The Original Factory Shop appointed administrators in late January(Image: Getty)
The present economic environment remains challenging for numerous businesses operating across the UK. In recent weeks, a wave of companies have entered administration, encompassing construction contractors and family-run operations.
Many have attributed government policies, including heightened National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage rise, to their financial difficulties. Others have highlighted a transition from bricks-and-mortar retail to online shopping.
Major high street names also entered administration during January 2026. This has triggered renewed concerns about the wellbeing of British town centres, as several businesses including River Island and Poundland confirm shop closures carrying over from 2025 into the current year.
Prominent brands now face the prospect of vanishing from the British high street as they enter administration. A total of nine well-known high street chains were amongst those that entered administration at the start of the year, encompassing pub groups and recognisable high street restaurants.
The high street chains that collapsed into administration in January are:
The 16 TGI Fridays locations across the UK that have shut with immediate effect, leading to more than 450 redundancies, were recently disclosed. The restaurant chain has established itself as a favourite amongst high street visitors, having traded in Britain since the 1980s, reports the Express.
The business and assets of Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group Limited, the UK operator of the American-themed restaurant chain, have been acquired by Sugarloaf TGIF Operations Limited. This followed immediately after administrators were appointed.
The TGI Fridays restaurants that shut down include Crawley, Doncaster, Bournemouth and Aberdeen Beach. Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, stated he considers this the “best outcome for the business” with attention now shifting towards revitalising the brand.
Amongst the latest administration appointments is The Original Factory Shop, which operates 137 stores throughout the UK. Administrators were appointed on January 27, with the company citing multiple reasons for finding itself in this situation.
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Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, commented: “The Original Factory Shop has long-been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country. Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the company had to be placed into administration.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with TOFS dedicated team of employees as we endeavour to operate all stores as a going concern whilst we assess options for the business,” he continued.
Revolution Bars, which has closed 21 of its locations across the UK, entered administration just days ago. The pub chain, which will maintain 41 of its venues open, has been forced to make 591 staff members redundant as a consequence.
Administrators confirmed The Revel Collective will shut 14 Revolution Bars sites, six Revolucion de Cuba venues and one establishment within its Peach Pubs division. Administrators from FTI announced a pair of deals which will protect the future of 41 locations and 1,582 jobs.
“Immediately on appointment, the Administrators completed two sale transactions for the business and assets of the Group: (i) a sale of Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba and Founders and Co to Neos Holdco Limited and certain of its subsidiaries, trading as Neos Hospitality and (ii) a sale of Peach pubs to Coral Pub Company Acquisition Limited, founded by Ted Kennedy”, a statement read.
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