Cheesemaker Singletons Dairy in administration

Lancashire cheesemaker Singletons Dairy has gone into administration after unsuccessful attempts to sell the business as a going concern.

Based in Longridge and trading as Singletons & Co, the family run business has been making award-winning cheeses for more than 80 years.

It supplies both retail and wholesale markets, as well as exporting to more than 30 countries.

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Joint administrators Andrew Knowles and Steven Muncaster of accountant Kroll were appointed on 22 August.

Based on current estimates, the administrators expect that there will be sufficient funds to enable a distribution to the firm’s farmer suppliers and other unsecured creditors.

However they said it was too early to confirm how many farmers supply the company and how much of what is owed might eventually be paid to them, or when it might be paid. 

Twelve employees have been retained to deal with the sale of remaining assets, while 69 staff were made redundant when the administrators were appointed.

 Andrew Knowles, Kroll’s senior director, said: “Like many companies in this sector, it has had to manage the effects of Covid-19, the rising costs of milk and other additional overheads.” 

Singletons makes a large range of cheeses including Lancashire heritage cheese brands and British territorial cheeses, as well as blended and speciality products.

In addition, it sells and exports cheeses from other producers.