Popular brands have entered administration (Image: mihailomilovanovic via Getty Images)
Several recognisable UK brands have gone into administration in recent days. It has proved a difficult time for companies, with numerous firms taking the difficult step of appointing administrators.
Companies can enter administration when they cannot pay their debts, typically referred to as insolvency. Proposals to restructure the business are made, and an administrator from a qualified accountancy firm takes control until new ownership can be secured. Administration is a lengthy process and may take several months. A business can be placed into liquidation and closed down if generating additional revenue proves impossible. Here are the most recent companies to enter administration:
Malibu Health Products Limited
The producer of the famous Malibu suncream has gone into administration. Its range, which featured sun lotion and tanning oils, was supplied to leading UK retailers, including Morrisons, Boots, The Range, Home Bargains, TK Maxx, Savers and Poundstretcher.
It had operated profitably for 27 years, but the business entered administration on October 15, with Marco Piacquadio and Rachel Ennis of FTS Recovery Limited appointed as administrators. The administrators revealed that a fire struck the firm’s trading and manufacturing warehouse on August 11, reducing essential stock, raw materials, and specialist machinery.
Fortunately, a rescue deal has been finalised. The FTS Recovery spokesperson said: “On the date of the administrators’ appointment, a sale of the goodwill of the business was transferred to a new business operated by the director.”
All nine head office staff are moving to the new enterprise with their contracts, salaries, and statutory workplace protections remaining unaffected. It added: “All manufacturing jobs (numbering around 30) that are employed by a separate company within the group have been unaffected by the administration and the transfer.”
Malibu Health Products has secured a rescue deal (Image: Daily Record)
Wroxham Travel
The Norfolk-based independent travel operator has shut down after entering administration. The business, which launched in 1987, offered customers European trips to destinations including Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain, as well as more far-flung locations such as Bali, Barbados, Thailand and Mauritius.
The company operated two branches, in Hoveton and Aylsham, both in Norfolk. Customer guidance from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has characterised the situation as a “financial failure”.
A statement from ABTA said: “We are sorry to inform you that Wroxham Travel has ceased trading with effect from 30 October 2026. We are now treating this as a financial failure. If you had booked travel arrangements with Wroxham Travel, you should follow the advice set out below.
“If you booked a holiday through Wroxham Travel, the tour operator or principal business with whom Wroxham Travel booked your holiday will be named on your paperwork (or ATOL certificate if it was a flight inclusive holiday; this would be stated on your ATOL certificate under ‘Who is protecting your trip’).
“To ensure your holiday can continue as planned, you will need to contact the credit control department of your tour operator or other principal travel business with whom you have a contract. Your booking should continue as normal, and they will be your direct point of contact.
“Please ensure that you have all your documentation with you, as they may require information from it to assist you.”
J’s Cycle Shack
The sporting goods retailer has entered administration following 12 years of trading. J’s Cycle Shack, which operated branches in Wakefield and Epworth alongside an online shop, has appointed administrators, according to a notice published in the Gazette.
The outlets specialise in bicycles, repair services, cycling equipment, and other useful facilities, while the online platform also offers running kit, nutritional products, footwear, and much more. The enterprise was established by James Wagner in 2014, and what began as a neighbourhood bicycle shop grew into four premises and display centres across the nation.
At present, the branches in Wakefield, Leeds and Epworth are displayed as ‘temporarily closed’ on Google, and the website carries a notice stating: “We are sorry that we’re currently unavailable but, fear not, we’ll be back soon.”
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