Oddie’s Bakery, a cherished establishment in Nelson since its founding in 1905, has announced its unfortunate closure, marking the end of an era for a business that served as a cornerstone of the community for over a century. The family-run bakery, famous for its freshly baked bread, exquisite hand-crafted confectionery, delectable pies, and savoury items, has fallen victim to a myriad of operational challenges that have increasingly plagued the food service industry in recent years. Faced with crippling financial burdens exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, rising energy costs, persistent inflation, and a significant decline in foot traffic in town centers, Oddie’s Bakery has made the difficult decision to cease operations.
At its peak, Oddie’s Bakery boasted 13 locations across the region, each serving as a testament to the family’s commitment to quality and community. However, despite its illustrious history and resilience through challenging times—including the trials of two world wars, the Great Depression, and the upheaval caused by modern supermarket chains—the bakery was unable to secure a viable rescue deal after exploring options for a complete sale of its business.
Lara Oddie, a director at the bakery and part of the family lineage that has managed the operations for generations, expressed deep sadness over the decision to close. Reflecting on the bakery’s storied history, she remarked on the numerous challenges that the family business had weathered in its 118 years of service. The pandemic, she noted, not only forced the bakery to adapt its operating model but also introduced new hurdles that proved insurmountable. The lingering effects of the Covid-19 crisis, coupled with skyrocketing energy prices that have quadrupled costs and a steady decline in customers visiting high street shops, compelled the Oddie family to make the heart-wrenching choice to sell.
In lifting the veil on the challenges that led to closure, Lara highlighted how deeply intertwined Oddie’s Bakery was with the local community fabric. For many residents in Burnley and Pendle, visiting the bakery was not merely about purchasing food; it was a cherished ritual, a slice of normalcy in a fast-paced world, and a place that offered high-quality baked goods crafted with love and dedication. This connection to the community made the closure all the more painful for the Oddie family, as they relinquish not just a business, but a part of their identity and lifelong commitment to the area.
As the bakery prepares to close its doors for the final time, the family has enlisted BPI Asset Advisory, a professional asset disposal firm, to manage the sale of the bakery’s equipment and remaining assets. This auction presents a unique opportunity for local bakeries, food manufacturers, and catering businesses looking to acquire high-quality bakery equipment and commercial vehicles at potentially bargain prices.
The auction is set to feature an extensive inventory, showcasing the entire contents of Oddie’s Bakery. Participants can expect to see industrial baking machinery, state-of-the-art commercial ovens, delivery vehicles, and other valuable equipment essential for any food production operation. This presents an enticing opportunity for those looking to expand their operations, invest in dependable machines, or upgrade their existing equipment without breaking the bank.
Andy Cromack, a director at BPI Asset Advisory, underscored the significance of this event. He stated, “The closure of Oddie’s Bakery is undoubtedly a significant loss for Lancashire, given its deep roots in the community.” Cromack emphasized the importance of handling the asset disposal process with professionalism, ensuring that the Oddie family can recover value from their equipment while simultaneously allowing other businesses to invest in reliable high-quality assets that have been well-maintained.
He went on to describe the auction as a “fantastic opportunity” for bakers and food producers to secure indispensable equipment that could aid in business expansion or the revitalization of their operations.