New owners help save Huntley’s of Samlesbury farm shop (From Lancashire Telegraph)

New owners help save Huntley’s of Samlesbury farm shop

12:10pm Friday 11th May 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

NEW owners have saved a troubled farm shop after it went into administration.

The future of Huntley’s of Samlesbury was thrown into doubt after the business, at Huntley Gate Farm, Whalley Road, Samlesbury, appointed administrators Leonard Curtis on April 27.

The award-winning venue, which includes a restaurant, farm shop and a number of independent specialist retailers, was run by Eddie and Kate Cowpe.

But now neighbouring farmer Harry Wilson, of Potters Lane, Samlesbury, has taken over the newly named Huntley’s Country Stores Limited.

And in doing so he has safeguarded the jobs of the employees.

Mr Wilson, of Wilson’s Contractors, said: “We just want to leave it absolutely like it is for the time being and keep a low profile.

“I am going to be working in the background.”

Mr Cowpe, said: “It’s business as usual.

“We are up and running and going forwards. There is an outside investor that has come on board.

“I have no further comment to make.”

In a press statement, the business said: “Huntley’s Country Stores Limited announces the acquisition of the assets of Huntley’s of Samlesbury Limited which has ceased trading after it entered into administration.

“Huntley’s Country Stores is a new venture for the Wilson family. They are delighted to announce that there will be no job losses and the Huntley name will continue trading as before.”

The statement said that Wilson’s recognised the hard work of both Mr and Mrs Cowpe in making Huntley’s what it is today. And they looked forward to building on that success.

It said that under the continuing management of Carl Barlow and Lisa Jackson, and their dedicated staff, Huntley’s has a bright future.

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