British chocolate maker and 3 other giant companies crash into administration
British chocolate maker and 3 other giant companies crash into administration this week (Image: Getty)
The number of businesses in the UK going into administration and even closing down has significantly increased lately, with another four being announced this week. With less than two months into 2026, many businesses have come forward to share their struggles, including clothing brands, construction companies, art galleries, jewellery brands and more, impacting many jobs.
Company administrations have risen by 41% since December 2025 and January 2026, according to figures from the Insolvency Service. The increase indicates growing challenges for retail and hospitality sectors, as escalating costs, the rise of online shopping, and weak consumer spending have formed a tough market landscape. Here are the four companies that have entered administration in hopes of avoiding closures this past week.
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Marasu’s Petit Fours is London’s largest producer of premium chocolates (Image: Getty)
1. Marasu’s Petit Fours
London-based business Marasu’s Petit Fours is a prestigious UK chocolate maker that has supplied Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods.
It is London’s largest producer of premium chocolates with an annual production of over 300 tons from its 25,000 sq ft facilities in Park Royal.
Marasu’s appointed administrators on February 6, and it was announced on Tuesday (February 17).
The cause of its downfall remains unclear; nonetheless, it comes after Prestat entered administration.
The upscale chocolatier, established in 1902, closed its iconic Piccadilly store in central London last week due to increasing financial strain from low sales and rising cocoa costs.
2. Jules B
Popular designer clothes shop with high street stores, Jules B, has gone into administration.
The retail store, which sells clothes, shoes and accessories from leading fashion brands, stocks well-known names such as Mulberry, Paul Smith and Ugg.
Its administrators were appointed on February 17 and have been named as Philip Ross and Allan Kelly, both of FRP Advisory Trading Limited.
Founded in 1984, this acclaimed independent retailer claims to have transformed into a “leading force in the world of fashion”.
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Popular designer clothes shop with high street stores, Jules B, has gone into administration (Image: Getty)
3. Andra Jewels Limited
Andra Jewels Limited, with a workforce of approximately 50 employees, serves as a manufacturing partner for several brands.
The company, located in Birmingham, focuses on creating a variety of jewellery and providing production assistance. They offer services such as laser welding, setting, polishing, and plating to different brands.
However, on Monday (February 16), the business appointed Andrew Pear and Milan Vuceljic from Moorfields as administrators.
Although the future of Andra Jewels Limited is uncertain, the administrators are now focused on preserving the business.
4. Jerram Falkus Construction
UK construction business Jerram Falkus Construction has fallen into administration after operating for 142 years.
The construction firm suddenly shut down this week, with the notice of appointment of an administrator confirmed on February 17.
The news has left many people feeling shocked and confused, as the closure appeared to happen unexpectedly.
The long-standing family-owned business has been serving London and the South-East since 1884, handling projects ranging from £2 million to an impressive £40 million.
