Thu, 25 Jun 2026 | ADMINISTRATION
Options are being explored for the business and assets of a pair of tooling supply businesses that have fallen into administration. Leicestershire-based United Tooling Solutions Limited and Teesside's Grahams Machinery Sales fell into administration on June 18 2026.
A significant number of staff have been made redundant across the businesses, which employed more than 135 people, following the appointment of joint administrators last week.
The two companies supplied tooling, maintenance, repair and operations equipment and consumables, operating from a network of 11 branches across the UK. The businesses traded under a number of brand names, including: Scott Direct; Grahams Machinery Sales; Drakes Tooling & Abrasives; Bideford Tool; Jaymac, Mettex, Howard Lee and Cooks of Bedford.
A period of challenging trading led to the businesses encountering liquidity difficulties over recent months. Despite efforts from the management team, the companies were unable to secure the necessary funding to safeguard the long-term future of the business.
Following the appointment of administrators, United Tooling Solutions and Grahams Machinery Sales have largely ceased to trade, with administrators now exploring options to realise value from the business and assets.
75 staff have been made redundant with immediate effect, while a number have been retained to assist the joint administrators.
In group accounts for the year to December 31 2024, United Tooling Solutions Limited reported turnover of £56.2 million, up from approximately £47.3 million a year earlier.
However, operating losses increased sharply, rising from slightly over £355,000 in 2023 to nearly £3.3 million. Total pre-tax losses, meanwhile, rose from £11.5 million to £15.8 million.
In their report attached to the accounts, directors cited a number of adverse factors, particularly the October 2024 collapse of parent company Troy (UK) Limited and related supply chain restrictions, which led to “a large-scale adverse impact to revenue and profitable returns” in Q4 2024.
At the time, the group’s fixed assets were valued at approximately £14.9 million and current assets at £18.9 million, but net liabilities amounted to around £14.1 million.
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