Threat to jobs at furniture retailer in administration

Bedroom and kitchen furniture retailer Betta Living has appointed administrators, putting about 300 jobs at risk.

The company has closed all 24 stores, including at Aylesford Retail Park and a concession inside Dobbies in Ashford, citing “rising occupational costs” from new stores.

Many customers have been told they will not have goods delivered, even if they have paid for them.

Orders with the company are not being dispatched, with administrators FRP Advisory LLP set to write to customers this week.

Roger Mapstone, of Seabrook Road, Hythe, paid a deposit of £500 for a new kitchen, which was due to be delivered on Monday.

He said: “We knew nothing about them going bust until Tuesday morning.

“We chose Betta Living because they were a family-run business with more than 50 years’ experience of providing quality kitchens.

“We are absolutely gutted. We had local fitters lined up to take delivery of the units and install them straight away after taking out our old kitchen.

“We paid a deposit of £500 which I don’t suppose we will get back.”

The Oldham-based business, formally known as Dean House Limited, and its assets have been put up for sale.

In the last few years the firm had expanded rapidly, including opening its Aylesford store in 2014, growing revenues from about £16 million to £50 million.

Anthony Collier, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “

“If any customer has a query we would ask them to consult the company’s website or contact us at bettaliving@frpadvisory.com.”

Wren Kitchens, which has branches in Aylesford and Broadstairs, said it would honour any kitchen quotes given by Betta, although it reserved the right to withdraw the offer in the event of high demand.

Managing director Mark Pullan said: “For those who have paid a deposit and are worried that they may have lost money, please email or go into your nearest Wren store with both your kitchen order and proof of payment and Wren will not only match the Betta Living quote but we will also honour any deposit you have paid up to 10% of the order value.”