Littlehampton and Rustington jobs under threat as British Bookshops goes into administration

The chain has 51 stores, based primarily in the South of England, its headquarters in Brighton, and employs around 300 staff.

It opened its store in Montague Street, Worthing, in May after closing its former premises also in Montague Street, in early 2009.

Administrators from restructuring company Zolfo Cooper said there were no plans to cut jobs or cease trading while a new owner is sought.

But the company could not guarantee the future of individual shops in the longer term.

A spokesman for Zolfo Cooper said: “It’s too early to say what will happen to indivudal stores, but at the moment the intention is to keep trading while the administrators look for a new buyer.”

Simon Appell, partner of Zolfo Cooper, said: “Today’s appointment is unfortunately the result of cash flow difficulties suffered by the business, coupled with the tough trading climate for retailers and especially booksellers at present.

“This is an attractive company with a large network of stores across the South of England and we have already received expressions of interest from potential buyers.

“In the meantime, we would like to thank staff for their patience and continued professionalism during this difficult period.”