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The current economic climate continues to be tough for many businesses trading in the UK. Over the last few weeks, a slew of businesses have plunged into administration, including construction firms and family-owned enterprises.

Many have blamed government policies, such as increased National Insurance costs and the minimum wage increase, for financial struggles. Others have pointed to a shift from shopping in physical stores to shopping online.

Major high street brands also collapsed into administration in January 2026. This has sparked fresh fears for the health of British town centres, as a number of businesses such as River Island and Poundland announce store closures spilling over from 2025 into this year.

Big brands are now at risk of disappearing off the British high street as they fall into administration. A total of nine popular high street chains were among those that collapsed into administration at the beginning of the year, including pub chains and familiar high street restaurants.

The high street chains that collapsed into administration in January are:

• TGI Fridays - January 13
• CW Sellors (Jewellers) Ltd - January 14
• Russell and Bromley - January 21
• Malin + Goetz - January 20
• Peach Pubs - January 27
• Revolution Bars - January 27
• Claire's - January 26, for the second time in 6 months
• Original Factory Shop - January 28
• Alpkit - January 27

The 16 TGI Fridays branches in the UK that have been closed with immediate effect, resulting in more than 450 job losses, were recently revealed. The restaurant chain has become a favourite for high street shoppers as it has been operating in Britain since the 1980s.

The business and assets of Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group Limited, which is the UK operator of the American-themed restaurant chain, have been bought by Sugarloaf TGIF Operations Limited. It came straight after administrators were appointed.

The TGI Fridays restaurants that closed include Crawley, Doncaster, Bournemouth and Aberdeen Beach. Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, said he believes this is "best outcome for the business" with the focus now turning to reinvigorate the brand.

Among the most recent appointments of administrators is The Original Factory Shop, which has 137 stores across the UK. Administrators were appointed on January 27, and the company listed several reasons for being in this position.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: "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 while we assess options for the business," he added.

Revolution Bars, which has shuttered 21 of its venues across the UK, entered administration only a few days ago. The pub chain, which will keep 41 of its venues open, has had to let go of 591 staff members as a result.

Administrators revealed The Revel Collective will close 14 Revolution Bars locations, six Revolucion de Cuba outlets and one pub within its Peach Pubs division. Administrators from FTI confirmed a pair of agreements which will safeguard the future of 41 sites and 1,582 positions.

"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.