Liquidator appointed for former Preston coffee shop Ham & Jam

Ham & Jam, in Lancaster Road was launched in 2015 and became especially popular among the local arts community.

Despite a loyal customer base and an array of good reviews, its owners say that roadworks and regeneration works in the city centre led to a dramatically reduced footfall in the shop this year, leaving it unable to continue as revenues fell.

It closed its doors for the final time on June 30.

Ian McCulloch, director of Begbies Traynor in Preston, who has been appointed liquidator today, said: “This was a business popular with the local community as well as people from outside of Preston looking for good coffee in pleasant and unique surroundings.

“After enjoying nearly three years of successful trading and building a popular brand, the owners say they were unfortunately affected by a dramatic decline in footfall and revenue due to roadworks and regeneration works in the city centre.

“Despite best efforts to keep the business trading as a going concern the business had to be closed down and we are now looking to get the best outcome as swiftly as possible for creditors affected.”

Ham & Jam owner Richard Lowthian said recently: “It has just come to a point now where we can’t afford to carry on.

"Of course we welcome the regeneration of the city – they’re doing a fantastic job – but it has come at a cost to this part of the city.”