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{{Short description|Discount supermarket}}
ran into ground by poor managment
{{Other uses|Fresh Express (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses|Fresh Express (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| company_name = FreshXpress
| name = FreshXpress
| company_logo = [[File:FreshXpress.png|250px]]
| logo = FreshXpress.png
| logo_size = 250px
| fate = [[Administration (law)|Administration]]
| fate = [[Administration (law)|Administration]]
| slogan = Local, Fresh, Friendly
| type = [[Supermarket]]
| company_type = [[Supermarket]]
| foundation = February 2007
| foundation = February 2007
| defunct = April 2009
| defunct = April 2009
| predecessor = [[Kwik Save]]
| predecessor = [[Kwik Save]]
| successor = Stores converted into [[Costcutter]]
| successor =
| location = [[Warrington]], [[Cheshire]]
| location = [[Warrington]], [[Cheshire]]
| industry = [[Retail]]
| industry = [[Retail]]
Line 16: Line 17:
| key_people = Brendan Murtagh
| key_people = Brendan Murtagh
| num_employees = 130
| num_employees = 130
| locations = 9 stores (at final closure)<ref name=ie>{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/future-not-so-bright-for--discounter-freshxpress-1341254.html |title=Future not so bright for discounter FreshXpress |publisher=Independent.ie |date=2008-04-07 |accessdate=2008-04-19}}</ref>
| locations = 9 stores (at final closure)<ref name=ie>{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/future-not-so-bright-for--discounter-freshxpress-1341254.html |title=Future not so bright for discounter FreshXpress |work=The Irish Independent |date=7 April 2008 |access-date=19 April 2008}}</ref>
| parent = FX Holdings
| parent = FX Holdings
| subsid =
| subsid =
| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20071226032734/http://www.fresh-xpress.co.uk/ FreshXpress official website (Web Archive)]
}}
}}


'''FreshXpress''' was a discount [[supermarket]] chain in the [[United Kingdom]]. It was originally formed in 2007, from the rump of the defunct [[Kwik Save]] chain, by Irish retail entrepreneur [[Brendan Murtagh]]. It existed in its original form between July 2007 and March 2008, culminating in it going into [[Administrative receivership|administration]], and was then resurrected in a smaller form, however during 2009 the resurrected company also went into administration, and has since ceased to exist.
'''FreshXpress''' was a discount [[supermarket]] chain in the [[United Kingdom]]. It was originally formed in 2007, from the rump of the defunct [[Kwik Save]] chain, by Irish retail entrepreneur Brendan Murtagh.
It existed in its original form between July 2007 and March 2008, culminating in it going into [[Administrative receivership|administration]], and was then resurrected in a smaller form, however, during 2009, the resurrected company also went into administration, and has since ceased to exist.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:FreshXpress Fawdon.jpg|left|thumb|FreshXpress [[Fawdon]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], a typical style of FreshXpress store inherited from [[Kwik Save]], this store has since been demolished and a new [[Netto]] store built.]]
[[File:FreshXpress Fawdon.jpg|thumb|FreshXpress [[Fawdon]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], a typical style of FreshXpress store inherited from [[Kwik Save]], this store has since been demolished and a new [[Netto (store)|Netto]] store built.]]


=== From the remains of Kwik Save ===
=== From the remains of Kwik Save ===
In February 2007 Brendan Murtagh, a major shareholder in Cavan-based Kingspan building materials group backed 70% of a £50 million rescue plan for [[Kwik Save]], with the Kwik Save managing director, Paul Niklas covering the remaining 30%.<ref name=ie/> Murtagh's son Alan had already been a director of the business before he got involved.<ref name=ie />
In February 2007, Brendan Murtagh and his son Alan Murtagh, major shareholders in the [[County Cavan]]-based [[Kingspan]] building materials group, backed 70% of a £50 million rescue plan for [[Kwik Save]], with the Kwik Save managing director, Paul Niklas, covering the remaining 30%.<ref name=ie/>
Murtagh's son Alan Murtagh had already been a director of the business before he got involved.<ref name=ie />


=== A new beginning ===
=== A new beginning ===
FreshXpress Retail Limited first had 56 stores,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kwiksave.co.uk/docs/KPMG%20Press%20Release%20.pdf KPMG |title=Press release |publisher=Kwik Save |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071006021032/http://www.kwiksave.co.uk/docs/KPMG |archivedate=2007-10-06}}</ref> all of which were formerly ''Kwik Save'' stores before the chain went bankrupt. On 6 July 2007, 56 stores stayed open, forming FreshXpress in an £18m deal, saving around 600 jobs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/07/07/600-kwik-jobs-safe-89520-19420191/ |title=600 Kwik Jobs Safe |publisher=The Mirror |date=2007-07-07 |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6279474.stm |title=Kwik Save shops sold in £18m deal |accessdate=2007-07-06 |date=2007-07-06 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The FreshXpress stores officially opened on 21 July 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/docs/freshXpress%20launches.pdf |title=A fresh face on your doorstep |publisher=FreshXpress |accessdate= 2008-03-16 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070928200952/http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/docs/freshXpress%20launches.pdf |archivedate=2007-09-28}}</ref> '''Prodo''' and '''The Think Tank''' assisted with the creation of the new brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prodo.com/case-studies/freshxpress.php |title=FreshXpress Case Study |publisher=Prodo.com |accessdate= 2008-03-16 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070918142320/http://www.prodo.com/case-studies/freshxpress.php |archivedate=2007-09-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thinktank.org.uk/casestudies/freshxpress_supermarkets.htm |title=FreshXpress Case Study |publisher=The Think Tank |accessdate=2008-07-25|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080616141844/http%3A//www.thinktank.org.uk/casestudies/freshxpress_supermarkets.htm |archivedate = June 16, 2008|deadurl=yes}}</ref> In the middle of September 2007, due to poor trading results this portfolio of stores was reduced from 56 to just 23 better performing stores,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/store_list.htm |title=Store list |publisher=FreshXpress |accessdate= 2008-03-16 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080328112541/http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/store_list.htm |archivedate=2008-03-28}}</ref> the closed stores were sold in chunks to [[Tesco]], [[Sainsbury's]], and [[The Co-op]].<ref name=ie/>
FreshXpress Retail Limited first had 56 stores,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kwiksave.co.uk/docs/KPMG%20Press%20Release%20.pdf |title=Press release |date=6 July 2007|publisher=Kwik Save |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006021032/http://www.kwiksave.co.uk/docs/KPMG%20Press%20Release%20.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2007}}</ref> all of which were formerly ''Kwik Save'' stores before the chain went bankrupt. On 6 July 2007, 56 stores stayed open, forming FreshXpress in an £18m deal, saving around six hundred jobs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/07/07/600-kwik-jobs-safe-89520-19420191/ |title=600 Kwik Jobs Safe |work=The Mirror |date=7 July 2007 |access-date=8 July 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6279474.stm |title=Kwik Save shops sold in £18m deal |access-date=6 July 2007 |date=6 July 2007 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The FreshXpress stores officially opened on 21 July 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/docs/freshXpress%20launches.pdf |title=A fresh face on your doorstep |publisher=FreshXpress |access-date= 16 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928200952/http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/docs/freshXpress%20launches.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref>


'''Prodo''' and '''The Think Tank''' assisted with the creation of the new brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prodo.com/case-studies/freshxpress.php |title=FreshXpress Case Study |publisher=Prodo.com |access-date= 16 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918142320/http://www.prodo.com/case-studies/freshxpress.php |archive-date=18 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thinktank.org.uk/casestudies/freshxpress_supermarkets.htm |title=FreshXpress Case Study |publisher=The Think Tank |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616141844/http://www.thinktank.org.uk/casestudies/freshxpress_supermarkets.htm |archive-date=16 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the middle of September 2007, due to poor trading results, this portfolio of stores was reduced from 56 to just 23 better performing stores,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/store_list.htm |title=Store list |publisher=FreshXpress |access-date= 16 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328112541/http://tankftp.trafika.co.uk/FreshXpress/store_list.htm |archive-date=28 March 2008}}</ref> the closed stores were sold in chunks to [[Tesco]], [[Sainsbury's]], and [[The Co-operative Group|The Co-op]].<ref name=ie/> Many of the stores were leased from the [[Somerfield]] group, and have since been leased to other retailers
Many of the stores were leased from the [[Somerfield]] group and are now being leased to other retailers


=== Into administration ===
=== Into administration ===
Between September 2007 and March 2008 more under performing FreshXpress stores were closed down, leaving just nine stores, and Mr Niklas cut his ties with the company.<ref name=ie/> In March 2008 FreshXpress went into administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usdaw.org.uk/foodretail/news/1206633719_11013.html|title=FreshXpress soon goes stale|publisher=The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers |date=2008-03-27 |accessdate=2008-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2008/04/01/jobs-to-go-at-teesside-store-84229-20701814/ |title=Jobs to go at Teesside store |publisher=Evening Gazette |date=2008-04-01 |accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> On 21 March David Whitehouse of Menzies Corporate Restructuring was appointed joint administrator.
Between September 2007 to March 2008, more under performing FreshXpress stores were closed down, leaving just nine stores, and Mr Niklas cut his ties with the company.<ref name=ie/> In March 2008, FreshXpress went into administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usdaw.org.uk/foodretail/news/1206633719_11013.html|title=FreshXpress soon goes stale|publisher=The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers|date=27 March 2008|access-date=28 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723135248/http://www.usdaw.org.uk/foodretail/news/1206633719_11013.html|archive-date=23 July 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2008/04/01/jobs-to-go-at-teesside-store-84229-20701814/ |title=Jobs to go at Teesside store |work=Evening Gazette |date=1 April 2008 |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref> On 21 March, David Whitehouse, of ''Menzies Corporate Restructuring'', was appointed joint administrator.


=== 2008 ===
=== April 2008 ===
Another vehicle called FX Holdings (formerly Ivybrim), received the go ahead at Manchester Crown Court to acquire the remaining operating outlets.<ref name=ie/> Andrew King, a former executive at Costcutter, one of the company's suppliers was to head up a nine store chain with 130 employees.<ref name=ie/>
Another vehicle called FX Holdings (formerly Ivybrim), received the go ahead at [[Manchester Crown Court]] to acquire the remaining operating outlets.<ref name=ie/> Andrew King, a former executive at [[Costcutter]], one of the company's suppliers was to head up a nine store chain with 130 employees.<ref name=ie/>


=== Into administration again ===
=== Into administration again ===
The parent company of the second incarnation of FreshXpress, FX Holdings was placed into administration and subject to a request for a winding up order in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/ |title=Companies House - FX Holdings|publisher=[[Companies House]] |date=2009-08-10 |accessdate=2009-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59050/pages/7446/page.pdf |title=London Gazette winding up order|publisher=[[London Gazette]] |date=2009-04-30 |accessdate=2009-10-30 }}</ref> All the remaining stores were closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196526 |title=The last FreshXpress store closes its doors|publisher=[[The Grocer]] |date=2009-01-10 |accessdate=2009-10-30}}</ref>
The parent company of the second incarnation of FreshXpress, FX Holdings was placed into administration, and subject to a request for a winding up order in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/ |title=Companies House - FX Holdings |publisher=[[Companies House]] |date=10 August 2009 |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511185854/http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/ |archive-date=11 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59050/pages/7446/page.pdf |title=London Gazette winding up order|work=[[The London Gazette]] |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=30 October 2009 }}</ref> All the remaining stores were closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196526 |title=The last FreshXpress store closes its doors|publisher=[[The Grocer]] |date=10 January 2009 |access-date=30 October 2009}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071226032734/http://www.fresh-xpress.co.uk/ FreshXpress official website (Web Archive)]


{{Defunct UK grocers}}
{{Defunct UK grocers}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Freshxpress}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Freshxpress}}
[[Category:Supermarkets of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Defunct supermarkets of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Companies disestablished in 2009]]
[[Category:British companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Retail companies disestablished in 2009]]
[[Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 08:42, 12 May 2024

For other uses, see Fresh Express (disambiguation).

FreshXpress
Company typeSupermarket
IndustrieEinzelhandel
PredecessorKwik Save
GegründetFebruary 2007
DefunctApril 2009
FateAdministration
HauptsitzWarrington, Cheshire
Number of locations
9 stores (at final closure)[1]
Key people
Brendan Murtagh
ProdukteGroceries
Number of employees
130
ParentFX Holdings
WebsiteFreshXpress official website (Web Archive)

FreshXpress was a discount supermarket chain in the United Kingdom. It was originally formed in 2007, from the rump of the defunct Kwik Save chain, by Irish retail entrepreneur Brendan Murtagh.

It existed in its original form between July 2007 and March 2008, culminating in it going into administration, and was then resurrected in a smaller form, however, during 2009, the resurrected company also went into administration, and has since ceased to exist.

History

[edit]
FreshXpress Fawdon, Newcastle upon Tyne, a typical style of FreshXpress store inherited from Kwik Save, this store has since been demolished and a new Netto store built.

From the remains of Kwik Save

[edit]

In February 2007, Brendan Murtagh and his son Alan Murtagh, major shareholders in the County Cavan-based Kingspan building materials group, backed 70% of a £50 million rescue plan for Kwik Save, with the Kwik Save managing director, Paul Niklas, covering the remaining 30%.[1]

Murtagh's son Alan Murtagh had already been a director of the business before he got involved.[1]

A new beginning

[edit]

FreshXpress Retail Limited first had 56 stores,[2] all of which were formerly Kwik Save stores before the chain went bankrupt. On 6 July 2007, 56 stores stayed open, forming FreshXpress in an £18m deal, saving around six hundred jobs.[3][4] The FreshXpress stores officially opened on 21 July 2007.[5]

Prodo and The Think Tank assisted with the creation of the new brand.[6][7] In the middle of September 2007, due to poor trading results, this portfolio of stores was reduced from 56 to just 23 better performing stores,[8] the closed stores were sold in chunks to Tesco, Sainsbury's, and The Co-op.[1] Many of the stores were leased from the Somerfield group, and have since been leased to other retailers

Into administration

[edit]

Between September 2007 to March 2008, more under performing FreshXpress stores were closed down, leaving just nine stores, and Mr Niklas cut his ties with the company.[1] In March 2008, FreshXpress went into administration.[9][10] On 21 March, David Whitehouse, of Menzies Corporate Restructuring, was appointed joint administrator.

April 2008

[edit]

Another vehicle called FX Holdings (formerly Ivybrim), received the go ahead at Manchester Crown Court to acquire the remaining operating outlets.[1] Andrew King, a former executive at Costcutter, one of the company's suppliers was to head up a nine store chain with 130 employees.[1]

Into administration again

[edit]

The parent company of the second incarnation of FreshXpress, FX Holdings was placed into administration, and subject to a request for a winding up order in April 2009.[11][12] All the remaining stores were closed.[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Future not so bright for discounter FreshXpress". The Irish Independent. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 19 April 2008.
  2. ^ "Press release" (PDF). Kwik Save. 6 July 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2007.
  3. ^ "600 Kwik Jobs Safe". The Mirror. 7 July 2007. Retrieved 8 July 2008.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Kwik Save shops sold in £18m deal". BBC News. 6 July 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2007.
  5. ^ "A fresh face on your doorstep" (PDF). FreshXpress. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  6. ^ "FreshXpress Case Study". Prodo.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2007. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  7. ^ "FreshXpress Case Study". The Think Tank. Archived from the original on 16 June 2008. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  8. ^ "Store list". FreshXpress. Archived from the original on 28 March 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  9. ^ "FreshXpress soon goes stale". The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. 27 March 2008. Archived from the original on 23 July 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
  10. ^ "Jobs to go at Teesside store". Evening Gazette. 1 April 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2008.
  11. ^ "Companies House - FX Holdings". Companies House. 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
  12. ^ "London Gazette winding up order" (PDF). The London Gazette. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  13. ^ "The last FreshXpress store closes its doors". The Grocer. 10 January 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
[edit]
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