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Craft gin maker British Honey heading into administration after funding failure

British Honey

Craft gin maker British Honey flies towards administration after funding failure

A honey-based product manufacturer, including craft gins, has revealed plans to call in administrators after failing to secure long-term funding and a sale of the business,

The British Honey Company (BHC), is based in Oxfordshire and best known for its Keepr's and Two Birds brands.

The firm has announced its shares on the Aquis exchange had been suspended pending the formal appointment of partners at FRP Advisory.

The company was founded in 2014 and employs 80 people at its factory and warehouse in neighbouring Buckinghamshire.

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It began as a honey producer but quickly expanded as the craze for flavoured spirits, including craft gin, gained traction both at home and abroad.

BHC warned in December last year that a £750,000 loan it had settled would only tide it over for so long.

A statement said: "At that time the board made clear that further funding would need to be secured early this year, which the company has attempted to identify since this date, but it has proved extremely challenging, with no offer of funding support being forthcoming to date."

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"Significant costs savings have been made in the business in order to conserve cash.

"Notwithstanding these cost savings, BHC will need further funding by end of March 2023, based on present management forecasts.

"Regrettably, the board has concluded that it is required to take the necessary steps to preserve value for creditors."

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It is understood there are still hopes the business can be sold as a going concern given the level of interest last year when a formal sale was an option under a strategic review.

Its last set of accounts showed sales of almost £8 million during 2021, according to Refinitiv data.

But it is believed funding woes last year, coinciding with the cost-of-living crisis, saw the company cut 30 jobs as part of its cost reductions.

SourceSky News

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