Northamptonshire-based bakery chain Butterwick Bakery has closed down 12 of its 14 outlets across Southern England.

The bakery chain, based in Corby, has announced it will be closing down a majority of outlets, retaining only branches in Northampton and Rushden.

Outlets marked for closure include locations in Corby, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Rugby and Market Harborough, which all closed with immediate effect as per a statement released by the company on social media earlier this week. It is estimated over 60 employees have lost their jobs as a result of the move.

In their statement, they said that the decision had been as a result of a rise in operating costs.

They said, “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of all Butterwick stores with immediate effect, apart from our Rushden Lakes and Northampton St Giles locations.

“This decision has not been made lightly. Despite tireless efforts to secure all stores and protect every role, the continued rise in operating costs and significant changes in customer spending habits have left us unable to sustain the business in its current form.

“We are heartbroken for the impact this has on our incredible team members, who have worked with such passion and dedication to deliver the warm, welcoming Butterwick experience that so many of you have come to love. We are immensely proud of every one of them and deeply grateful for their commitment.

“Looking ahead, however, this is not the end of Butterwick – it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter. By focusing on Rushden and Northampton, we will be returning to our roots: an authentic in-store bakery experience where craft, freshness, and creativity come first.”