Kosher bakery opposite Manchester terror attack synagogue saved from closure

A kosher bakery opposite the Manchester synagogue targeted in last year’s deadly Yom Kippur terror attack has been saved from closure, protecting all 25 jobs.

State Fayre, whose roots date back to 1905, will continue trading from its Middleton Road site in Crumpsall after its business and assets were sold to a new company.

The bakery sits opposite Heaton Park shul, where two Jewish worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in the terror attack on 2 October last year.

The attack has returned to the headlines in recent days after Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, was charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity in connection with the attack.

State Fayre Ltd, which bought the bakery business in 2017, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation earlier this month after struggling with rising costs.

Its trade, assets, brand and goodwill have now been bought by YF & SF Bakery Ltd, a new company set up by former State Fayre director Yehuda Fagleman and his wife, Shiri.

All 25 employees will move across to the new business under TUPE rules, while Fagleman will remain in charge.

State Fayre supplies bread, pastries and cakes to kosher shops, supermarkets, restaurants and other retailers. Its products are sold across Greater Manchester as well as Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow.

Steven Wiseglass, director and founder of insolvency firm Inquesta, said the bakery had faced growing financial pressure since the pandemic.

“After the restrictions were lifted, the company’s financial difficulties continued. Energy costs increased substantially, with monthly bills rising from £2,500 to almost £7,500.

“In addition, significant increases in the cost of food and other raw materials further eroded the company’s profit, along with increased payroll costs resulting from higher statutory wage rates.

“Collectively, these factors placed sustained pressure on the company’s finances. The director concluded that it was no longer sustainable to continue the business and sought our advice. The decision was made to place the company into liquidation.”

He added: “We are pleased to have secured a sale of the trade and assets of the business to YF & SF Bakery Ltd, ensuring the bakery will continue to operate and serve a wide client base across the north west and beyond.

Fagleman added: “We are in a strong position to take the business forward and give State Fayre a new lease of life, with lots of ideas to expand and re-energise, including new product lines and other ventures.

“We are excited to be able to continue serving the loyal individuals and businesses who make up our customer base.”