Fri, 29 Aug 2025 | ADMINISTRATION
South West-based distributor John Gillman & Sons (Electrical) Ltd, which trades as Domestic Appliance Distributors (D.A.D), has entered administration following a period of financial difficulty.
Mike Denny and Michael Magnay of Alvarez & Marsal were appointed as joint administrators on 26 August 2025. In a statement, they confirmed that the business will continue to trade while options for its future are assessed. These include the potential for a full or partial sale, with interested parties invited to make contact.
As part of the process, 30 of the company’s 78 employees were made redundant immediately on appointment. Administrators said they are providing support to those affected. The remaining staff have been retained to assist in ongoing operations during the administration period.
Headquartered in Gloucester, the company is a long-established distributor of domestic electrical products, supplying independent retailers, housebuilders, social housing providers and the student accommodation sector. The business has built its operations around strong manufacturer relationships and a broad range of appliances and electrical goods.
The administration was triggered by sustained losses which created a funding requirement that the company was unable to meet. According to its most recent accounts, John Gillman & Sons reported revenues of approximately £48 million.
Mike Denny, joint administrator, said: “Our priority is to maintain trading while we explore options for the business. We will be engaging with potential purchasers with the aim of securing a future for all or part of the operations, while supporting affected employees through this process.”
The administration reflects the wider challenges facing distributors in the UK, with rising costs, tightening margins and competitive market conditions continuing to place pressure on businesses across the sector.
[UPDATE] D.A.D's refrigeration line IceKing was acquired from administrators by kitchen appliance brand Cookology in November 2025.
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