Barely three months into 2026, a dramatic rise in UK businesses entering administration or shutting down entirely has been observed. Among the latest casualties are a major high street chain, a fashion brand, a British gas company, and three other significant firms.
Leading high street chain Game entered administration in January for the second time in over a decade, after disappointing Christmas sales. The business will close all its standalone outlets from April, though its website will continue operating and it will remain as concessions inside Sports Direct and House of Fraser stores.
French menswear brand Balibaris has been placed into redressement judiciaire, the French equivalent of administration, by the Paris Economic Activities Tribunal. Founded in 2010, the chain runs 57 outlets in France and four stores in London, alongside locations in Brussels and Luxembourg.
A Manchester-based gas firm specialising in gas measurement and pressure control equipment went into administration, according to a notice in the London Gazette on March 18. The company, operating since 2013, has appointed joint administrators from KR8 Advisory Limited with the aim of saving the business or disposing of assets.
Icelandic carrier Fly Play entered administration with all flights suspended. The airline, which launched in June 2021, cited poor ticket sales and internal disagreements. Building firm Caldwell Construction Ltd, with a turnover of £58 million, also entered administration due to rising costs and project delays. UK property developer Kingsway SLG appointed administrators on March 19 after years in receivership following its parent company's insolvency.
