UK jobs ‘lost’ as John Lewis firm collapses with £3.8m debts

Administrators for John Lewis of Hungerford were appointed for the bespoke kitchen and cabinet business on July 7 according to official records.

However, since then, media reports have indicated that the Oxfordshire-based company may have been saved from liquidation after a buy-out, although with redundancies.

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Founded in 1972 by John Lewis in Hungerford, Berkshire, the firm specialises in designing, kitchens and cabinetry for around the home.

Everything they make is crafted by hand and is bespoke designed to the client, with its work recognised by the industry most recently by a highly commended for the Ideal Home’s Kitchen of the Year Award 2026.

John Lewis of Hungerford in Grove (Image: Google Maps)

It has a number of showrooms, including in Hungerford, Fulham, Cobham and Grove Business Park near Wantage, where it is officially based.

One in Winchester closed recently.

In its latest accounts, to June 30, 2025, it listed creditors falling within a year of £3.8 million a rise of around £1 million from the year before.

In addition it said its average number of employees was 52 down from 64 the year previous.

In the directors’ report for those accounts, the challenges facing John Lewis of Hungerford were acknowledged.

A closed John Lewis of Hungerford showroom in Winchester (Image: Jacob Rayner)

The directors said: “The trading environment remains difficult, with fragile consumer confidence and ongoing inflationary and interest rate pressures.

“Nevertheless, the Board believes the strengthened margin profile, leaner cost base, and sustained marketing performance, position the business well for a gradual recovery in demand as market conditions stabilise.”

In addition, they said that the business is a ‘going concern’ which means they expected to stay afloat for the next 12 months.

They added: “The forecasts indicate that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue operations for at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

“While the broader economic environment remains sensitive to interest rate movements and consumer confidence, the current trajectory indicates a recovery in the Company’s key markets.”

John Lewis of Hungerford in Hungerford (Image: Google Maps)

However, it seems the year did not go as expected, as it fell into administration earlier this month with administrators from bk plus limited appointed.

Kbbreview has quoted the administrators who said that margins were eroded due to the “costs of manufacturing” and the “continued cost of living crisis”.

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The news title further reported that part of the business has been saved, being taken over by Rebecca Taylor Associates Limited through a pre-pack administration deal.

This is where the sales of an insolvent company’s business and assets is arranged before the appointment of an administrator and then completed after they are appointed.

The director of Rebecca Taylor Associates Limited is also the director of John Lewis of Hungerford, and the rescue deal should allow the company to continue operations.

Although this has safeguarded 22 jobs, reportedly 21 people have been made redundant during the administration.