Jobs as risk as BHS is due to go into administrattion

This is yet another blow for business and employment in the city, with fears that jobs at the local branch could be at risk.

Talks with Sports Direct to sell some of BHS’s 164 stores collapsed over the weekend.

In a letter to staff, BHS owner Dominic Chappell said: “It is with a deep heart that I have to report, despite a massive effort from the team, we have been unable to secure a funder or a trade sale.”

Mr Chappell said he was “sincerely sorry” and assured staff they would be paid their wages this month.

He added: “I would like to say it has been a real pleasure working with all of you on the BHS project, one I will never forget, you all need to keep your heads held high, you all have done a great job, but remember that it was always going to be very very hard to turn around.”

He suggested that Phil Duffy, a managing director at Duff & Phelps, had been appointed as administrator.