SOS Wholesale, one of the UK’s largest discount delivered wholesalers of groceries, soft drinks, confectionery and other goods, has entered administration.
The Derby-based company, operating from a 70,000 sq ft warehouse, filed the notice to administrators on 8 September. Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed as joint administrators.
In recent months, the business faced multiple challenges affecting the wider retail sector, including rising input costs and changing consumer spending habits. With cashflow and profitability under pressure, the company was unable to meet its financial obligations, leading directors to place the business into administration.
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The company’s turnover fell from £49 m in 2022–23 to £42 m in 2023–24, while gross profit declined from £6 m to £4.6 m over the same period. Operating profit also dropped, from £1.5 m to £806,554.
Trading at SOS Wholesale has now ceased. The majority of its 100 employees have been made redundant, although a small number of staff have been retained to assist the joint administrators in exploring options, including launching a sale process for the business and its assets.
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The retail sector is currently facing a number of challenges which are being felt throughout the supply chain. While SOS Wholesale had established itself as one of the largest wholesalers in the market, the challenges it faced and the impact on its finances proved insurmountable.
“Regrettably, the business was not in a position to continue trading and the majority of staff have been made redundant. We urgently call on any interested parties to come forward as we explore options for a possible sale of the business and its assets.”
