The UK's industrial landscape has suffered a significant blow with the news that historic metal recycling firm CF Booth has entered administration, putting approximately 200 jobs at immediate risk.
A Century of Industry Comes to an End
The Rotherham-based company, which was founded in the 1920s, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Friday, 16 January 2026. Joint administrators James Ronald Alexander Lumb and Howard Smith of Interpath Advisory were officially appointed, as confirmed by a notice in The London Gazette.
This move brings a definitive end to more than a century of family involvement in one of Britain's most prominent metal recycling operations. The collapse follows closely on the recent passing of the firm's director and owner, Ken Booth.
CF Booth Ltd grew from a modest local scrap trader into one of Europe's largest independently run metal recycling companies. For generations, it was a major employer in the Rotherham area, specialising in the purchase and processing of metals like steel, copper, and aluminium for the UK manufacturing sector.
Community Reaction and Economic Pressures
News of the administration has been met with sadness and concern across the community and industry. Many have taken to social media to express their dismay.
One person recounted a conversation with a long-serving employee, writing: "Was there Thursday, was speaking to a forklift driver who’d been there nearly 50 years - he was gutted. Best forky that ever loaded me."
Others pointed to the challenging economic climate facing the sector. One comment highlighted: "There’s a big upheaval in the scrap market in the UK at the moment. Demand has fluctuated massively and costs have soared. I can’t blame the family for calling it a day."
The firm's main site, the Clarence Metal Works near the Rotherham Ring Road, has long been an industrial landmark and a key local employer. Its closure represents a substantial loss for the town's economic fabric.
Ripples Through the Supply Chain
The impact of the collapse extends far beyond the company's direct employees. Heritage organisation the National Wagon Preservation Group released a statement expressing sadness not only for the staff but for the wider supply chain.
It said: "Sad news that CF Booth is winding up its operations following the passing of Ken Booth a few weeks ago. With 200 staff on the books and many more throughout the supply chain, it’s not happy new year for them."
CF Booth is the latest in a string of high-profile UK business failures in recent months, underscoring the persistent pressures on the manufacturing and recycling sectors from volatile markets and soaring operational costs.
