UK high street crisis as 1,631 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 | UK | News
Hundreds of stores closed in the UK during 2025 (Image: Getty)
More than 1,600 companies filed for administration in 2025, highlighting ongoing pressures on businesses across the UK. According to a new analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau published on January 9, a total of 1,631 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025. While this figure represents a 5% decrease compared with 2024, it remains 22% higher than in 2022.
Retail was the hardest-hit sector, with administrations rising 24% from 237 in 2024 to 293 in 2025, according to data from The Gazette Official Public Record. Some well-known companies that filed for administration in the last 12 months include Claire’s, Seraphine, Quiz Clothing, and TGI Fridays, and construction firms like EML and Versarien.
READ MORE: High street jewellery chain with ‘£28m turnover’ plunges into administration
READ MORE: Iconic UK metal firm plunges into administration – 200 jobs at risk
TGI Fridays is preparing a pre-pack administration plan (Image: Getty)
The Original Factory Shop, owned by Modella Capital, has also just filed for administration. It first issued a notice of administration on January 5 and reissued it on January 16.
Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The retail sector remains under significant pressure. Despite a slight easing of inflation and interest rates, consumers remain cautious and price-sensitive. Footfall continues to lag and many businesses have not been able to adapt to the new retail landscape.”
Other sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, and construction also recorded high numbers, collectively making up more than half of all administrations.
Greater London continued to see the most business failures, recording 390 administrations, slightly down from 393 the previous year.
Meanwhile, filings increased significantly in other regions, including a 15% rise in the North West to 286 and an 11% increase in the South East to 207. Yorkshire and the Humber (121) and the West Midlands (120) rounded out the top five regions.
Mr Taylor said: “While the year-on-year drop in administrations is worthy of note, the overall picture for business remains challenging.
“With 1,631 appointments being made, we are still seeing more businesses enter administration than in 2021 and 2022, and distress remains widespread across multiple sectors and regions.”
He added: “These figures, while worthy of note, do not detract from the fact that the trading environment for many businesses remains highly challenging. Many companies are surviving through short-term fixes, but without sustained growth, improved consumer confidence and better access to funding, there are still choppy waters to navigate.
“Geopolitical uncertainty, post-election policy shifts, energy costs, the aftermath of the recent budget, and continued weak economic growth are still creating an unpredictable environment for business. Firms must remain agile and, above all, proactive.
“Our advice remains unchanged – seek expert help early. The sooner directors act, the more tools are available to protect the business and find a viable path forward.”
