Coronavirus has hit Milton Keynes hard in a number of ways, and just one of them is the number of shops and businesses which have been lost due to the economic impact.
With a deep recession, is it inevitable that both local and national businesses will suffer and have to make the difficult decision to close their doors for good.
These are just some of the businesses which have been forced to close their doors in Milton Keynes in the past few months:
Debenhams
The biggest casualty for the shopping centre in Milton Keynes has been the closure of Debenhams.
The retailer was unable to agree new terms with the landlord, Intu and announced the permanent closure last month.
It is not all bad news here though, as MKFM revealed that Next Beauty are set to take over the premises soon.
Frankie and Benny's
Both Frankie and Benny's restaurants in Milton Keynes have been put up for rent as the chain announced
The company did not reveal which sites would be remaining open and which would be closing.
However, MKFM can reveal that both Milton Keynes restaurants - at Xscape and the Kingston Centre - have been put up for rent.
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 is currently holding a Closing Down Sale.
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."
