Popular chocolate maker, running company and four more plunge into administration

A chocolate maker, a bike manufacturer and a vape distributor are among the companies that have recently entered administration.

A chocolate maker, a bicycle company and a vaping business are among the companies that have recently fallen into administration. Businesses across the nation, from construction through to hospitality sectors, have blamed spiralling operational expenses, including energy, as factors behind seeking help.

Several companies have brought in administrators to attempt rescuing all or parts of their operations. This often results in shops and premises shutting down or undergoing reorganisation, sometimes leading to redundancies. However, it doesn’t always mean a complete shutdown is on the cards.

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest administration developments.

Marasu’s Petit Fours

This British chocolate manufacturer, which had operated for 40 years, has fallen into administration. It was founded in 1986 by patissiers Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler, who aspired to create luxury chocolates for London’s best establishments.

The business was purchased by the Prestat Group in 2006 and has subsequently supplied Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods. It’s the capital’s biggest manufacturer of premium chocolates, reports the Express.

The company was producing over 300 tonnes annually from its 25,000 sq ft Park Royal facilities. However, it has encountered challenging market conditions recently, prompting its decision to appoint administrators.

JM Wholesale

A Midlands vape distributor has collapsed into administration following the filing of a notice on Friday (March 20). JM Wholesale supplies vape devices, e-liquids, disposable vapes and nicotine pouches, stocking more than 15,000 products.

The firm had previously claimed to be Britain’s largest distributor in the vaping, CBD and smoking sector.

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

The business employed 47 staff, according to its most recent accounts for the year ending February 2025.

Frog Bikes

This premium children’s bicycle manufacturer has unfortunately entered administration. Jerry and Shelly Lawson established it in 2013.

The company is recognised for creating lightweight bikes for young cyclists, with Olympic bike engineer Dimitris Katsanis contributing to its designs.

Prince Louis, the youngest child of William and Catherine, was pictured riding one of their bikes in an image published to mark his third birthday in April 2021.

The firm blamed its financial troubles on multiple factors which made continuing operations unsustainable.

Holborn Studios Ltd

Following more than four decades serving the creative industries, Holborn Studios Ltd has entered administration. The business, located on Eagle Wharf Road in north London, established itself as a top destination for photographers, filmmakers and creative professionals seeking studio hire in a central location.

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

Throughout the years, it broadened its services to include equipment hire and venue hosting for occasions such as weddings, parties and corporate events as well.

Ourea Events Limited and Skyline Trail

The main UK organiser of ultra-distance trail races has also entered administration following 15 years of staging some of the most challenging and prestigious running events in Britain.

The two businesses, which operate from the same trading address at Bleaze Farm in Kendal, Cumbria, arrange renowned 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 draw the best runners from across the globe.

The failure follows a sudden statement 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)

Established in New South Wales, the firm offered transport services between several of Australia’s big cities, operating stations in its birthplace, as well as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Last year, the company voluntarily entered administration. Geoff Crouch, the executive director, attributed its downfall to a combination of staff shortages, governmental regulation and economic strains.

In the lead up to its collapse, the business was reportedly losing over $500,000 (£375,000) each month, according to the administrators.