294 UK shops at risk as two major chains collapse
Two major UK high street chains, Claire's and The Original Factory Shop, have collapsed into administration, putting 294 stores and 2,500 jobs at risk. See the full list of locations affected.
Two major UK high street chains, Claire's and The Original Factory Shop, have collapsed into administration, putting 294 stores and 2,500 jobs at risk. See the full list of locations affected.
A leading think tank warns of a surge in 'zombie' business failures in 2026, threatening jobs as UK unemployment remains at 5.1%. Experts urge policymakers to act.
Modella Capital begins insolvency proceedings for Claire's and The Original Factory Shop, putting 2,550 jobs on the line. Read the full story on the retail crisis.
High street chains Claire's and The Original Factory Shop have collapsed into administration, putting approximately 2,500 UK jobs in jeopardy. Read the full story on the latest retail casualties.
Nearly 5,000 customers of collapsed fashion brand Huh. Ltd will not receive orders or refunds. Administrators confirm debts of £575,000. Find out what happened and your rights.
Administrators confirm Enrok Construction Ltd is to be dissolved. The family-run firm collapsed owing over £1m after a key supplier's insolvency. Read the final update.
The Best Ever Brownie Company and Barn Café have shut their last branch for good due to financial pressures and founder health issues. Read the full story.
The upmarket fashion brand LK Bennett, a favourite of the Princess of Wales, has filed to appoint administrators, risking its future and 280 UK jobs. Read the full story.
Step back in time to 1956 Birmingham. See archive photos of new housing estates, diesel trains, Austin cars, and royal visits that shaped the West Midlands. Explore the city's history now.
A section of ceiling plaster and wallpaper fell at The Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton, filling the room with dust. No injuries reported as landlady confirms customer safety was paramount. Read the full story.
Three narrowboats remain trapped a week after a 50m breach on the historic Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch. See the latest rescue efforts and official updates.
Lewis Collinson, 38, admitted theft after withdrawing £26,700 in cash and selling a company van. He received an 18-month suspended sentence. Read the full court details.
The Student Loans Company warns students of sophisticated scams targeting January maintenance payments. Learn the red flags and how to protect your money.
Drivers will see a 1% Benefit-in-Kind tax increase from April 2026. Electric vehicles retain the lowest rates, but will climb to 9% by 2030. Read the full details.
County Durham's MGL Group reports strong growth with turnover reaching £171.3m and operating profit hitting £27m. The firm is investing in green tech and positioning for future success.
Labour leaders block a public inquiry into Birmingham City Council's financial collapse. Critics warn of a lack of accountability and say the party will pay at the ballot box. Read the full story.
Griggs Timber Company in Gloucester shuts down days before Christmas after years of losses, affecting two dozen workers. Read the full story on this historic closure.
Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd, a major UK construction equipment supplier, has collapsed into administration after 55 years, making nearly all 89 staff redundant. Read the full story on the economic pressures behind the failure.
The future of TGI Fridays in the UK is in doubt as its parent company files a notice to appoint administrators for the second time in weeks. See the full list of 49 restaurants affected and what it means for 2,500 staff.
Company car drivers are using flexible leases to avoid a major tax increase on plug-in hybrids. Learn how the new Benefit-in-Kind rules work and the temporary relief period.
Warwick Ward, a major UK earthmoving equipment supplier, has collapsed into administration, making 89 staff redundant. The firm cited economic pressures and a failed employee buyout. Read the full story.
A major incident in Whitchurch after a canal bank collapse creates a 50m sinkhole, trapping three boats. Emergency services respond. No injuries reported.
Warwick Ward Machinery Ltd, a major UK supplier, has entered administration after 55 years, citing economic pressures on construction. 89 jobs are at risk. Read the full story.
Barnsley-based Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd has collapsed into administration, making nearly all 89 staff redundant. Economic headwinds and EOT transition debt cited as key factors.
Jamie Cole, 25, died after falling from a hotel balcony. A coroner found his carer's responses 'inappropriate' but ruled no gross failures. Read his mother's heartbreaking statement.
Toyota has resurrected its discontinued Scion brand, unveiling a new concept focused on non-traditional mobility. Discover what this means for the future of transport.
Major UK DIY distributor Toolstream has collapsed into administration, blaming post-COVID supply issues. 111 jobs have been cut as administrators seek buyers. Read the full story.
Sixes, the cricket-themed bar chain backed by Ben Stokes, has entered administration. Its 16 UK venues, including Birmingham's Mailbox, are at risk as administrators seek a rescue deal.
The Robert Hopkins Company's 31st pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, is a festive hit at Aldershot's Prince's Hall Theatre. Discover the magic behind this long-running success, with performances until 4th January 2026.
The future of Griggs Timber Company, a Gloucester merchant operating since 1917, is in doubt as staff enter consultation. Read the latest on potential job losses.