Rectella Ltd (in admin) T/A Julian Charles

Julian Charles, the national soft furnishings retailer, has appointed Marco Piacquadio and Alan Coleman, directors, FTS Recovery, as joint administrators. On appointment, Marco and Alan were able to immediately complete a sale of the Company’s business and assets to Great Bedding Co Ltd, rescuing a total of 230 of 251 jobs across more than 25 trading sites, plus separate concession sites.

The insolvency firm, a leading boutique restructuring practice in the UK, has completed the pre pack sale following an accelerated marketing process.

Marco Piacquadio, Director FTS Recovery, said: “As is typical when parachuted in, we were focused on seeking to rescue as many elements of the business as is possible, always front of mind being the position of the employees, consumers and other creditors and stakeholders. This was a relatively complex transaction with significant scale and the ability to move quickly was key. I am grateful to have achieved a really pleasing result given the circumstances and we wish the new owners and remaining staff and stakeholders the very best going forward".

Julian Charles is a national multi-channel retailer, offering a wide range of quality bedding, ready-made curtains, cushions, throws and home décor accessories. Founded in Lancashire in 1947, the company has 70 outlets across the UK and operates 41 stand-alone stores, plus concessions such as Boundary Mill and in leading garden centres. It employed over 250 staff.

In recent years the company has suffered a number of economic headwinds which have resulted in cash-flow difficulties and left it unable to meet all its current liabilities.

Aside from a significant drop in turnover, the company is mindful of the impact of the increasing tax burden, particularly those announced in last October’s budget, having a direct impact on its bottom line as a result of increasing employment costs.

Alan Coleman, Director FTS Recovery, said: “A devastating combination of rising costs and declining consumer confidence have hit the UK’s retail sector hard in recent years, Julian Charles included.”

CAPA have been appointed to carry out a Rates audit over the large retail portfolio.

Sleep 8 Intrinsic Ltd (in admin)

Sleep.8, the global sleep technology brand, has announced an update to its retail footprint, with the closure of its UK store locations "as part of a broader strategic realignment across Europe".

Sleep.8 Intrinsic Ltd, the company's UK business, filed for administration yesterday. Frank Wessely and Richard Easterby of Quantuma Advisory are acting as the insolvency practitioners.

The decision follows a period of ongoing operational challenges in the UK, says Sleep.8, where the retail climate, particularly in London, has become increasingly cost-prohibitive: "While the company remains committed to its long-term vision for personalised sleep, current market conditions do not support continued retail investment in the UK."

As part of this transition, five of Sleep.8’s six stores in London were closed yesterday. The Thurrock location will remain open for four weeks to support final in-store purchases and facilitate an orderly clearance of inventory.

CAPA have been appointed to carry out a rates review and audit over the 6 stores.

In the style fashion limited (in admin)

In The Style Fashion Limited, a Manchester-based online fashion retailer, has been rescued from administration through a pre-pack sale to Alps Sourcing Limited. FTS Recovery was appointed as administrators on March 10, 2025, and successfully negotiated the sale, saving 87 jobs. The company, known for celebrity-inspired fashion, had faced financial difficulties, including a period of troubled times following its peak valuation and subsequent delisting.

FTS have appointed CAPA to carry out an audit over the companies property portfolio.