Retail


BrewDog Sold For £33m

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Hospitality News Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Update 27th March Tilray Brands from the US has bought the firm for £33m it has been reported.  The company owed a staggering £550m to its creditors it has been revealed by the administrators official report. ___________ BrewDog, the Scottish craft brewer best known for brands such as Punk IPA, has confirmed it has appointed AlixPartners to run a “structured and competitive” process to assess the business’s next phase of investment. This move that has fuelled speculation the company could be sold, or potentially broken up into separate parts. In a statement, BrewDog said the decision follows “a year of decisive action in 2025” focused on cost control and operating efficiencies, describing the appointment as a “deliberate and disciplined step” aimed at strengthening the long-term future of the brand and its operations. The company also stressed that bars and breweries will continue to operate as normal while options are evaluated. AlixPartners is widely recognised for its work in, turnaround and restructuring.  It is often engaged by businesses that are under pressure or looking to make significant changes quickly. Its reported that the process could explore multiple outcomes, from attracting fresh investment to an outright sale, with some commentary suggesting bidders may be interested in different elements of the group (for example, the brewing/brands side and the bar estate) if a break-up delivers better value than a single transaction. For customers and employees, BrewDog’s message is reassurance: day-to-day operations continue and “no decisions have been made”. For stakeholders, the key point is that this is now a structured process rather than informal market soundings — meaning the company is likely to move at pace to test appetite and options. This announcement is another sign of how hard the hospitality markets remain, with input costs, wage pressures and cautious spending continuing to squeeze margins across the sector. If your business is facing similar pressures and you are worried about trading or paying creditors then it is vital to act early.  This makes any sudden issues more manageable.

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BrewDog Sold For £33m

PM Law Group Closed Suddenly Due To SRA Intervention

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Law Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

PM Law Group has abruptly shut down across multiple offices and brands in the UK, creating disruption for clients, property chains and ongoing casework. The group is headquartered in Sheffield and traces its roots back to personal injury firm Proddow Mackay, established in Maidenhead in 1990. An archived version of the group’s website from December stated it had over 600 staff, underlining the scale of the closure. The shutdown appears to have happened without warning. A BBC report on the Kendall office of Butterworths Solicitors (part of the group) featured a sign in the window stating: “Due to regularity matters the PM Group of Businesses carried out within this building can no longer trade.” Many of the group’s associated websites also became unavailable around the same time, and PM Law’s main website is no longer live. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has now confirmed formal regulatory action. In an outcome notice published on 4 February 2026, the SRA recorded a closure decision with an intervention outcome on the same date. The notice lists a range of connected entities the SRA has intervened into, spanning the PM Law and Proddow Mackay brands as well as other linked practices, including Butterworths Solicitors and WB Pennine Solicitors. While the legal basis is technical, the practical purpose is straightforward: an intervention is a client-protection step that allows the regulator to secure client files and client money and to put an immediate stop on trading where required. The SRA has appointed an intervening agent to manage the process and handle enquiries: John Owen of Gordons LLP (Bradford). For enquiries, clients and interested parties are directed to call 0113 227 0368 or email PM@gordonsllp.com. PM Law Group appears to have operated through at least 14 law firm brands, with several specialising in conveyancing, alongside personal injury, wills and other legal services. The group also reportedly included related businesses supporting conveyancing and claims operations, including Lexelle (legal expenses insurance/claims management) and OSOI Global, an India-based outsourcing provider offering fixed-price services to conveyancers such as title checking. Financial detail is limited because the group claimed an audit exemption, but accounts filed at Companies House for Proddow McKay Solicitors LLP one of the group companies showed that as at 31 October 2024 the group had creditors of £11.1m. The Group companies and brands appear to be operated under a HMRC VAT group in which all members are jointly and severally liable for any VAT the group owes to HMRC. At 31 October 2024 the overall liability held by this company totals £1,435,017. Its quite unusual for a solicitors company to simply cease trading without SRA intervention. In this case the business appears to have closed the doors last Friday 31st January and did not reopen Monday 2nd February. Some employees had been told not to turn up over the weekend. However the SRA website shows that it intervened yesterday Wednesday 4th February. https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/press/pm-law/

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PM Law Group Closed Suddenly Due To SRA Intervention

Barry M In Administration Move As January Insolvencies Continue

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail

Barry M, one of the UK’s best-known cosmetics brands, has filed an intention to appoint administrators and is urgently seeking a buyer, highlighting the continued pressure on retailers as the new year gets underway.January has already seen a notable rise in insolvencies, as many retailers reach the point where Christmas takings have been banked but ongoing costs and liabilities remain, leaving little room to manoeuvre once seasonal trading ends.The business, which is known for its colourful nail varnishes and affordable vegan cosmetics, has appointed restructuring specialists Begbies Traynor to explore rescue and sale options.Barry M supplies a number of major high-street retailers, including Boots and Superdrug, alongside operating its own direct-to-consumer online store.Despite outward signs of stability, recent accounts show turnover rising to £17.4 million for the year to February 2024, with improved profitability. However, increasing operating costs and ongoing supply-chain disruption have eroded margins, leaving the business vulnerable despite growing revenues.Barry M was founded in the 1970s by Barry Mero, initially trading from Ridley Road Market in east London. Over the following decades, the brand became a household name, associated with bold colours, accessible pricing and ethical credentials.Following Mero’s death in 2014, his son Dean took over the business, maintaining its vegan and cruelty-free positioning and expanding its digital and social media presence. In 2024, the company undertook its first major rebrand in decades in an effort to appeal to younger consumers.The business manufactures its products at a 45,000-square-foot facility in Mill Hill, north London, employing more than 100 people. While UK-based production has long been central to the brand’s identity, rising energy prices, labour costs and regulatory compliance have significantly increased overheads compared to overseas competitors.Barry M’s administration reflects wider difficulties across the UK retail and beauty sectors. Over the past year, a number of well-known brands have entered insolvency processes or reduced their footprints as consumer spending weakens and cost pressures remain elevated.Quiz clothing has also made a similar move

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Barry M In Administration Move As January Insolvencies Continue

Quiz Clothing In Administration Rumours

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail

Update 10th AprilThe stores have continued to trade since the administration as the administrators have tried to rescue the company.  However a review is being done and it is likely that some of the stores will close according to reportsUpdate 5th FebruaryIt has been confirmed that Quiz Clothing has gone into administration today.--------------Quiz Clothing is rumoured to be close to administration according to reports in the papers that cites the source as the Telegraph.  I must admit I cannot find such an article except this one.Anyway, The fast fashion retailer has apparently filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.  It should be borne in mind that this is often a protective measure which gives the company breathing space, initially for 10 days,  to put together a rescue plan.  It has been reported that funds are looking at injecting it with new capital.Quiz currently has 40 stores across the UK, including in London and Manchester.  The company also employs around 1000 people.The company in a statement said it had disappointing sales during the Christmas trading period and blamed labour policies that have pushed up their costs.The Sun reported that a spokesman for the company had said that all Quiz Shops continue to remain open.

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Quiz Clothing In Administration Rumours

TOFS In Administration

in Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

TOFS has gone into administration with Interpath, being appointed administrator of the Burnley-based discount retailer as of today.  1200 jobs thought to be at risk. Update 19th January 2026TOFS has filed a second intention to appoint administrators. This is its last chance to find a buyer for the business.  The moratorium lasts 10 days.  After the moratorium expires and no buyer is found then the company will go into administration and most likely most of the stores will close.The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), bought by Modella Capital just four weeks ago, is working with advisers at Interpath on a potential company voluntary arrangement, Sky News has reported.​Modella is looking at a CVA in order to close underperforming businesses and impose rent reductions on others.Potential reorganisation suggestions are also believed to include a significant distribution centre.It is understood that the creditors will meet to vote on the proposal in Mid May.  It is hoping that 88 stores will get rent reductions.There will undoubtedly be some job losses among TOFS's employees, which was estimated to be around 1,800 at the time of last month's takeover, if any so-called "landlord-led" CVA caused store closures. What is a landlord led CVA? A CVA allows the company to terminate its liabilities under a lease provided that the majority of creditors by value (75%) agree. Landlords who do not have large arrears or rent owed to them are permitted in law to vote to the value of only 12 months rent.  In the majority of cases, landlords make up a small proportion of the total debts so they are routinely out voted by suppliers, HMRC etc.This explains why many retailers use this as a way of reducing rental costs as they can make up a high proportion of the companies costs but not their liabilities. So in other words they can get rid of loss making stores and not be on the hook for the 5 year lease.  By applying pressure on landlords, by threatening a CVA, they can get rent reductions on premises that might otherwise have to close.TOFS, which sells beauty brands such as L'Oreal, the sportswear label Adidas and DIY tools made by Black & Decker, has about 180 outlets.​​We will keep this page updated once we know more.

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TOFS In Administration
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The Revolution Bars Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

The Revel Collective, the national bar and gastro pub operator trading primarily under the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba, and Peach Pubs brands, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.The move follows confirmation late last year that the group was actively pursuing a formal sale process to identify a buyer or buyers for the business. While those discussions are understood to be well advanced, the company has acknowledged that the transactions currently under consideration are not expected to deliver any return to shareholders, prompting action to safeguard creditor interests.Unless circumstances change, administrators are expected to take control of the business and its portfolio of around 60 venues within 10 business days. Trading to Continue as Sale Process Advances The group has confirmed that it will continue to trade during the notice period, including its Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues in Glasgow and Aberdeen, while working with advisers to “preserve as much value as possible for all stakeholders” as the sale process progresses. Impact of Government Measures Cited The Revel Collective, which rebranded from Revolution Bars Group following a restructuring in October 2024, attributed its financial difficulties to the cumulative impact of government interventions announced in the most recent Budget. The company said these measures had undermined efforts to improve trading performance across the estate. Background and Leadership Founded in 1991 as a single bar in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester, the business was established by Roy Ellis and Neil Macleod, both of whom exited the company in 2013.The group is currently led by chief executive Rob Pitcher, with the 2024 restructuring also seeing entrepreneur Luke Johnson appointed as non-executive chairman. What This Means for Creditors The filing of a notice of intention to appoint administrators provides the company with a short period of legal protection from creditor action while options are explored.During this time, creditors cannot commence or continue legal proceedings without court permission.The business is continuing to trade, which may help preserve value while a sale of some or all of the business is pursued.If administrators are appointed, they will assess whether a sale, restructuring, or closure of venues offers the best outcome for creditors.Unsecured creditors should be aware that recoveries will depend on the value realised from any sale and the level of secured and preferential claims.

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The Revolution Bars Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators

CW Sellors Goes Into Administration

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Retail

CW Sellors, a Derbyshire-based jewellery retailer, has entered administration, with Lee Causer and Ben Peterson of BDO appointed as joint administrators. The appointments followed the filing of a notice of intention to appoint administrators via Browne Jacobson. A connected entity, Cessbrook Investments, has also entered administration. The business, founded in 1979, operates retail outlets in Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock, Shrewsbury, York and Whitby. As part of the administration strategy, the Whitby operations will be consolidated into a single store, W Hamond, with four stores closing. All other locations continue to trade. Online orders are not currently being accepted, and the administrators are seeking a purchaser for the business. The company experienced cash-flow pressure following investment in new manufacturing and training facilities, alongside rising overheads and reduced demand during the cost-of-living crisis. Thirty-six employees have been made redundant, with approximately 50 retained to support ongoing trading during the sale process. Lee Causer, Joint Administrator at BDO, said:“The business has been experiencing challenging trading conditions, with rising overheads and lower demand for its high-end products. “Regrettably, 36 people have been made redundant with immediate effect. The company’s remaining 50 employees will be retained for a period to assist the Administrators to trade the business whilst a buyer is sought.”In its most recent accounts to April 2024, CW Sellors reported turnover of £28.5m, down from £30.4m in the prior year, and losses in excess of £2.1m. The business employed around 190 staff at that time. Directors noted that the year was impacted by the death of the founder and managing director in September 2023, alongside a tightening consumer environment. The accounts stated:“This has been a unique and challenging year for the business. We lost our founder and managing director in September 2023 following a period of illness, and the business initially found it difficult to adapt to that loss. This coincided with a tightening market as the cost of living crisis began to take hold.”The company continued to invest during the period, including the development of the Waters View site near Carsington Water, intended as a new headquarters incorporating manufacturing, showroom, and hospitality facilities. The directors said:“Notwithstanding these challenges, the business continued to invest for the future…”However, the Waters View development was subsequently placed on the market via Savills after construction costs increased significantly, with the overall build cost doubling following Covid-related inflation. The company concluded that completion of the project was no longer financially viable.

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CW Sellors Goes Into Administration

Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop in Administration Threat

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Retail

Update 5th January 2026For the second time Claire's has filed an intention to appoint administrators and the owner Modella Capital has also done the same for the Original Factory Shop.  This puts 2500 jobs at risk and is another blow to jobs in the High Street. Modella Capital bought the chain out of administration only in September 2025.  In a statement Modella said there had been a huge drop off in trade and that administration was the only option.----------------------------It has been reported that Claire's, the fashion accessories chain, has filed an intention to appoint administrators at the court today.  Interpath have been lined up to try and rescue the company, the move puts 2,150 jobs at risk.​​​​​The company has 278 shops in the UK and 28 in Ireland but has been struggling with falling sales and fierce competition.  The US arm of the company has already gone into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.Claire's said all outlets will continue trading while administrators at Interpath said they will "assess options for the company" once appointed.​Mr Cramer, the chief executive, said: “This decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire’s across all markets.”Mr Wright at Interpath said: “Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.”​​The UK chain sits as part of the Claire’s empire, which stems from a base in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.Claire’s French business, which has 239 stores, was forced to call in receivers last month.As such, it isn't really a UK specific problem.  The main issue has been that the teenagers and "tweens" who have been the bedrock of Claire's customer base worldwide now buy their "accessories" online, via influencers and from the likes of Temu and Shein.Many retailers have used CVAs to try and reduce costs but in the case of Claire's the problems were probably too deep and the benefit of exiting a few leases or reducing rents was not going to be enough.​A loan of £355m is due to be paid back in December 2026 and it is likely that the lenders ( who are secured so not bound by a CVA ) felt that time was up.  The last 3 years the company has lost £25m and turnover has fallen to £137m

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Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop in Administration Threat
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TGI Fridays Expected To Do A Pre Pack Administration

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Update 5th January 2026It is understood that TGI Fridays is likely to be sold next week in a Pre Pack Administration.  It is reported that about 15-20 stores may close.  This will mean the majority of the estate will disappear.  It is expected that there will be hundreds of redundancies amongst the 2000 staff.Sugarloaf acquired the chain from Breal Capital and Calveton UK in October of this year and immediately sought to sell it. However, it has been reported that the company filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on the 5th of December. Could it be that TGIs could go into a CVA? The CVA would only really work if the main problem was high rents or just certain outlets needed to be closed down.  The money that it owes its lender is no doubt secured so they have the power to call in administrators at any time.Without knowing more about its exact financial position it is hard to say.If the company does go into administration it is likely that a number of the restaurants, which are making money, will be snapped up by other restaurant groups and may continue to trade under the TGI brand.  If not then the owners will take advantage of their prime locations.

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TGI Fridays Expected To Do A Pre Pack Administration

LK Bennett in Administration Move

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

LK Bennett filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators before Christmas.  As such, it looks like the company is going into administration for the second time. What has happened? Following the last administration the firm was ultimately acquired by Rebecca Feng, who ran the brand’s franchises in China, through Byland UK.  The estate was reduced to just 9 stores.Following the acquisition, the firm initially experienced growth, expanding into new categories such as bridal wear, opening stores in key locations, returning to profitability and moving its flagship store and headquarters to Bond Street in London.  However it looks like its success was shortlived.LK Bennett, has 9 stores in the UK and employs 500 people.  The company are struggling financially, and looking to close if no new funding can be found.Problems on the High Street have been well documented recently with high rents and rates, uncertainty, and increases in minimum wages.The Duchess of Cambridge has been a big fan of the brand and so to have been many middle class affluent shoppers.  Ms Bennett was described as the "queen of the kitten heel"  However this time it looks likely to be gone forever on the High Street.

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LK Bennett in Administration Move

Arnold Laver In Administration Threat

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

National Timber Group England Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators National Timber Group England, one of the UK’s largest timber suppliers, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk as the business seeks urgent restructuring and rescue options. The Sheffield-headquartered division, based on Bramall Lane, forms part of National Timber Group Midco, which has also submitted a notice of intention to appoint administrators, indicating financial challenges across the wider group. The business operates a nationwide network of timber distribution and processing sites, trading under several well-known sector brands including Arnold Laver, National Timber Systems, SV Timber and NORclad. Branches in Alfreton, Nottingham and Leicester are among those expected to be impacted.The Financials The group’s most recent accounts, covering the year ending 31 December 2023, reported: Turnover: more than £196 million Pre-tax losses: £6.3 million Headcount: over 1,000 employeesDespite its scale and longstanding market presence, rising costs and weakening demand across the construction sector have contributed to sustained trading pressures.A Century-Old Timber Business National Timber Group England traces its origins back to 1920, when it was founded in Sheffield by Arnold Laver. Over more than a century, it has grown into a major supplier to: joinery manufacturers housebuilders and contractors large-scale infrastructure projectsThe business is supported by extensive warehousing, processing and distribution capabilities, making it a critical part of the UK timber supply chain.What the Notice of Intention Means A Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators typically provides the company with a short period of protection from creditor action. During this time, options may be explored including: a refinancing or investment deal a sale of the business a restructuring process such as a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) a trading administration if no buyer is found immediatelyThe goal is generally to preserve as much of the business and employment as possible.Sector Impact The construction materials sector has faced sustained challenges, including: reduced housebuilding activity inflationary pressures on imported timber higher financing and logistics costs contractor insolvencies affecting supply-chain payment cyclesNational Timber Group England’s situation is likely to have implications for timber availability and pricing, particularly for joinery and housing developers.Next Steps Administrators are expected to be formally appointed once the NOI period ends, unless a rescue option is secured beforehand. Suppliers, customers and employees are awaiting further updates as the restructuring process progresses.

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Arnold Laver In Administration Threat

Pizza Hut Goes Into Administration According To Reports

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TheBusinessDesk.com has reported that Pizza Hut has gone into administration less than a year after a rescue plan.FTI has been appointed as administrators by DC London Pie Ltd, the business established to manage Pizza Hut UK following a pre-pack agreement. Six weeks after HMRC filed a winding-up petition against the company, the action was taken.Yum! III (UK) Limited, the applicant for today's filing, is a division of Yum! Brands, Inc., an American food outlet operator based in Louisville, Kentucky, which is in control of the company.Last year, 3,000 jobs were spared when Directional Capital, which controlled franchises in Sweden and Denmark, purchased the 139 restaurants in a pre-pack deal.Investor Pricoa Capital, which had supported a management buyout, was owed over £40 million when Pizza Hut UK's former owner, Heart with Smart Limited, went bust.Pizza Hut is to close 68 restaurants and 11 delivery sites with the loss of 1,210 jobs after falling into administration.However, Pizza Hut's global owner Yum! Brands has agreed to save 64 restaurants in the UK, preserving 1,276 jobs.​

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Pizza Hut Goes Into Administration According To Reports