UK butcher’s shop plunges into liquidation – in business for more than 30 years | UK | News

A butcher that has been in business for 30 years has collapsed into liquidation. The Surrey Butchers in Godalming has appointed liquidators today (May 28), according to the Gazette.

The shop’s Instagram says they have been trading in Godalming High Street for over thirty years and “continue to provide an outstanding service to our customers”. It sold free-range meats including poultry, game, beef, lamb, and pork, such as its award-winning Godalming sausages. The Surrey Butchers shared the closure on its website, saying: “Sadly despite our best efforts we have permanently closed. We would like to thank all our customers for their past support.” Dermot Coakley and Svetland Chan from WSM Marks Bloom in Guildford have been appointed as liquidators. It will be a blow to customers, who say the butchers’ has a “great, friendly, helpful team” with “outstanding” and “delicious” meat.

This comes after UK business administrations surged by 41% in January 2026, driven by high-street failures, rising wages, weaker consumer spending, and higher operating costs.

Official Insolvency Service statistics show 151 companies entered administration in January, representing a 14% increase compared to January 2025. By late February, insolvency rates remained elevated with significant retail and hospitality pressures.

Sarah Rayment, managing director and global co‑head of restructuring at Kroll, said: “The key question at this point in the year is whether distress and insolvencies will continue to rise given the pressures facing UK businesses. The reality is that every sector will face headwinds this year.”

Todd Davison, managing director at Purbeck Insurance Services, said business failures can also affect company directors personally.

“Many directors will have signed personal guarantees to secure loans, overdrafts or trade finance,” he said, warning that failed guarantees can put personal assets, including property and savings, at risk.

Other brands that have recently gone into administration include National Car Parks (NCP), which has been in business for almost 100 years, and Denby Pottery, which has been trading since 1809 and is known worldwide.