Middletons Mobility shop in Swindon has gone into administration due to escalating prices, a disturbance in the supply chain, and waning consumer trust.
On January 16, Newport, Wales-based Middleton Mobility appointed Matthew Roe and Richard Hawes of Teneo Financial Advisory as joint administrators.
The business operated out of a network of 17 storefronts and marketed equipment like wheelchairs, raise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, and mobility scooters.
All of these locations, including Cannock and Shrewsbury, have since closed, and the business has discontinued operations. There are 71 layoffs.
Additionally, the Dreams shop in Brierley Hill’s Waterfront Way had a Middleton showroom.
Company first run into difficulties after expanding its store network
Administrators claim that before to the start of Covid-19, the business first had issues after growing its shop network.
According to its most recent financial statements, which covered the year ending August 22, 2021, the company had current assets close to £4.7 million and fixed assets of £1.3 million. The company had net liabilities of £4.5 million at the time, with creditors owing £10.6 million.
Due to the pandemic’s impact on the company’s expansion strategy, which included plans to establish six new stores in 2020, the company was compelled to shut down its stores for a period of three months during the initial lockdown. The business started an online retail and delivery service during the pandemic.
Mr. Roe, who is also the joint administrator, stated: “The company has been having trading issues ever since growing its shop network before the introduction of Covid-19. The cost of living issue and supply chain disruption have both had an impact on trading, and despite management’s best efforts, the company could not be saved.
Tom Powell, the creator of Middleton Mobility, stated: “Like many merchants, we have seen increases in input costs, challenging supply networks, and concurrently declining consumer trust. Middletons was unable to satisfy the increased financial expectations placed on it or adjust to these difficult trading conditions in time.
Read more: S&I Groundworks Limited enter administration
With over three decades of experience in the business and turnaround sector, Steve Jones is one of the founders of Business Insolvency Helpline. With specialist knowledge of Insolvency, Liquidations, Administration, Pre-packs, CVA, MVL, Restructuring Advice and Company investment.