Manchester Manufacturer of 'Made in England' Products Enters Administration
A prominent British manufacturer that championed its 'Made in England' ethos has collapsed into administration, casting uncertainty over around 80 jobs. The Manchester-based firm, MPM Consumers Product Ltd, which specialised in household supplies and personal care products, appointed administrators on Friday, 30 January 2026.
Company Background and Operations
Founded in 1995, MPM described itself as a "specialised contract liquid fill manufacturer" producing goods for well-known brands including By My Beard, Dr J's, and Certex. The company operated from a facility equipped with 12 automated production lines and 10 semi-automatic fillers, manufacturing items such as handwash, bodywash, creams, lotions, antiseptic disinfectants, and sterilising fluids.
On its website, the firm emphasised its commitment to British manufacturing, stating: "We are huge supporters of British manufacturing and believe 'Made in England' means miles less carbon." MPM offered both its own branded products, visible on UK high streets, and contract manufacturing services for clients' own labelled goods, supported by an in-house graphic design department.
Financial Context and Recent Challenges
According to financial data, MPM employed approximately 80 staff members as of 2022. In the same year, the company secured a £500,000 loan from NPIF - FW Capital Debt Finance, intended to fund expansion plans, job creation, and workforce development. Despite this injection of capital, the business has now succumbed to administration.
Mike Dillon and Andrew Knowles from Leonard Curtis have been appointed as administrators in an effort to rescue the company. Their appointment follows a troubling trend in the UK business landscape, with reports indicating that 19 companies entered administration in January 2026 alone.
Broader Economic Implications
The collapse of MPM highlights the ongoing pressures facing UK manufacturers, particularly those in the consumer goods sector. Workers at the firm now face potential redundancy, mirroring a wider national issue where businesses are grappling with rising costs, mounting liabilities, and reduced consumer spending.
Official statistics reveal that 1,631 UK enterprises filed for administration throughout 2025. While this figure represents a 5% decrease from 2024, it remains 22% higher than the levels recorded in 2022, underscoring the persistent challenges in the economic environment.
The administration of this Manchester-based manufacturer serves as a stark reminder of the fragility within the manufacturing sector, even for companies with strong local branding and a dedicated workforce.
