Four Major UK Companies Enter Administration as Insolvencies Surge 41%
The number of businesses across the United Kingdom entering administration has risen dramatically in recent weeks, with four significant companies confirmed to have collapsed this week alone. This troubling trend comes as corporate administrations surged by 41% between December 2025 and January 2026, according to official data from the Insolvency Service.
With fewer than two months of 2026 elapsed, numerous enterprises have disclosed severe financial difficulties and ceased operations. The affected sectors span fashion retail, construction, art establishments, jewellery manufacturing, and luxury food production, putting countless jobs at risk across the nation.
Mounting Pressures on Retail and Hospitality Industries
The sharp increase in administrations highlights the mounting pressures facing the retail and hospitality industries specifically. Soaring operational expenses, the relentless growth of internet shopping, and persistently sluggish consumer expenditure have created an exceptionally challenging commercial environment for traditional businesses.
This week's casualties include a prominent designer clothing retailer, a historic construction firm, a specialised jewellery manufacturer, and a prestigious chocolate producer. The full list of companies that have entered administration provides a sobering snapshot of the current economic climate.
Marasu's Petit Fours: Luxury Chocolatier Collapses
London-headquartered business Marasu's Petit Fours, the capital's largest producer of premium chocolates, has appointed administrators. The prestigious UK chocolate manufacturer supplied products to luxury retailers including Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods.
Operating from a 25,000 square foot premises in Park Royal, the company had an annual output exceeding 300 tons of luxury chocolates. Administrators were appointed on February 6, with the news becoming public on Tuesday, February 17. The exact reason for its collapse remains uncertain, though it follows Prestat's own entry into administration last week.
The luxury chocolatier, founded in 1902, recently shut its famous Piccadilly outlet in central London due to mounting financial pressures from poor sales and escalating cocoa prices.
Jules B: Designer Fashion Retailer Falls
Popular designer clothing retailer Jules B, with multiple high street branches, has entered administration. The fashion outlet offered garments, footwear, and accessories from top fashion labels including renowned names like Mulberry, Paul Smith, and Ugg.
Administrators Philip Ross and Allan Kelly from FRP Advisory Trading Limited were appointed on February 17. Established in 1984, this celebrated independent retailer had evolved into what it described as a "leading force in the world of fashion" before its collapse.
Andra Jewels Limited: Manufacturing Partner Struggles
Andra Jewels Limited, a Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer employing approximately 50 staff members, has entered administration. The company operated as a manufacturing partner for multiple brands, specialising in producing various jewellery pieces and delivering production support services.
Their services included laser welding, setting, polishing, and plating for various brands. On Monday, February 16, the company appointed Andrew Pear and Milan Vuceljic from Moorfields as administrators. While the prospects for Andra Jewels Limited remain unclear, the administrators are currently working to safeguard the business and its operations.
Jerram Falkus Construction: Historic Building Firm Collapses
UK building firm Jerram Falkus Construction has collapsed into administration following 142 years of continuous trading. The construction company abruptly ceased operations this week, with the notice of appointment of an administrator confirmed on February 17.
The announcement has left numerous stakeholders feeling stunned and bewildered, as the closure appeared to occur without warning. The established family-run firm had been operating across London and the South-East since 1884, managing construction projects valued between £2 million and an impressive £40 million.
The collective collapse of these four diverse companies underscores the breadth of economic challenges facing UK businesses. From luxury retail to construction, no sector appears immune to the current financial pressures. As administrators work to manage these situations, the 41% spike in corporate insolvencies suggests more businesses may face similar difficulties in the coming months unless economic conditions improve significantly.
