Several major UK companies have entered administration, including a nostalgic crisp brand, a prominent alcohol supplier, a sustainable swimwear firm, and an automotive engineering company. The businesses have cited escalating expenses, mounting financial strain, and tough market conditions as key reasons for their decisions.
Crisp Brand Glens of Antrim Potatoes Collapses
Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, founded in 1972, has entered administration after 54 years of trading and will no longer be making snacks. The company delivered potatoes to retailers throughout the UK and Ireland before launching the Glens of Antrim Crisps brand in 2015, which quickly reached shelves at major retailers including Tesco and Sainsbury's.
The firm cited challenges from rising costs in the agri-food sector, including employment costs and fuel and energy prices, which made running the business no longer financially viable.
Amber Beverage Group UK Enters Administration
Amber Beverage Group UK (ABG UK), founded in 1999, has plunged into administration after 27 years. Over 25 members of staff have lost their jobs. Official public records show the company entered administration on Monday, October 19, after a number of failed attempts to sell the business.
The company distributed wine and spirit brands to stores including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Co-op. Its core brands include Moskovskaya Vodka, Rooster Rojo Tequila, KAH Tequila, The Irishman Whiskey, Writers' Tears Whiskey, Riga Black Balsam, Cross Keys Gin, and Cosmopolitan Diva.
Swimwear and Engineering Firms Follow
Away That Day Ltd, a UK swimwear company specialising in sustainable swimwear, has entered administration according to a notice in the London Gazette. Established in 2019, the business aimed to create "stylish, high-quality & eco-friendly summerwear for women around the globe."
Pneuride, a UK automotive engineering firm, has collapsed into administration after nearly 20 years, putting over 50 jobs at risk. The business provided advanced electronic control systems and air suspension components from its Coventry base before shuttering.
VMS Fleet Management Also Winds Down
VMS Fleet Management, a contract hire and fleet management company, has gone into administration after 24 years in business. The company operated around 6,570 vehicles, providing vehicles, maintenance, refrigeration services, and other services across the country. Its vehicles were used by major clients including Iceland.
The decision to place the company into administration followed a winding-up petition, with financial difficulties cited as the reason. The company will now be "wound down" after unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer.
