After three decades of operation, a beloved UK household supplies company has suddenly collapsed into administration, leaving 80 employees in limbo. But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: this isn't an isolated incident. MPM Consumer Products Ltd, a Manchester-based firm specializing in 'Made in England' household and personal care goods, has joined a growing list of businesses struggling to survive in today's economic climate. Founded in 1995, the company prided itself on supporting British manufacturing and reducing carbon footprints, but now faces an uncertain future despite securing a £500,000 loan in 2022 to fuel growth and job creation.
The company, known for producing items for brands like By My Beard, Dr J's, and Certex, operated from 12 automated production lines and 10 semi-automatic fillers. Their product range spanned from personal care essentials like handwash and lotions to household staples such as disinfectants. MPM also offered custom manufacturing services, allowing clients to create their own branded products from concept to production, even providing graphic design support for brand identity. And this is the part most people miss: their commitment to sustainability and local production set them apart in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact.
However, rising costs, mounting debts, and a decline in consumer spending have taken their toll. Administrators Mike Dillon and Andrew Knowles of Leonard Curtis were appointed on January 30, 2026, in a last-ditch effort to save the company. This development follows a troubling trend, with 19 firms entering administration in January 2026 alone. In 2025, 1,631 UK businesses filed for administration—a 5% decrease from 2024 but still 22% higher than in 2022. Employees across these companies now face redundancy, adding to the growing economic uncertainty.
But here's the controversial part: Is this wave of business failures a result of poor management, or is it a symptom of broader economic challenges beyond anyone's control? Some argue that companies like MPM, despite their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, were simply unable to weather the storm of rising costs and shifting consumer behavior. Others believe that better government support or strategic planning could have prevented these collapses. What do you think? Is this a failure of individual businesses, or a sign of deeper systemic issues? Let us know in the comments below.
