British sports retailer and 4 more giant companies crash into administration (Image: Getty)
With less than three months into 2026, the number of businesses in the UK facing administration and even shutting down has seen a notable rise. This year, many businesses have stepped forward to express their difficulties, including clothing brands, construction firms, food suppliers, and energy companies, which is affecting many jobs.
In the last two weeks, an astonishing 40 companies went into administration, as reported in notices published in The Gazette, the official public record of the UK. In January 2026, the number of administrations was 41% greater than in December 2025 and 14% higher compared to January 2025, based on Government statistics. Recently, a popular sporting retailer, an energy company, a furniture chain, a food supplier and construaction company have plunged into administration.
Read more: UK bakery collapses into liquidation – owners left with ‘no choice’
Read more: Tesco confirms UK store closures as it makes opening times change
An archery company has entered administration, with all website orders delayed (Image: Getty)
1. Quicks Archery
Founded by David George Quick, Quicks Archery has been selling archery equipment, parts, kits, books, accessories and gifts since the business was launched in 1949.
The company has entered administration, with all website orders delayed. A notice in The London Gazette was published on Wednesday (March 11), announcing that the Holmfirth-based business had appointed Jonathan Paul Philmore of Philmore & Co Ltd as administrator.
As of Wednesday, Quicks Archery’s official website carries a notice stating that all website orders will be delayed. It reads: “Due to a restructure of the business, all orders placed via the website will be delayed. Thanks for your patience and understanding.”
2. King Foods
King Foods, established in 1994, has plunged into administration, with more than 40 workers being made redundant
The Aberdeen-based company was responsible for food deliveries to businesses across north-east Scotland. The food company also runs its stores in Edinburgh and Stirling.
The business was forced to make a difficult decision after the business came under intense strain from rising operational costs and increasing competition within the sector.
3. Amber Energy Solutions LTD
Amber Energy Solutions LTD has filed for administration with 170 staff members now looking for new work.
The UK energy company has been appointed administrators, The Gazette reported on Monday (March 9).
The seemingly successful mid-size has been described as the UK’s “number one independent third party intermediary (TPI) in the energy sector,” and it was recognised as a top 101 most innovative energy efficiency company in the UK in 2021, reports Cold Chain Federation.
Pagazzi Lighting is a go-to specialist for decorative lighting, mirrors and home accessories (Image: Getty)
4. Pagazzi Lighting
Pagazzi Lighting, renowned across Scotland and Northern England, was founded nearly half a century ago and has become a go-to specialist for decorative lighting, mirrors and home accessories.
However, the popular family furniture chain has entered administration, forcing the closure of 11 stores and putting dozens of staff out of work.
Despite operating for 45 years, the company’s previous success was not enough to shield it from a “sustained period of poor trading” and mounting financial pressures.
5. M&J Builders
M&J Builders, based in Oldham, has appointed Craig Johns and Jason Mark Elliott of Cowgills Limited, Bolton, as administrators, The Gazette reports.
The builders offer several services, including building work, strip and demolition, ground works, diamond drilling, concrete cutting and roofing.
This comes after another construction company, Kilmarnock-based Alastair Dick Tarmac Ltd, also filed for administration after more than a decade in business.