Fired Earth Shuts Down After Entering Administration
It’s another tough day for the UK’s retail and home interiors sector, as Fired Earth — a long-established and well-loved British tiling and interiors brand — has officially collapsed into administration. The news has sent ripples through the industry, marking the end of an era for a company that’s been part of British homes for more than four decades.
Founded in Oxfordshire back in 1983, Fired Earth built a reputation for luxury tiles, paints, and home décor. Over the years, it expanded to operate 20 showrooms across the UK, plus two overseas outlets in Denmark and Norway. But despite its strong name and heritage, the company has struggled in recent years to stay afloat amid changing market conditions and rising costs.
On October 31, administrators Dane O’Hara and Neil Bennett from Leonard Curtis were appointed to take over the company’s affairs. They confirmed that all 133 employees have been made redundant as a result of the collapse. Every Fired Earth store will now close its doors, with only the Banbury head office and warehouse remaining open temporarily to complete outstanding customer orders.
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The administrators explained that they are attempting to sell the company’s assets to a third party, but unfortunately, no offers have yet been received that include retaining Fired Earth’s staff or showrooms. O’Hara shared that the company had been loss-making for quite some time and was kept afloat by shareholder loans. However, despite efforts to find a turnaround strategy, the investor decided not to inject further funds after continued trading losses.
In its most recent financial results, Fired Earth reported a turnover of nearly £15 million but still suffered a £1.6 million loss in 2024 — following a similar loss the previous year. This consistent financial pressure ultimately left little room for recovery.
Fired Earth’s fall comes on the heels of several other blows to the UK tiling and interiors market. Last year, CTD Tiles also entered administration, though some of its stores were later rescued by Topps Tiles and other buyers. Likewise, Johnson Tiles recently announced the closure of its Tunstall production facility, moving toward outsourced manufacturing after calling UK tile production “unsustainable.”
The loss of Fired Earth highlights how challenging the retail and home design landscape has become, especially for brands that rely heavily on in-store experiences. For customers and employees alike, it’s an emotional end to a business that once defined luxury British interiors.
While administrators continue to seek buyers for Fired Earth’s assets, the broader message is clear — even well-known, long-established brands are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in today’s turbulent market.
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