed, including the one in Milton Keynes, as it becomes a digital-only retailer.
Melinda Paraie, Chief Executive Officer, said: "While we are pleased that the future of Cath Kidston has been secured, this is obviously an extremely difficult day as we say goodbye to many colleagues.
"Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of COVID-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form."
Laura Ashley
Laura Ashley's store at Grafton Gate East Retail Park was holding a Closing Down Sale earlier this year.
Everything has been reduced and has to go, including stock being cleared from the warehouse.
Despite the store closures that will follow the ‘everything must go’ sale, the Laura Ashley brand will remain online and at retailers nationwide.
Carluccio’s
Carluccio’s in Milton Keynes will not be re-opening after only 30 of the chains restaurants nationally were saved in a deal.
The owner of Ed's Easy Diner and Giraffe purchased 30 of the sites after the chain went into administration at the end of March - but not the one in Milton Keynes.
Phil Reynolds, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: “The Covid-19 lockdown has put incredible pressure on businesses across the leisure sector."
Pizza Express at The Hub
Pizza Express has confirmed that their restaurant in the popular dining district The Hub is to permanently close.
This is part of the restaurant chain's plans to close 73 branches nationwide and axe over 1,000 jobs to save rental costs.
Although one local Pizza Express restaurant will be closing, three will remain open in Milton Keynes. The restaurants at the centre:mk, Xscape and MK1 will continue to trade as normal.
Cafe Rouge
Cafe Rouge in Milton Keynes will be closing permanently as the owners of the chain enter administration.
Casual Dining Group, who own Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas, have called in administrators and will cut more than 1,900 jobs as well as closing 91 restaurants across the UK.
The company have blamed the "extreme operating environment" with the coronavirus lockdown.
Sweatshop
Sweatshop in Xscape Milton Keynes have announced they will not be re-opening again.
Posting on their Facebook page, they said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances it is with great sadness to announce that Sweatshop Milton Keynes will not be reopening.
"We would like to take this time to thank all members of the Sweatshop running community past and present for your dedication, enthusiasm and passion for running and allowing us to be apart of your journey."
Morano’s Churros
The churros cafe located in the centre:mk will not re-open once lockdown ends.
Posting on Facebook, the company said: "In already extremely competitive trading conditions, the current public health emergency means that we simply cannot absorb the drastic collapse in demand which has occurred and which we think will continue to deteriorate into the foreseeable future.
"Chris, Jane and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting and visiting us but we would especially like to thank all our staff who worked tirelessly to bring our dream of Churros and Spanish service to you all.
"The monies left in the business will be used to pay our great staff and we wish them all the best for the future. We hope you all stay safe in the current climate and when it’s appropriate to do so, continue to support businesses in your area. Adios from all at Morano’s."
Progress Suzuki
Progress Suzuki, located in Old Stratford, took to Facebook to say the forced closure of dealerships during lockdown had led to 'the reopening being untenable' and 'too much for the business to bear'.
They added that they have been 'working relentlessly and tirelessly to continue to find a way forward amid these incredibly difficult times.'
In a statement to customers, they said: "The Covid-19 pandemic which has devastatingly swept in and most importantly taken lives has also decimated good people’s livelihoods and businesses, very upsettingly after many years of operation we are one of those casualties."
Sellwells Fenny Antiques Centre
A local antiques centre in Milton Keynes has announced it will be closing as the coronavirus makes it 'impossible to go on trading'.
In a statement, the company said: "It is with a heavy heart that Tony and Mags have decided to close Sellwells Fenny Antique Centre.
"In the present circumstances with the coronavirus it is impossible to go on trading."
Chicheley Hall
Chicheley Hall in Chicheley will not be re-opening after closing on 23rd March due to the new government restrictions.
In a statement, they said: "Chicheley Hall closed its doors on 23 March following the government's directive for the suspension of all non-essential businesses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Sadly the resulting devastating economic impact on the hospitality industry, together with heightened operational restrictions, has meant we have taken the difficult decision to close our doors permanently."
STA Travel
The STA Travel Store at intu Milton Keynes is set to close as the company ceases trading in the UK.
STA have over 50 stores across the UK as well as selling holidays online via their website.
An Association of British Travel Agents spokesperson told the BBC: "STA Travel will be a name that is familiar to most people who will have used them to travel or been aware of their name on the High Street, and this distressing news will sadly affect the livelihoods of hundreds of employees."
Casa Cento
An independent Italian restaurant in Milton Keynes has ceased trading due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Casa Cento Italian Restaurant is located on Stony Stratford High Street and was well known for its range of pizza and pasta.
The company operated as a take-away and delivery service during the early part of lockdown, but has now closed its doors for good.
