14/10/2009

Jobs Lost In BB's Coffee Up North

There's more bad news on jobs this week as over a dozen jobs have been lost in Belfast after the closure of the BB's Coffee & Muffins franchise in the Castlecourt centre.

The move has prompted speculation that other Northern outlets owned by the Republic of Ireland-based chain - including a high-profile location at the Quays in Newry - may also be in jeopardy.

The move comes following what the Limerick-based chain said was "a comprehensive review" of its entire operations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

A spokesman also confirmed that the cuts to its portfolio of stores was "as a direct result of the economic downturn".

The BB's brand originated in 1975 in Australia - the initials originally stood for Baker's Bun - as an in-store bakery, and the concept arrived in Britain in 1997 and Ireland three years later.

It has six franchises north of the border and 20 in the Irish Republic.

BB's also operates a training academy in Limerick, providing training for new franchises and on-going training for existing partners.

However, the chain's operations in the Republic won't be affected by the latest spending review and no jobs are to be lost there.

(BMcC/KMcA)


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