Sussex businesses are owed a total of more than £1 million by Wilko, it can be revealed. 

The high street giant, which closed its final Sussex store at Horsham's Swan Walk shopping centre on Sunday, owes businesses based in the county a total of at least £1,061,522, according to Wilko's statement of affairs. 

Wilko tumbled into administration back in August after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers.

The family-owned business hired administrators from PwC who tried to save the retailer. 

PwC held talks with interested firms but was unable to secure a rescue deal for the whole firm, with a potential takeover by HMV owner Doug Putman collapsing.

Of the 14 firms based in Sussex, Wilko owes money to, the largest sum is owed to Nestle, whose UK head office is based in Gatwick. 

The retailer owes the food and drink conglomerate a total of £539,749. 

Paladone Products, a wholesaler which trades in technology, homewares and accessories, in Shoreham, is also owed £174,358. 

Wilko is also in £65,941 of debt to estate agent Stiles Harold Williams, in Dyke Road, Brighton. 

Rug Doctor, the carpet cleaning service based in Worthing, is also owed nearly £150,000. 

Because Wilko did not secure a rescue deal, administrators sold off a raft of the company’s assets in order to pay off creditors.

Documents recently released by Wilko’s administrators reveal the budget retail chain owes a total of £157,261,588 to its creditors. 

Last month, Poundland said it had offered jobs to more than 200 former Wilko workers and has already reopened 20 of these sites under its brand.

However, the Times has reported that some of the store takeovers could fail after the new owners were accused of delaying completion with efforts to set up new rent and lease arrangement with move favourable terms.

The Wilko brand will not disappear from the high street completely despite the collapse, after The Range struck a deal to buy its brand, website and intellectual property for £5 million.

The Range said it will sell Wilko products “in-store”, although it is currently not expected to set up standalone Wilko shops.

The full list of companies that are owed money by Wilko in Sussex is:

  • Global Freight Solutions, Horsham - £16,297
  • Sussex Communications Ltd, Upper Beeding, £60
  • Amber House, Lewes - £11,941
  • JRP Distribution Ltd, Chichester - £75,909
  • Paladone Products, Shoreham - 174,358.
  • Posturite Ltd, Polegate - £3,434
  • Flude Property Consultants, Brighton - £15,675
  • Stiles Harold Williams Partnership, Brighton - £65,941
  • Rug Doctor Ltd, Worthing, £145,036
  • Municipal Security Ltd, Handcross - £4,398
  • A and E Cyzer Pension Scheme, Horsham - £6,667
  • P&L Superior Pet Beds Ltd, Hastings - £2,057
  • Nestle Purina UK Commercial, Gatwick - £539,749