Kosher caterer Celia Clyne has been forced to call in liquidators to dissolve her business after more than 25 years.
The Manchester-based businesswoman who heads up the company with husband Barry and son Mark told the JC her business had been a “victim of the pandemic and of having very large premises”.
Mrs. Clyne, who has previously served the likes of US Presidents, British Prime Ministers and the Late Princess Diana, said: “We had to liquidate after having not been able to work for 16 months. Even though we’ve been crazy busy this summer, we have a huge backlog of rent to pay and the furlough scheme has also ended.”
One of the largest caterers in the UK kosher market, Mrs Clyne’s company has been feeding guests at functions all over the country for over 25 years including thousands of visitors to the last two Limmud conferences prior to the pandemic. The Manchester premises that she operated from was over 15,000 Sq ft and had more than 50 full-time employees.
Celia's website contains testimonials from dozens of grateful customers describing the service and 'immaculate food'.
Mrs Clyne explained that she has had to cancel a number of planned events: “I’m still calling clients to explain, but everyone is very sympathetic”.
Son, Mark’s business, Celia’s Kitchen, a delicatessen and takeaway is unaffected.