THE founder of Lakeland has promised to try to save its Beverley store after it was put into administration.
Richard Standring has spoken out about his devastation at being forced to put the 50-year-old family business into administration, but has vowed to do everything he can to save the 18 stores and 200 jobs now at risk of permanent closure across the country.
Eight jobs are under threat at the fashion shop in Saturday Market.
Staff have welcomed the pledge from Mr Standring.
Store manager Lana Pelham has worked at the Beverley shop for seven years.
She said: "We are all devastated that Lakeland has gone into administration.
"It is another blow for Beverley.
"We are all trying to remain positive and the public support has been overwhelming.
"We would like to thank all our customers for their support.
"Our only hope now is that they will save the business."
The retailer went into administration last Friday with the immediate closure of four stores in the UK.
Administrators McTear Williams and Wood said the 18 remaining outlets will stay open as they work to save the business.
Mr Standring said: "Our staff are what keeps me fighting to survive. I can't thank them enough. Telling them they were being put in to redundancy consultation was the hardest thing I've ever done. Yet, no one was angry or demoralised. The spirit was incredible.
"I explained that to help the business survive and come through the other side we need to maximise sales in the next few months.
"The reaction of our staff was immediate. Closing down signs went up and they got down to serving customers to help the business.
"It wasn't just the stores, head office and warehouse staff worked at the weekend to help the business survive.
"I don't know what I've done to deserve such loyalty but I'll never forget how strong our people are."
A closing down sale has already started in the Beverley store in order to liquidate stocks to settle creditor claims. It is hoped heavy discounting across all leather goods and summer fashion lines will help keep the stores trading until the business is rescued.
