Government-backed energy firm enters administration

Smartway Energy Ltd promoted boiler replacements and insulation, including through government-backed ECO4 grants.

A notice in The Gazette records that Mike Dillon and Katy McAndrew, of Leonard Curtis, were appointed joint administrators on November 4.

The notice names Smartway Energy Ltd and gives its registered office and principal trading address as 14 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

The company advertised boiler installation, loft and cavity wall insulation, heating controls and ventilation on its website.

Its ECO4 page said eligible customers could have energy-efficiency measures installed at no cost, including insulation and boiler replacements.

The Energy Company Obligation scheme is intended to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions in Great Britain.

A Smartway Energy spokesperson said: "Our mission at Smartway Energy is to empower homeowners to make sustainable choices that benefit both the planet and their wallet."

Smartway Energy and the administrators have been contacted for comment.

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 retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands 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 in May.

Whitbread closed all its standalone branded restaurants across the UK last month, affecting five brands:

• Brewers Fayre
• Beefeater
• Bar + Block
• Table Table
• Cookhouse + Pub

However, Queensway Inns and Common Table Group have now taken over 110 of these former Whitbread sites, saving them from closure.

Poundland has filed a notice to appoint administrators, putting the future of its 150 stores and 11,000 employees at risk.

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

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

UK entertainment retailer Zavvi has ceased trading after nearly 20 years, having collapsed into administration for a second time.

Australian stationery retailer Typo is also set to pull out of the UK in 2027, closing all its stores and ending online trading.

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

• River Island
• Primark
• Revolution
• BrewDog
• Franco Manca

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

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd
• Trav Expert Ltd
• Strachan Travel Ltd
• Travel Bespoke Ltd
• Global Vision International
• Ski Yodl Ltd
• TS Travels Group
• Yourtravelshop.com
• TS Travel Realisations Ltd
• Firefly Holidays
• Fraser Travel Ltd
• Golf Villa Rentals Ltd
• Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd
• Global Travel Partners
• Wroxham Travel

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.

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

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
• European Cargo (administration)

Meanwhile, UK delivery company Yodel was phased out completely in July after being acquired by InPost.

Iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has also shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn't all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Joules, B&M, 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.

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