Top tourist board closes down & a national baker is in administration
As we move into Autumn and the “golden quarter” of the year, we’d like to think that things are humming along nicely for you and your business.
Hopefully you’ll be able to spare a few moments to catch up on all the interesting and important business & insolvency news stories you might have missed from the past seven days.
So if you want to know what directors need to know about HMRC restarting Direct Recovery of Debts (RDR); Why the new Covid Repayment Amnesty isn’t an amnesty at all; what personal risks directors are running from an overdrawn directors’ loan account and how an MVL unlocks tax efficiency for directors – you can read all these stories and more at our advice centre page.
Visit Cornwall
The tourist board for Cornwall that promotes the Duchy as a visitor destination has gone into voluntary liquidation.
Visit Cornwall is a community interest company that represents over 500 tourism related businesses across the county. It’s understood that the decision to wind-up the business was taken as they were facing insurmountable financial issues.
Jon Hyatt, chair of Visit Cornwall, said it was “incredibly difficult” and acting in the best interests of employees and members had been the organisation’s priority.
He said: “The Visit Cornwall board consists of non-executive voluntary directors responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction. The board has explored every avenue possible, including discussions with funders and key partners, to find a solution to these problems.
“However with SPF funding, which has been vital to Visit Cornwall for the last four years, ending in March 2026, with no sign of a replacement programme and another round of payments due to come from our members in the next two months, we had to act.
“Sadly today was the only responsible decision – this was about doing the right thing by our members and doing the right thing for our staff.”
Six members of staff have been made redundant.
K West Transport
A haulage company in Greater Manchester has gone into administration, two days before it was due to appear before the Traffic Commissioner to face possible disciplinary action.
K West Transport operated in Swinton and was subject of a winding-up petition by Salford City Council, a creditor of the business.
The company held an international operator licence for 30 lorries and 30 trailers in the North West traffic area.
Founded in 2018, the business had been subject to winding up petitions in 2023 and 2024 by different creditors but both were eventually withdrawn.
Pro Performance and Racing
A car leasing and transportation business based in the West Midlands has gone into administration with 14 positions being made redundant.
Pro-Performance and Racing were based in Bedworth and specialised in moving motor vehicles as well as appraisal and buying service for cars.
The business encountered difficulties in meeting its overheads due to the cost of motor insurance and profits being driven down by competitors.
It was confirmed that there were no tangible assets remaining within the company and the joint administrators will “take steps to perform their statutory duties and determine whether any further assets are available for the benefit of creditors.”
PFF Group
One of the UK’s biggest food packaging companies based in Yorkshire has been acquired in a pre-pack administration deal.
PFF Group based in Keighley has been purchased by Coppice Alupack Ltd.
They manufacture sustainable, recyclable rigid plastic food-grade packaging and had historically traded well before inflationary pressures and soft consumer demands across the packaging industry had harmed their ability to maintain working capital.
The directors launched an accelerated M&A process but appointed administrators after no solvent solution could be found. Coppice stepped in and took on all 239 staff and expanded their platform to further expand their product range and innovation.
Derek NIxon, CEO of the Coppice Group said: “We’re thrilled to welcome all PFF into the Coppice family, bringing together the best of both firms.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for us as a business and reinforces our commitment to driving sustainability in the packaging sector. We’re committed to working with all the team at PFF to continue as we continue our mission to disrupt the packaging market and bring comprehensive solutions, flexibility, service and innovation to our customers.”
Autism Oxford
An autism support service has closed after more than twenty years of supporting families in Oxfordshire due to financial pressure and the loss of a key investor.
A statement from the directors said: “It is with a heavy heart that we’ve taken the decision to close our doors. We appreciate this news will come as a surprise to many but we want to thank our community for all the support they’ve offered our organisation.”
The group offered services including autism and ADHD assessment and peer mentoring. They provided mental health services for young people waiting to access services from Oxford Health NHS Foundation and Mental Health Services.
Axe Valley Wildlife Park
A Zoo in Axminster has closed after operating for 17 years after becoming financially unviable.
A statement issued by Axe Valley Wildlife Park said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we share some sad news. As many of you may have heard, we’re not the only business facing these difficult times.
“Unfortunately it has become financially unviable for us to continue operating.
“Please rest assured that all of our animals will be rehomed safely and responsibly, in full compliance with animal welfare rules and procedures.”
The zoo was forced to shut during the Covid-19 pandemic and never financially recovered.
Kate Fearnley Boutique
A designer boutique that created looks for Girls Aloud and actress Michelle Keegan is closing after 24 years of operation.
Kate Fearnley boutique was operated by the same award-winning designer but is facing challenges that “weren’t there so much a few years ago.”
She said: “This brand has been my absolute world since my early twenties – my career, my passion and my identity.
“The world has changed. Small, independent businesses like mine face challenges that weren’t there so much a few years ago. The digital pace has sped up dramatically, mass-produced brands dominate online and algorithms decide who gets seen.
“Keeping up requires huge investment and resources and for a small, creative business like mine it’s just not sustainable anymore. The reality is that this business has consumed my world and as a business owner, you can never truly switch off. While that feels worth it when things are going well, when it becomes nothing but stress and financial anxiety, the toll is immense. After a few weeks of utter heartbreak at the thought, I’m now at peace with the reality of the situation.”
The store has been operating since 2005 when she took over the premises her father had run as the famous Alan Fearnley Records on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. In 2021 she decided to move the business in a new direction into bridalwear, sold the shop and moved to Stokesley in North Yorkshire.
The collections and Promwear initially flourished but the pandemic had major repercussions on people’s buying habits. The boutique went from selling 162 prom dresses in one season to only 13 last year.
The business will complete all existing orders over the next few weeks before closing.
Frank Roberts & Sons
A Cheshire based bakers that has been operating since 1887 has filed notice to appoint administrators.
Roberts Bakery is actively engaged with potential partners and funders but has announced “a significant reorganisation of operations” in response to challenging conditions and being hit by a major fire in 2023.
Last month they confirmed plans to close their manufacturing facility in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
A spokesperson for the bakery said: “Discussions are well advanced with third parties and we’re optimistic about a positive solution in the coming days that will preserve the whole company as a going concern. Day-to-day operations are unaffected and the company is continuing to trade and fulfil orders as normal.”
There are still three months left in 2025 – which still gives you enough time to find out what changes you can make to help restructure and rebuild your business.
Get in touch with us today to chat with one of our advisors about what options you’ve got on the table – usually more than you realise!
The sooner you make contact, the sooner you can begin to move forward to better times ahead.