Law firm, housebuilder and two more in administration

It has already been an incredibly difficult year for British businesses, with thousands being forced to appoint administrators. When this happens, the company is then managed by an administrator, who also takes control of its assets.

There are numerous reasons why this might come about, but some of the most common are mounting debt, soaring overhead costs, falling sales and declining footfall. Some of the latest companies to enter administration include a law firm, a school — which has since shut its doors — and a housebuilding firm. Here’s a roundup of the details that you might have missed recently.

BLB Solicitors

A high street law firm has collapsed into administration owing £2.5 million. BLB Solicitors, which ran offices in Bath, Swindon, and Bradford on Avon, closed its doors on April 30.

One former member of staff spoke out following the closure, describing the situation as an ‘absolute shambles’ and pointing out that warning signs had been apparent weeks before the firm went under.

In March 2026, cashflow difficulties forced directors to seek insolvency guidance, resulting in the closure just weeks afterwards.

Agile Property and Homes

Agile Property and Homes, which focused on building low-carbon, flat-pack sustainable homes throughout Bristol and Oxfordshire, appointed administrators on July 6.

The company was known for collaborating with charities and housing associations to construct affordable, natural-material properties in as little as 12 weeks.

Administrator Andrew Pear noted the rising cost of energy, labour and raw materials as one of the reasons for its collapse. The building industry has also faced years of pressure due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

St Gerard’s School

This school, founded in Bangor in 1915, has officially closed its doors after entering administration. In a notice to families, bosses blamed rising National Insurance costs, the removal of their charitable status, and the Labour government’s decision to impose 20% VAT on private school fees, alongside declining pupil numbers.

Most staff members have been made redundant, although a skeleton team remains to process exam results this summer and help impacted families.

Derwent Packaging Ltd

Lastly, this packaging company has fallen into administration, though a quick rescue agreement has successfully saved more than 30 jobs.

Derwent Packaging Limited, which has manufactured cardboard and retail displays for brands since 1994, entered administration on July 8.

The company has now been purchased by Mailway Displays, protecting the future of the firm’s manufacturing facility in Denby, where it has been based for more than three decades.

Crucially, the rescue agreement means all 33 jobs at the site have been preserved and customer orders will continue to be fulfilled.

The Express has contacted the businesses for comment.