Celebrations as Cannock firms told they can stay
More than 20 small businesses are celebrating after being told they will not be forced to find new premises following the collapse of a shopping centre operator.
UK-wide InShops, which has a base in Cannock shopping centre, went into liquidation last week leaving more than 1,000 shopkeepers homeless.
Now businesses in Cannock have been told they are safe after being named among stores that have been taken over by Salford-based Birwood Properties.
Selina Oates, who runs Cannock Print at InShops, said today the news came as a huge relief.
She said: "We were all told about the liquidation which was a bit of a shock. But at the same meeting we were told of the takeover and that we were among the stores that were being saved. It's great news."
The InShops centre in Cannock has capacity for about 45 shops, with just under half currently occupied.
Ms Oates, from Telford, said: "Some people have been here for 15 years, so it would have been a big upheaval.
"The centre is doing well. We have customers from Walsall and other places shopping here and business is very steady."
In a statement, InShops said it had suffered from increasing losses and was unable to generate sufficient cash to allow them to continue. Creditors will meet on Tuesday to appoint liquidators.
