Popular chocolatier, bike maker and 4 more crash into administration
A chocolate maker that has been in business for 40 years is just one of several companies currently in administration (Image: Getty)
A chocolate maker, a bicycle maker and an e-cigarette giant are just some of the companies that have gone into administration in the past few days. From construction to hospitality, businesses across the country cited rising operational costs, including energy and materials, as reasons to call for help.
Many have appointed administrators to help save all or part of their businesses. This often means closing or restructuring stores and sites, resulting in staff redundancies. However, this does not always mean complete closure. Here’s the latest management news you need to know.
Read more: UK’s e-cigarette giant goes into administration – ‘Britain’s biggest supplier’
Read more: Popular chain closes 16 restaurants after taking over administration
Marasu’s Petit Fours
The British chocolate manufacturer, which has been operating for 40 years, announced that the management has gone bankrupt. It was founded in 1986 by pastry chefs Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler, who wanted to make world-class chocolates for London’s best venues.
It was acquired by Prestat Group in 2006 and has since supplied Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harrods. It is London’s largest producer of premium chocolate.
It was pumping more than 300 tons a year from its 25,000-square-foot facility in Park Royal. However, as he has faced difficult market conditions in recent months, he felt the need to approach managers.
An e-cigarette company went into administration (Image: Getty)
JM Wholesale
A Midlands vape distributor has gone into administration following a notice on Friday (March 20). JM Wholesale distributes electronic cigarette devices, e-liquids, disposable electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches with more than 15,000 products on offer.
It has previously described itself as the largest distributor of vapes, CBD and cigarettes in the UK.
A message on the website reads: “We are not accepting orders at this time. The website is currently undergoing maintenance. Thank you for your patience.”
According to the latest accounts for the year ending February 2025, the company had 47 employees.
Frog Bikes
This premium children’s bike manufacturer has unfortunately gone into administration. Founded in 2013 by Jerry and Shelly Lawson.
The brand is known for producing lightweight bikes for young riders, and Olympic cycling engineer Dimitris Katsanis is also working on its designs.
William and Catherine’s youngest son, Prince Louis, was seen on one of his bikes in a photo published to commemorate his third birthday in April 2021.
The company attributed its financial difficulties to a combination of factors that made it difficult to continue operating.
The management of a large photography studio that had been operating for more than 40 years also collapsed (Image: Getty)
Holborn Studios Ltd.
Holborn Studios Ltd has collapsed into administration after more than four decades of serving the creative industries.
Based in Eagle Wharf Road, north London, the company has gained a reputation as a prime location for photographers, filmmakers and creative professionals looking for a centrally located studio to rent.
It described itself as an award-winning facility offering flexible spaces for photo shoots, film production and events.
Over the years it has expanded its offering to include equipment rental and venue hosting for events such as weddings, parties and corporate events.
A ‘world-class’ company applied for administration (Image: Getty)
Ourea Events Limited and Skyline Road
The UK’s main organizer of ultra-distance trail racing has gone into administration after 15 years of running some of the toughest and most prestigious running events in Britain.
The two companies, which share a trading address at Bleaze Farm in Kendal, Cumbria, run famous events such as the Dragon’s Back Race, Cape Wrath Ultra, the Northern Traverse series and Skyline Scotland.
They were described by participants and the media as offering “world-class events” that attracted top runners from around the world.
The collapse followed a sudden announcement on March 12 that Ourea Events had ceased trading with immediate effect.
Ron Crouch Transportation
A little further afield, this large Australian family business, which has been operating since 1978, has gone into administration, potentially leaving creditors facing losses of up to $23 million (£17.1 million).
Founded in New South Wales, the company provided transport services between some of Australia’s main cities, with stations in its home city of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Last year the business went into voluntary administration. Managing director Geoff Crouch blamed staff shortages, government regulations and economic pressures for its failure.
According to executives, the company was losing more than $500,000 (£375,000) every month in the run-up to its collapse.
