Popular chocolatier, bike maker and 4 more crash into administration

A chocolate maker, a bike manufacturer and a vape giant are just some of the companies which have plunged into administration over the past few days. Businesses all over the country, from construction to hospitality, have cited soaring operational costs, including energy and materials, as reasons for calling in help.

Many have appointed administrators to help save all or part of their business. This often mean stores and sites close down or undergo restructuring, resulting in staff being let go. However, it doesn’t always mean a full shutdown. Here’s all the latest administration news you need to know.

Marasu’s Petit Fours

This UK chocolate maker, which had been in business for 40 years, announced that it has collapsed into administration. It was founded in 1986 by patissiers Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler, who wanted to make premium chocolates for London’s top locations.

It was acquired by the Prestat Group in 2006 and has since supplied Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods. It’s London’s largest producer of premium chocolates.

It was pumping out more than 300 tonnes a year from its 25,000 sq ft facilities in Park Royal. However, it has faced difficult market conditions in recent months, hence its need to call in the administrators.

JM Wholesale

A Midlands vape distributor has entered administration after the submission of a notice on Friday (March 20). JM Wholesale distributes vape devices, e-liquids, disposable vapes and nicotine pouches, with over 15,000 products on offer.

It has previously described itself as the largest distributor within the vaping, CBD and smoking category in the UK.

A message on its website reads: “We are not accepting orders at this time. The website is currently undergoing maintenance. Thank you for your patience.”

The company had 47 employees, according to its latest accounts for the year ending February 2025.

Frog Bikes

This premium childrens’ bicycle manufacturer has sadly went into administration. It was founded in 2013 by Jerry and Shelly Lawson.

The brand is known for producing lightweight bikes for young riders, with Olympic bike engineer Dimitris Katsanis working on its designs.

William and Catherine’s youngest son, Prince Louis, was seen on one of their bikes in a picture released to commemorate his third birthday in April 2021.

The company attributed its financial difficulties to a combination of factors which made it hard to continue working.

Holborn Studios Ltd

After serving the creative industries for more than four decades, Holborn Studios Ltd has collapsed into administration.

The company, based on Eagle Wharf Road in north London, built a reputation as a prime spot for photographers, filmmakers and creative professionals looking for studio hire in a central location.

It described itself as an award-winning facility offering flexible spaces for photo shoots, film production and events.

Over the years, it expanded its offering to include equipment hire and venue hosting for occasions such as weddings, parties and corporate events too.

Ourea Events Limited and Skyline Trail

The main UK organiser of ultra-distance trail races has also gone into administration after 15 years of putting on some of the toughest and most prestigious running events in Britain.

The two companies, which share the same trading address at Bleaze Farm in Kendal, Cumbria, organise famous events including the Dragon’s Back Race, Cape Wrath Ultra, Northern Traverse series and Skyline Scotland.

They have been described by participants and media as delivering “world class events” that attract the best runners from around the globe.

The collapse follows a sudden announcement on March 12 that Ourea Events had ceased trading with immediate effect.

Ron Crouch Transport

Slightly further afield, this major Australian family owned company, operating since 1978, has plunged into administration, potentially leaving creditors with losses of up to $23m (£17.1m)

Founded in New South Wales, the company provided transportation services between some of Australia’s main cities with stations in its hometown, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Last year, the business fell into voluntary administration. Geoff Crouch, executive director, blamed staff shortages, government regulation and economic pressures as all playing a part in its failure.

The company had been losing over $500,000 £375,000) every month in the period leading up to its collapse, according to administrators.