British high street retailer and 5 more giant businesses fall into administration

Just under three months into 2026, there has been a significant increase in the number of businesses in the UK facing administration or even closing down. This year, numerous companies have come forward to share their struggles, including high street retailers, construction firms, food suppliers, energy companies, and more, which is impacting many jobs.

Last month, it was reported that 146 companies had entered administration, according to notices published in The Gazette, the official public record of the UK. The number of administrations was 4% lower than in January 2026 but 30% higher than in February 2025. Just a few company administrations announced now include a giant high street retailer that’s set to shut its remaining stores next month, a fashion retailer that’s been running since 2010, a British gas company that’s been going for 13 years, and three more major companies.

Game

Major high street retailer Game headed into administration in January for the second time in over a decade, following weak sales over the Christmas period last year.

The company has now announced that they are closing all its standalone shops from April.

Their website will carry on trading as normal, and the retailer will maintain its presence as concessions within Sports Direct and House of Fraser shops, with over 200 locations currently.

Balibaris

French menswear label Balibaris has been put into redressement judiciaire, the French equivalent of administration, by the Paris Economic Activities Tribunal.

Established in 2010, Balibaris operates in the upper-middle tier of the men’s clothing market, showcasing collections crafted in Europe and a modern tailoring approach.

The retailer operates 57 sales points in France and maintains an international presence, with four boutiques in London, as well as one shop in Brussels and one in Luxembourg.

Fly Play

Icelandic airline Fly Play, headquartered in Reykjavík, confirmed it had entered administration, and all services have been grounded.

Play was established in July 2019, commencing operations from its base at Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavik, in June 2021.

The board of Play said in a statement: “There are many reasons behind this decision. The company’s performance has long fallen short of expectations, ticket sales have been poor in recent weeks and months following negative media coverage, and internal disagreements among some employees regarding strategic changes have further strained the situation.”

Caldwell Construction Ltd

Caldwell Construction Ltd, with revenue of about £58million, has collapsed into administration.

The construction company traded from bases in Warrington and Stoke-on-Trent and provided groundworks services to developers across North West England and the Midlands.

However, rising costs and project delays put the business under strain, according to BPI Asset Advisory, which is to auction the company’s assets from March 23 to 27.

Utility Meters Warehouse Ltd

The Manchester-based company for gas measurement and pressure control equipment entered into administration, according to a notice published on the London Gazette website on Thursday (March 18).

The company has been providing technical solutions for the utilities industry since 2013, but its technical expertise draws on 50 years of gas engineering knowledge through its leadership and staff.

Michael Lennon and Mark Blackman, both of KR8 Advisory Limited, were appointed as joint administrators, with the likely goal of rescuing the business or selling its assets to repay creditors.

Kingsway SLG

UK housing firm Kingsway SLG has appointed administrators after spending years in receivership following the bankruptcy filing of its parent company, owing £114 million.

Former bosses of the group, which was known for converting historic buildings in Liverpool into popular hotels, were declared bankrupt in 2024.

Kingsway SLG officially appointed administrators from Leonard Curtis on March 19, according to The Gazette.