STAFF have lost their jobs at a Bicester-based bathroom and kitchen distributor Cooper Callas Ltd as the company goes into administration.

The announcement means 41 people from the workforce at Bicester Park, off Charbridge Lane, have been made redundant.

Cooper Callas managing director Philip Carr said: "The significant loss in sales was too great a gap to bridge in the limited time available, with every effort being made to secure the future of the company and its workforce.

"During 2015 the company returned to profitability after several years of losses, underlining the hard work and dedication of all members of staff."

Mark Boughey and Matthew Haw of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Cooper Callas Limited yesterday.

Mr Boughey said: "Earlier this year Cooper Callas suffered the loss of a key supplier that accounted for around 25 per cent of its turnover.

"Despite the efforts of the directors and other key stakeholders, it was not possible to secure the necessary additional funding and investment that was required to meet the resulting trade losses and shortfalls in working capital.

"Regrettably, a number of redundancies have been necessary, and we are working closely with the managing director and the remaining workforce to oversee an orderly wind-down of the business."

Cooper Callas used to also own a building in St Thomas' Street, Oxford, which has had plans submitted to be redeveloped into a hotel and microbrewery.