UK’s ‘biggest kitchen supplier’ collapses into administration after 77 years

Over 100 people have lost their jobs

A firm which describes itself as the UK’s “biggest kitchen supplier,” has suddenly collapsed into administration after nearly 80 years of trade.

Over 100 people have been made redundant as Waterline Limited shuts its doors for the final time after it went bust earlier this month.

The Buckinghamshire based company which calls itself the “UK’s largest supplier to the independent kitchen retail sector,” provided stock to thousands of retailers and fitters across Britain.

A total of 34 of the major brands in kitchen furniture, appliances, sinks, taps, wirework and ancillary kitchen products formed part of its portfolio.

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Leonard Curtin were appointed as administrators on October 9, with orders halted while a wind-down plan was put in place, the Sun reported.

Alex Cadwallader, administrator, said the business’ directors had been “forward thinking… proactive and took all the correct steps.”

He shared how Waterline had great sales during the pandemic, but after demand began to fall with the company struggling under financial pressure from rising costs, higher interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis.

He added the planned sale of the business collapsed and shareholder support “became no longer viable.”

There are still around 15 people still employed to return stock to suppliers as the brand begins to wind down, with administrators adding they expect there will be a material return to creditors, including staff and suppliers.

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Businessman, Dean Bridgen, has spoken out about his experience with the company after spending around £20,000 to create his new Duchy Kitchens showroom using Waterline stock.

Mr Bridgen said he had received a call from his company representative only four days before his showroom opening alerting him the situation could get “turbulent.”

He said to the BBC the circumstance had been dealt with “terribly” due to a “lack of communication.”

The businessman said he had placed two customer orders through the firm, but he had not paid for the goods, and has since decided to source products from elsewhere.