Hospice completes retail restructure to ensure sustainable future for its shops

St Nicholas Hospice Care has completed its consultation process on its proposed restructure of its retail operation, first announced in April.

These changes form part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity’s services across West Suffolk and Thetford.

The restructure follows a thorough review of the hospice’s retail model, conducted with the support of an independent charity retail expert.

Like many charities, the hospice is navigating increased costs and changing market conditions. In response, it is moving to a simplified and more effective retail approach.

As part of the process, 16 roles were initially identified as at risk of redundancy. This number reduced to 13 during consultation.

As part of the restructure, eight colleagues have been made redundant. All affected individuals were offered personalised support throughout the consultation process.

Linda McEnhill, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This has been a difficult but essential process, and all the decisions taken were not easy ones.

“We extend our deepest thanks to the eight colleagues whose roles have been affected. Their contributions have been greatly valued, and we wish them all the very best for the future.

“While some roles have changed because of the restructure, all hospice shops remain open, and by focusing our resources where they can have the greatest impact, we are protecting the future of hospice care for our community.

“Our shops remain a vital part of that mission, and every supporter who donates, shops, or volunteers continues to make a real difference.”

The changes reflect the charity’s wider strategy to build financial sustainability and improve the profitability of its retail offer, a vital source of income for the charity.

The new more cost-effective approach, will allow shops to run more independently, reducing reliance on central infrastructure, and therefore maximising the value of donated goods.

House clearances, which carried high costs, have now ended, and the sale of new goods has been scaled back to concentrate on high-performing core activity.

The charity’s Barton Road store and donation centre will be developed into a superstore, and a collection and delivery service will be offered for larger goods including furniture.

Linda added: “These steps will help ensure that our shops and our supporters can have the biggest possible impact. Every item donated, sold, and gifted through Gift Aid will go further in supporting our patients and families.”

The hospice continues to strengthen its financial future through other initiatives too, including a national legacy campaign, outsourced lottery management, and increasing statutory funding by expanding the number of beds on its in-patient ward.

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