Ascend Airways has officially entered liquidation, affecting its UK services while its Malaysian division continues to operate normally. The airline will hand back its aircraft fleet and relinquish its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), a crucial permit for conducting commercial flights in the UK.

The closure stems from significant economic challenges, particularly the impact of the Iranian conflict on jet fuel availability. Employees were notified that operations would wind down following the final Oman Air service from Muscat on April 30.

Key facts about Ascend Airways:

• Established in 2004, operating under the name Ascend Airways since 2023.
• The fleet at closure consisted of one Boeing 737-800 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
• Employees may not receive full payment for May, with potential weekly compensation capped at £750.

Despite the turmoil in the UK, Ascend Airways Malaysia remains operationally stable and is progressing with expansion plans. The company previously operated as Synergy Aviation before rebranding in 2023.

While employees face uncertainty regarding their future and financial compensation, officials have not disclosed the exact reasons behind the economic difficulties leading to this liquidation.

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Key facts:

• Quiz Clothing has operated for 33 years with a total of 40 stores across the UK and seven concessions in Ireland, employing 565 staff.
• The company collapsed owing £40 million.
• Routledges the Bakers had been in operation for nearly 109 years before its closure.
• Routledges cited rising costs as a reason for its closure, facing a financial shortfall of nearly £779,000.

Administrators from Interpath are now managing Quiz Clothing. They anticipate that the administration trading period could last until mid-May 2026. In an immediate impact, 109 redundancies occurred at Quiz Clothing’s head office and distribution center following the announcement.

All branches of Routledges the Bakers across Carlisle have closed after going into liquidation. The company reported an increase of £80,000 in operational costs compared to 2025, contributing to its financial difficulties.

This situation highlights a broader trend within the retail industry, where rising operational costs and changing consumer behaviors continue to challenge long-standing businesses. The closures are part of a growing list of retail collapses as companies struggle to adapt to a rapidly evolving market.

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“At Icon Foods, we’re all about shaking things up with innovative food solutions and iconic confectionery that brings a familiar tingle to every taste bud,” a spokesperson for Icon Foods stated, reflecting the company’s ambitious vision. However, this vision has come to an abrupt halt as the UK chocolate brand entered voluntary liquidation on March 2, 2026.

Joint administrators Steven Edwards and Mark Holborow from Crowe LLP have been appointed to oversee the liquidation process, which is classified as a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). Founded in 2022, Icon Foods previously operated under the name enjoy-i since 2010, and had positioned itself in the competitive chocolate market with a product range that included truffle bars, milk chocolate-orange bars, and dark chocolate milk truffles.

The company marketed its products to major retailers such as Tesco, Aldi, and Asda, and had also established a presence in various other outlets, including Iceland, Morrisons Daily, WH Smith, Home Bargains, Co-op, and Spar. Despite its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, the pressures of the retail environment have proven too great for the brand to sustain its operations.

The liquidation of Icon Foods is indicative of a broader trend affecting the UK high street, which has faced a rough start in 2026. Several retailers have entered administration, and the challenges faced by suppliers like Icon Foods highlight the mounting strain within the retail sector. This situation is further exacerbated by recent job cuts, such as the 380 positions eliminated by Tesco, and the closure of pubs by Revolution and BrewDog.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons for Icon Foods’ liquidation, as well as the total scale of its outstanding liabilities. The impact on retailer contracts and the potential disruption in the medium term remain uncertain.

As the liquidation process unfolds, the future of Icon Foods and its innovative product offerings hangs in the balance. The spokesperson’s earlier assertion about creativity, quality, and affordability being essential to their mission now stands in stark contrast to the reality of their current situation.

Industry experts suggest that if HMRC or creditor pressure continues, smaller suppliers like Icon Foods may increasingly opt for CVLs and administrator appointments, further reshaping the landscape of the UK chocolate market.

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Icon Foods Ltd, a chocolate brand based in Woodford Green, Essex, has entered liquidation, significantly impacting its operations and availability in major UK supermarkets. The company, founded in 2022, was known for its commitment to using Fairtrade cocoa and natural ingredients in products such as truffle bars and milk chocolate-orange bars.

The liquidation process began when liquidators were appointed on March 2, 2026, following a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). Icon Foods Ltd owed over £600,000 to its parent company and other debts, including £163,105 to employees and £193,789 in tax obligations. This financial strain has led to the company’s inability to sustain its operations.

Icon Foods Ltd had previously rebranded from enjoy-i in 2022, aiming to provide sustainable and quality chocolate products. The company emphasized its dedication to environmental responsibility, stating, “Our chocolate is made from Fairtrade cocoa and natural ingredients, free from palm oil and harmful additives.” They also highlighted their commitment to reducing waste through recyclable packaging.

Despite its innovative approach to chocolate, which included a focus on unique flavor combinations, Icon Foods Ltd’s financial challenges mirror a broader trend in the UK retail sector, where several British businesses have recently fallen into liquidation. The impact of these closures is felt across the industry, affecting not only the companies but also their suppliers and retailers.

Products from Icon Foods Ltd were available at major retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, WH Smith, Home Bargains, Co-op, and Spar. The loss of this brand from the shelves will likely affect consumer choices, particularly for those seeking Fairtrade options.

As the situation develops, further details regarding the liquidation process and its implications for stakeholders remain to be clarified. The future of Icon Foods Ltd’s product lines and any potential for revival or acquisition by other companies is uncertain.

For consumers, this news comes just ahead of Mother’s Day, a time when chocolate gifts are particularly popular. Retailers are likely to recommend alternative brands, with suggestions pointing towards M&S for chocolate gifts this season.

With the chocolate market continuously evolving, the exit of Icon Foods Ltd raises questions about the sustainability of niche brands in a competitive landscape. The impact of this liquidation on the broader chocolate industry will be observed closely in the coming months.

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“We did everything we possibly could to keep it going, but we got to the point where we couldn’t hold off anymore,” said Kevin Waddison, one of the directors of Coastal Construction, as the company was put into liquidation on March 11, 2026. The firm, which has been the official building contractor for Norwich City Football Club (NCFC), has left a significant financial burden, owing creditors a total of £1.06 million.

Coastal Construction, established by Peter Waddison, who passed away in 2023, ceased trading in October 2025. The company faced mounting pressures, particularly from its 26 creditors, which included Norwich City itself. The financial difficulties were exacerbated by delays in housing projects caused by nutrient neutrality planning rules, which significantly impacted the company’s operations.

Kevin Waddison explained the strain the company was under, stating, “It shows the sort of pressure we were getting from some of our creditors.” Despite the challenges, he and his brother Gary Waddison had injected around £300,000 of their own money into the company last year in an effort to stabilize its finances.

However, these efforts were ultimately insufficient to prevent the liquidation. Kevin Waddison lamented, “Unfortunately we could not trade any longer,” highlighting the difficult decisions faced by the company’s leadership as they navigated through financial turmoil.

The liquidation of Coastal Construction raises questions about the future of its projects and the potential impact on Norwich City, which relied on the company for various construction needs. The firm had also paid for a hospitality box at Carrow Road, further intertwining its operations with the football club.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are left to consider the implications of this development. The financial strain on Coastal Construction is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in the construction sector, particularly in light of regulatory pressures and economic uncertainties.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for both Coastal Construction and its creditors, including Norwich City. The outcome of this liquidation process will likely influence future construction projects and partnerships within the region.

As the community processes this news, the focus will shift to how Norwich City and other affected parties will respond to the challenges posed by the liquidation of a key contractor.

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Pedal and Post was an eco-friendly courier firm that pioneered bicycle deliveries in urban areas. After nearly 14 years of operation, the company has entered liquidation, resulting in the loss of 60 jobs.

As a result of this liquidation, Evri has issued an apology for significant delays in its delivery services in Oxford. The collapse of its partner has caused disruptions for local customers, with some experiencing issues with their parcels.

Statements from Key Parties

Christopher Benton, a representative from Pedal and Post, stated, “Despite exploring every possible avenue to continue – and truly exhausting all options – we have reached the point where we can no longer sustain the business.” He also expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “Your support meant everything.”

An Evri spokesman commented, “We were disappointed to learn that our e-cargo bike delivery partner in Oxford ceased trading without notice, which caused some temporary disruption for a small number of customers in the local area.”

Customer Experiences