Over the past week, several UK businesses have entered administration, including an airline, a popular hotel, and a travel agent. With many planning summer travel, this news is concerning.
Rising Costs Force Business Closures
The mounting costs of running a business remain a serious concern, with energy bills particularly challenging. This affects consumer spending, leaving some companies with no option but to call in administrators. Here is a roundup of the latest administration news.
Zenith Aviation
This UK-based charter airline has entered administration, grounding all flights and resulting in 41 job losses. Headquartered at London Biggin Hill, the airline suspended operations after seeking administrator help. Paul Hargreaves of Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited was appointed to oversee the company, with hopes of securing a sale or rescue package. Founded in September 2013, Zenith Aviation described itself as a leading provider of private jet charters, aircraft management, and engineering services across the UK and Europe.
Tripsmiths and TS Travel
The UK tourism firm, operating holiday trips and excursions, has entered administration. Tripsmiths and TS Travel offered adventures to destinations like French vineyards, African safaris, and Italy's Lake Garda. It has been confirmed that the company's assets and business have been sold. All existing bookings will be honoured, and future holidays will proceed as planned.
Lakes Bathrooms
A family bathroom firm has been acquired by Hiatt Hardware Group after entering administration. Hiatt purchased Lakes Bathrooms Ltd and Lakes Showering Spaces, a premium brand in the UK bathroom industry. The takeover saved over 120 jobs. Administrators were appointed for Lakes Bathrooms on Monday, the same day as the sale, according to a notice in The Gazette. Based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Lakes operated as a family business for 40 years since its founding in 1986.
A To Z Packaging Ltd
A major player in the British food and beverage supply chain has collapsed into administration, ending nearly 23 years of independent trading. The firm, previously operating as 4 Aces Limited, was established in 2003 and grew to become a leading independent wholesale manufacturer and supplier of catering disposables, specialising in food packaging, vending cups, and biodegradable paper straws. According to an official notice in the London Gazette, a meeting will be held on June 8 to consult creditors on the administration process.
The Buckingham Butcher Ltd
This family-run business, led by father and son Trevor and Harry Denton, has entered administration. The firm prides itself on sustainable, locally sourced meat. Based in Buckingham, it supplies fresh meat and poultry to restaurants, pubs, schools, colleges, private healthcare providers, and catering services. According to a notice in the London Gazette on May 18, administrators were appointed in the High Court of Justice on May 11. Zane Collins of Rushtons Insolvency Limited in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, was named administrator.
OYO Devonshire Park Hotel
A much-loved Eastbourne hotel has entered administration. The Victorian-era building, near the seafront, is within walking distance of Eastbourne Pier and the Bandstand. It has a 4.7 out of five-star rating on TripAdvisor from over 1,500 reviews. A recent guest commented: "Excellent place to stay, central for what we wanted. Rooms very comfy. Staff very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was excellent, also. Highly recommend." Administrators Andrew Andronikou and Andrew Hosking of BTG Begbies Traynor were appointed on May 14.
