In the early months of 2026, the UK has seen a notable rise in the number of businesses entering administration and permanently closing down. Various sectors, including fashion, construction, food distribution, and energy, have reported their struggles, leading to job losses.
Within the last two weeks, an alarming 40 companies have gone into administration, as per notices published in The Gazette, the official public register of the UK.
Government data shows that in January 2026, the number of administrations surged by 41% compared to December 2025 and by 14% from January 2025.
Several well-known companies, such as a sporting goods retailer, an energy firm, a furniture chain, a food distributor, and a construction company, have recently faced financial difficulties.
King Foods, a business established in 1994 supplying various food products to catering businesses in northeast Scotland, has entered administration, leading to the redundancy of over 40 employees. The company cited rising operational costs and fierce industry competition as reasons for its closure.
Quicks Archery, founded in 1949 by David George Quick, has also gone into administration, with all online orders on hold. The company appointed Jonathan Paul Philmore of Philmore & Co Ltd as the administrator, causing delays in customer orders.
Amber Energy Solutions LTD has joined the list of firms entering administration, leaving 170 employees seeking new jobs. The UK energy company, once recognized for its innovative energy efficiency solutions, appointed administrators as reported by The Gazette.
Pagazzi Lighting, a long-established decorative lighting and home accessories specialist, has unfortunately gone into administration, resulting in the closure of 11 stores and job losses.
M&J Builders in Oldham has named administrators, while Alastair Dick Tarmac Ltd, another construction company based in Kilmarnock, has also entered administration after more than a decade in the industry.