Historic Lancashire Bakery Faces Closure After 120 Years: Over 100 Jobs at Risk
A beloved Lancashire institution, Oddie’s Bakery, stands on the brink of closure after nearly 120 years of serving the community, putting more than 100 jobs at risk unless a rescue deal can be found.
The family-owned business, which operates 13 stores across Lancashire, faces mounting pressure from soaring energy costs and declining high street foot traffic.
Founded in 1905 by William Henry Oddie with its first shop in Colne, this fourth-generation family business has weathered numerous historical challenges, including two world wars, the Great Depression, and even the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The bakery chain, known for its fresh bread, hand-crafted confectionery, and savory pies, has been a cornerstone of Lancashire communities for generations.
Lara Oddie, the current director, spoke candidly about the situation: “Energy costs have quadrupled, and fewer people are visiting high streets. These challenges forced the family to put the business up for sale. Regrettably, our buyer’s sudden withdrawal left us with no alternative but to contemplate shutting down our business.
The potential closure could have an impact on multiple communities, as the stores are spread across:
- Burnley (Brownside Road, Colne Road, Coal Clough Lane, Network 65, Padiham Road, St James’ Street, The Mall)
- Padiham (Burnley Road)
- Colne (Market Street)
- Foulridge (Skipton Road)
- Nelson (Scotland Road, Leeds Road)
The bakery’s rich history includes a notable visit from then-Prince Charles in 2005 to celebrate its centenary. Through the decades, Oddie’s has been more than just a bakery—it has been a vital part of Lancashire’s cultural fabric. Historic photographs show its significance during crucial moments, including long queues during the 1977 bread shortage.
Tim Mills, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets, the accounting firm advising Oddie’s, explained: “The current business climate is extremely challenging. We’re actively exploring sale options with interested parties, hoping to secure the group’s future and save as many jobs as possible.”
The company’s journey through time is remarkable. After William Henry Oddie established the business, it passed to Jack Oddie, who managed it for decades before Bill Oddie took over in 1988. The bakery previously maintained a strong presence in Blackburn, including a popular market stall.
The possible closure of Oddie’s represents more than the loss of a business—it signals the end of a historical era in Lancashire’s food heritage. As advisors Azets and Brabners Solicitors work to find a solution, the future of this cherished local institution hangs in the balance.
The story of Oddie’s reflects broader challenges facing traditional British high street businesses, where rising operational costs and changing consumer habits threaten long-standing community establishments. As the search for a buyer continues, local residents and employees alike hope this Lancashire landmark can find a path to survival in these challenging times.