Six Major Companies Including Chocolate Maker and Bicycle Firm Enter Administration
A chocolate manufacturer with four decades of history, a premium children's bicycle company, and a vaping distributor are among six businesses that have recently entered administration. Companies across various sectors, from construction to hospitality, have pointed to escalating operational expenses, particularly energy costs, as key factors driving their need for financial assistance.
Administration Process Explained
Several firms have appointed administrators in an effort to rescue all or parts of their operations. This process frequently leads to the closure of shops and premises or significant organisational restructuring, often resulting in job losses. However, administration does not always signify a complete shutdown, as some businesses may continue trading under new arrangements.
Marasu's Petit Fours Chocolate Manufacturer
This British chocolate maker, operational for 40 years since its founding in 1986 by patissiers Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler, has fallen into administration. Originally established to produce luxury chocolates for London's finest establishments, the company was acquired by the Prestat Group in 2006. It subsequently supplied prestigious retailers including Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods, earning recognition as the capital's largest manufacturer of premium chocolates.
The business produced over 300 tonnes of chocolate annually from its 25,000 square foot Park Royal facility. Recent challenging market conditions have prompted the decision to appoint administrators, marking a significant setback for this long-standing enterprise.
JM Wholesale Vaping Distributor
A Midlands-based vape distributor has collapsed into administration following a notice filed on March 20. JM Wholesale supplied vape devices, e-liquids, disposable vapes, and nicotine pouches, stocking more than 15,000 products. The firm had previously claimed to be Britain's largest distributor in the vaping, CBD, and smoking sector.
A statement on its website indicates that orders are not currently being accepted due to maintenance. According to its most recent accounts for the year ending February 2025, the business employed 47 staff members.
Frog Bikes Children's Bicycle Manufacturer
This premium children's bicycle manufacturer, established in 2013 by Jerry and Shelly Lawson, has unfortunately entered administration. The company gained recognition for creating lightweight bikes designed specifically for young cyclists, with Olympic bike engineer Dimitris Katsanis contributing to its innovative designs.
Prince Louis, the youngest child of William and Catherine, was famously photographed riding one of their bikes in an image released to mark his third birthday in April 2021. The firm attributed its financial difficulties to multiple factors that made continuing operations unsustainable.
Holborn Studios Ltd Creative Facility
Following more than four decades serving the creative industries, Holborn Studios Ltd has entered administration. Located on Eagle Wharf Road in north London, the business established itself as a premier destination for photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals seeking studio hire in a central location.
Promoted as an award-winning facility providing flexible spaces for photo shoots, film production, and events, the company expanded its services over the years to include equipment hire and venue hosting for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Ourea Events Limited and Skyline Trail Race Organiser
The main UK organiser of ultra-distance trail races has also entered administration after 15 years of staging some of Britain's most challenging and prestigious running events. Operating from Bleaze Farm in Kendal, Cumbria, the two businesses arranged renowned events including the Dragon's Back Race, Cape Wrath Ultra, Northern Traverse series, and Skyline Scotland.
Described by participants and media as delivering "world class events" that attracted top runners globally, the failure follows a sudden statement on March 12 that Ourea Events had ceased trading with immediate effect.
Ron Crouch Transport Australian Company
This major Australian family-owned company, operating since 1978, has plunged into administration, potentially leaving creditors with losses of up to $23 million (£17.1 million). Established in New South Wales, the firm offered transport services between several of Australia's major cities, operating stations in its birthplace as well as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Last year, the company voluntarily entered administration. Executive director Geoff Crouch attributed its downfall to a combination of staff shortages, governmental regulation, and economic strains. In the lead-up to its collapse, the business was reportedly losing over $500,000 (£375,000) each month, according to administrators.
