South East Bottling Limited (SEB), a brewing and bottling company based in Kent, has collapsed into administration after fourteen years of operation. The company, which operated a state-of-the-art production facility, was formally placed into administration on January 28, 2026.
Administration Proceedings and Company Background
Administrators David Kemp and Richard Hunt of Exigen Group Limited were appointed following proceedings in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts in Manchester. Founded fourteen years ago, SEB specialised in the manufacture of beer, serving both its own brands and contract brewing customers.
Context of Government Support for Pubs
This collapse comes despite the recent announcement of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' support package for British pubs. The government claims this package will save pubs an additional £1,650 across the next financial year, with around 75% of pubs seeing their bills fall or stay flat. The pub sector as a whole is projected to pay 8% less in business rates in 2029 than they do currently.
Furthermore, pubs will be permitted to stay open later for the upcoming football World Cup in the summer, with matches potentially finishing in the early hours of the morning.
Industry Challenges and Expert Warnings
However, industry experts are warning that the government's support measures may be too little, too late to save the vast majority of public houses. The pub sector has faced significant pressure over the past decade and a half, with the number of pubs falling by nearly 7,000 since 2010. This represents a reduction of roughly 15%, which is amongst the highest declines seen across the hospitality sector overall.
Government Statements on Community Support
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves commented on the importance of supporting local businesses, stating: If we’re going to restore the pride in our communities, we need our pubs and our high streets to thrive.
She added: We’re backing British pubs with additional support, and our new High Streets Strategy will help tackle the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have faced. Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering.
The collapse of South East Bottling Limited highlights the ongoing challenges within the UK's brewing and hospitality sectors, even as new government initiatives aim to provide support.
