Jobs saved as premium fashion retailer sold by administrators after shop hit by car
Dozens of jobs have been saved after a North East-headquartered high end fashion retailer was sold out of administration.
Dozens of jobs have been saved after a North East-headquartered high end fashion retailer was sold out of administration.
Steven Ross and Allan Kelly of FRP Advisory were appointed as joint administrators to Jules B Limited on 17 February 2026 and, immediately following their appointment, completed a sale of the business and assets, safeguarding 25 jobs.
Incorporated on 14 April 1986 and trading as Jules B Limited since May 1991, the company has a long-established presence in the sector, operating from its Jesmond store in Newcastle upon Tyne and through its online platform.
Historically, the business operated five retail outlets across Newcastle, Kendal and Harrogate, although its store footprint reduced in recent years in response to challenging trading conditions.
It experienced a number of financial pressures, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the business entering into a Company Voluntary Arrangement in 2024.
Despite continued efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs, the business was ultimately unable to meet its ongoing liabilities while maintaining agreed repayment commitments.
The sale of the business ensures continuity of the Jules B brand, with 25 employees transferring to the purchaser, who will continue to trade from the Jesmond store and online.
This month saw the Jesmond shop close for a period after a car crashed into the site.
The brand posted a statement to social media on Tuesday, February 10 saying: “We’re deeply saddened to share that our Osborne Road store in Jesmond will be closed until further notice.
“In the early hours of this morning, the shop was severely damaged during a ram-raid, and it will take us some time to repair the premises and make it safe before we can reopen.
“This has been a real shock to our team, and after everything the past few years have thrown at us, it’s another tough hurdle to face. Your kindness, loyalty and encouragement are what keep us going during moments like this, and we truly can’t thank you enough for that support.”
Steven Ross, partner at FRP Advisory and joint administrator of Jules B Limited, said: "Jules B is a well-known premium fashion retailer with a long heritage and loyal customer base. Despite efforts to streamline the business and address historic challenges, ongoing pressures in the retail sector meant it was no longer financially sustainable in its current form.
"We’re pleased to have secured a sale of the business and assets which protects 25 jobs and enables the brand to continue trading. We wish the purchaser every success as they take the business forward."
Words: Alice Bird