Singletons & Co enters into administration

Singletons & Co, the family-owned cheesemaker which can trace its Lancashire roots back nearly 300 years, has entered into administration.

As a result, 69 employees have been made redundant while 12 are staying on as part of the administration.

Singletons was established in 1934 by Duillia and Robert Singleton, who continued a family tradition dating back to 1745 by selling hand-crafted cheeses. 

Most recently, the business was run by Tilly Carefoot, a fourth-generation member of the Singleton family.  The Longridge-based company supplied produce to both retail and wholesale, as well as exporting to over 30 countries worldwide.

Andrew Knowles and Steven Muncaster of Kroll have been appointed as joint administrators.

Andrew Knowles, senior director of Kroll said: "Singletons has a long-established track record for its products. However, 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.

"The company had attempted to sell the business as a going concern prior to the appointment however this was unsuccessful."