Holmesterne Foods of Richmond enters administration

Holmesterne began in 1986 and operated from two sites in Richmond.

However, James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators on Monday.

A statement from the administrators says that over 2024 and 2025, the company came under sustained margin pressure in the wake of high input costs across ingredients, packaging and factory costs, which were further exacerbated by increases in employment taxes.

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The business launched a turnaround programme in July 2025 to put the business on a more sustainable financial platform. Unfortunately, however, sales continued to fall below expectations, which impacted cashflow, and in turn, caused creditor pressure to mount.

Consequently, after all available options had been explored by the company and its stakeholders, the decision was taken to seek the appointment of administrators.

The joint administrators have commenced an orderly wind-down of operations, the statement continued.

Regrettably, the majority of the company’s 130 staff have been made redundant, with a small number of employees retained by the administrators to assist them with the wind-down process.

James Clark, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “It is a real shame to see Holmesterne enter administration, particularly after the sale of the business last year and the renewed optimism that followed.

“Despite the best efforts of both the management team and the new owners, the headwinds facing the business sadly proved too challenging to overcome.

“Our immediate priority is to support employees through this difficult period, and we will be doing all we can to assist them in the days and weeks ahead.”