UK airline, travel company and 4 more in administration

Over the past week or so, several UK companies have unfortunately crashed into administration, including an airline, a beloved hotel and a travel agents. With many planning on having a summer of travel, this may not come as the best news.

The costs of running a business continue to climb, with energy bills being a particular concern. This has a knock-on effect on customer spending too, meaning companies sometimes have no other choice than to call in the help of administrators. Here’s a roundup of all the latest administration news that you need to know about this week.

Zenith Aviation

This UK-based airline has collapsed into administration, with all flights cancelled and 41 jobs cut. The chartered airline based at London Biggin Hill has grounded all flights and let go of staff after calling in the help of administrators.

Paul Hargreaves, of Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited, was appointed to manage the company this month, and hoped to secure a sale or rescue operation.

Zenith Aviation, which was founded in September 2013, described itself as a leading provider of private jet charters, aircraft management and engineering services across the UK and Europe.

Tripsmiths and TS Travel

The UK tourism company that had been running holiday trips and excursions has now plunged into administration.

Tripsmiths and TS Travel had been offering travellers a wide range of adventures to some of the world’s most captivating destinations, from French vineyard tours and African safaris to scenic escapes around Italy’s Lake Garda and other fun breaks.

It has been confirmed the company’s assets and the business have been sold, but all current bookings will be honoured, and all future holidays are going ahead as normal.

Lakes

A family bathroom firm has been bought by another company in a huge deal after entering administration this week. Hiatt Hardware Group purchased Lakes Bathrooms Ltd and Lakes Showering Spaces, described as one of the UK bathroom sector’s most established premium brands.

Hiatt Hardware Group said more than 120 jobs were saved in the acquisition.

Administrators were appointed for Lakes Bathrooms on Monday — the same day of its sale — according to a notice published on The Gazette. Based in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, the Lakes company had been a family business for 40 years since being founded in 1986.

A To Z Packaging Ltd

A major fixture in the British food and beverage supply chain has collapsed into administration, ending nearly 23 years of independent trade. It previously traded under the name 4 Aces Limited.

After being founded in 2003, the business became one of the UK’s leading independent wholesale manufacturers and suppliers of catering disposables, specialising in food packaging, vending cups and biodegradable paper straws.

According to an official public notice published in the London Gazette this week, a meeting will be held on June 8 to consult creditors on the administration process.

The Buckingham Butcher Ltd

This family-run business led by father and son Trevor and Harry Denton has sadly entered administration. It’s said to be committed to sustainable, locally sourced meat.

Based in Buckingham, the business supplies fresh meat and poultry to restaurants, pubs, schools, colleges, private healthcare providers and catering services.

According to the notice published on May 18 by the London Gazette administrators were appointed in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts, Leeds Insolvency and Companies List (ChD) on May 11. Zane Collins, of Rushtons Insolvency Limited in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, was named as administrator.

OYO Devonshire Park Hotel

Finally, a popular Eastbourne hotel has also collapsed into administration. The Victorian-era building close to the seafront sits within walking distance of local attractions including Eastbourne Pier and the Eastbourne Bandstand.

Visitors have left it a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Tripadvisor and over 1,500 reviews. The last customer commented in May: “Excellent place to stay central foe what we wanted. Rooms very comfy. Staff very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was excellent also. Highly recommend.”

Administrators Andrew Andronikou and Andrew Hosking, both of BTG Begbies Traynor, were appointed on May 14.