Torsion Construction Limited, based in Leeds and founded in 2015, specialised in residential and living sector developments and employed 115 people.

The firm had delivered £287 million worth of projects across the UK, including in major cities such as York, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle.

PROJECT UPDATE: Lancaster Wharf, Birmingham
Our 23-story, 266-apartment development. Façade work underway and internal fit-out advancing rapidly, we’re on track for a winter 2025 handover. Exciting times ahead for the city’s skyline! #birmingham #construction #Propertydevelopmet pic.twitter.com/fEwbEFiKZs

— Torsion Group (@TorsionGroup) August 22, 2024

At the time of its collapse, a further £303 million worth of work was still under construction, according to the Torsion Construction website.

Torsion Construction ceases trading after falling into administration

After more than 11 years in business, Torsion Construction has ceased trading, having fallen into administration.

James Clark and Howard Smith of Interpath were appointed joint administrators on July 29.

Like many firms in the construction sector, Torsion had been under liquidity pressures linked to delayed capital events, contract margin pressure, and rising input costs.

A broader downturn in the market compounded the company’s financial difficulties, Interpath explained.

Mr Clark, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator of Torsion Construction, said: “Torsion Construction has faced many of the immense challenges that have confronted leadership teams right across the sector.

“Despite its efforts to find a sustainable solution and protect its clients from those pressures, the business’ liquidity ran out of road.

“With regret, Torsion Construction could not continue in its current form and was left with no other option but to cease trading.

“We have a team providing the appropriate information and support to staff as we work through an orderly wind down of operations.”

The business ceased trading upon entering administration, with the majority of staff made redundant.

A small number of employees have been retained to support the administrators during the winding-down process.

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation.

Whitbread recently confirmed it will be closing all its UK restaurants in September:

• Brewers Fayre (89 locations) – September 7
• Beefeater (106) – September 10
• Bar + Block – September 3
• Table Table – September 3
• Cookhouse + Pub – September 3

TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also both be closing around 150 stores across the UK.

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

The company responsible for iconic British bikemaker Raleigh, Accell Group, also filed for administration this week, putting the 139-year-old British bikemaker at risk of closing.

Several UK travel companies have also ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

What has a nose, wings and runs off of hydrogen? Ecojet 😎 pic.twitter.com/y8QGiBdFe2

— ecotricity (@ecotricity) July 17, 2023

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

Which business/store closure in 2026 has impacted you the most? Let us know in the comments below.

On one such day, a customer asked for “a five-metre high, Italian strung, theatre-type curtain”.

That may sound a challenge, but not for the Batemans, who immediately set to work and provided the necessary goods.

READ MORE: UK restaurant chain bids farewell in emotional goodbye

That has been the aim throughout at Freelance Fabrics, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary in Kidlington shopping centre, off High Street.

It was one of about 30 outlets under the Fabric Warehouse name that opened in towns and cities throughout the country. The store in Kidlington is the only one that has survived.

It opened in 1996 and three years later, was taken over by David Cox who ran it until Mr and Mrs Bateman succeeded him on New Year’s Day 2022.

A recent article in a trade magazine gave them a glowing tribute: “Under them, it has maintained its reputation for good-value curtain and upholstery fabrics while expanding its quilting cottons, dressmaking fabrics, wool, sewing machines and overlockers. That growth reflects its customers’ habits.”

Mr Bateman served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and as a fire alarm salesman in his early career.

He admits he knew “absolutely nothing” about the fabrics trade when he and his wife moved into it.

He tells me: “We took over the shop just as Covid was ending, not knowing what was going to happen. Four and a half years later, we are still here and going strong.

“We have increased stock levels considerably, taken on sewing machine contracts and increased the range of fabrics and haberdashery.

“Fabrics, threads and wool are not easy to match online. Many customers still want to see and feel materials before buying. Equally important is the advice.

“While other stores around have unfortunately closed, we are setting up to be here for the future.”

Aldens, which has served Oxford and its surrounding counties for more than 235 years, has been awarded B Corp status – a mark awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

The certification places Aldens among a global community of companies committed to balancing profit with purpose, and it is the highest-scoring business in its sector.

Matthew Alden, managing director and a member of the seventh generation of the Alden family, said: “For 235 years we believe that success isn’t simply measured by profit, but by the relationships we build, the trust we earn and the contribution we make to our community.

“We’re incredibly proud that these values have now been recognised through B Corp certification.

“Although our business has changed enormously since 1793, our principles remain exactly the same – to treat people fairly, support British farming, produce exceptional food, ensure people eat well and leave the business stronger for future generations.”

The company achieved an Overall B Impact Score of 156.6, placing it in the top one per cent of B Corp companies in the UK.

Mr Alden said: “That is an achievement of which everyone at Aldens can be immensely proud, particularly because it reflects our performance across the business – from our Team and governance to our community and environmental impact.”

The business supplies meat to restaurants, pubs, schools, colleges, universities, and hospitality businesses across the UK, and also serves residents through its Oxford retail outlets, Meatmaster and Fishmarket.

It has sustained its Oxford roots while investing in modern facilities, keeping skilled employment and long-term career opportunities in the city.

Aldens also works with charities, schools, colleges, and community groups, reflecting its belief that businesses should contribute meaningfully to society.

Mr Alden said: “Being part of Oxford isn’t simply where we’re based—it’s part of who we are.

“We have supplied generations of Oxford families, schools, colleges and businesses, and we’re incredibly proud of those relationships.

“As a family business, we’ve always believed that if you look after your customers, colleagues, suppliers and community, the business will look after itself.

“B Corp confirms that those values remain just as important today as they were over two centuries ago.”

Environmental improvements are a core focus for Aldens.

The business has introduced more sustainable packaging, reduced waste, improved transport efficiency and worked with customers and logistics partners to lower emissions throughout the supply chain.

Aldens continues to support responsibly reared UK livestock, building long-term relationships with farmers who share its standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship.