Travis Perkins ‘no longer trading’ from Shoreham branch

The notice outside the premises in Brighton Road reads: “We are no longer trading at this branch.”

It comes after Travis Perkins, the UK’s biggest builders’ merchant, announced proposals to close around 165 of its branches nationwide – roughly eight per cent of its branch network.

As consultations about the proposal are still ongoing, a spokesman was unable to officially confirm details of the proposed impact in Shoreham.

The firm has said the branch closures would likely result in around 2,500 job losses nationwide.

Nick Roberts, chief executive of Travis Perkins, said: “The COVID pandemic has created significant challenges across our Group and I have been hugely encouraged by the flexibility of our colleagues to adapt our business models successfully and at pace, which has enabled us to maintain safe working practices whilst continuing to provide an effective service to our customers.

“Whilst we have experienced improving trends more recently, we do not expect a return to pre-COVID trading conditions for some time and consequently we have had to take the very difficult decision to begin consultations on the closure of selected branches and to reduce our workforce to ensure we can protect the Group as a whole.

“This is in no way a reflection on those employees impacted and we will do everything we can to support them during this process.

“The Group has a robust balance sheet, strong liquidity position and I am confident that these proposed changes will enable us to trade successfully through this period of uncertainty with a cost base that better reflects the environment we are operating in.”