prabhu
In July 2025, two significant developments in the West Midlands underscore the region’s focus on protecting workers and sustaining local businesses. An administration-led rescue orchestrated by Bishop Fleming has secured the future of Skate Hut, a prominent action sports retailer, preserving over 100 jobs through its sale to SkatePro UK Limited. Meanwhile, a chemical manufacturer, Robinson Brothers, has been fined £100,000 for neglecting worker safety, leading to nine employees developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Announced on 11 July 2025, these events highlight the region’s commitment to economic resilience and workplace safety, addressing critical challenges in retail and industrial sectors.
Skate Hut Saved from Collapse Through Swift Administration
Skate Hut, a West Midlands-based retailer specialising in skateboards, scooters, skates, bikes, and apparel, has been saved from collapse through a swift administration-led sale to SkatePro UK Limited. Established as one of the UK’s first independent retailers of Heelys footwear, Skate Hut grew into a global e-commerce leader with two physical stores, serving customers worldwide. At its peak in 2021, the company achieved a £32.2 million turnover, driven by pandemic-era demand, and employed 126 staff by 2023. However, declining turnover and significant cashflow challenges prompted Bishop Fleming’s Restructuring and Insolvency Team, led by partner Luke Venner, to intervene in May 2025.
A Strategic Sale to Secure Jobs and Stability
Facing a creditor’s winding-up petition, Bishop Fleming determined that an accelerated sale through administration was the best course to protect the business and its stakeholders. A nationwide marketing effort engaged five interested parties within a tight two-week period, culminating in the sale of Skate Hut and its parent company, Splat Holdings, on 4 July 2025. Splat Holdings held key intangible assets and interests in the two UK trading premises. Venner and Malcolm Rhodes were appointed joint administrators, overseeing the process that secured the company’s future.
Venner commented, “Following a short but concerted, nationwide marketing process, which culminated in negotiations with five interested parties, we are delighted to confirm the sale of the business and assets of both Skate Hut Ltd and Splat Holdings Limited to SkatePro UK Limited for an undisclosed sum. Retail insolvencies have been a prominent feature in recent years, with numerous high-profile cases highlighting the challenges faced by this sector, so we are especially pleased to see this business continuing under different ownership. The sale preserves the jobs of Skate Hut’s large workforce, whilst also offering protection to all customers with unfulfilled orders.”
Customer Protection and Sector Confidence Restored
The rescue ensures the continuation of Skate Hut’s operations, safeguarding all 126 jobs and protecting customers with unfulfilled orders. Bishop Fleming advised consumer creditors to either contact SkatePro UK Limited to discuss their orders or seek refunds through their card providers, providing appointment documentation to support claims. This outcome not only stabilises a key regional employer but also reinforces consumer confidence in the action sports retail sector, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic insolvency processes in preserving viable businesses.
Robinson Brothers Fined for Prolonged Health Failures
In a contrasting development, Robinson Brothers, a chemical manufacturer based in West Bromwich, was fined £100,000 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2025 for failing to protect workers from the risks of vibrating tools. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that nine employees developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a debilitating condition causing irreversible damage to hands and arms, impairing everyday tasks like writing, fastening buttons, or using cutlery.
Repeated Negligence Over a 14-Year Period
The HSE found that staff at the West Bromwich site had used vibrating tools, such as grinders and road breakers, for 14 years without adequate safety measures. Robinson Brothers neglected to conduct proper risk assessments, implement exposure reduction strategies, train employees, or monitor for early HAVS symptoms. These failures constituted four breaches of vibration safety laws, to which the company pleaded guilty, resulting in the £100,000 fine and an additional £6,761 in costs.
HSE Response: A Warning to Employers
HSE inspector Claire Coleman underscored the severity of the oversight: “The effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and once damage is done, it is irreversible. The effects can make it difficult or impossible to do things like hold a pen, fasten buttons or use a knife and fork. It cannot be underestimated how important it is that employers take the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees should they need to use vibrating hand tools. The available guidance is extensive and straightforward to follow and includes tools to assist in deciding what is needed to protect employees. HSE will not hesitate to act against companies which do not do all that they should to keep employees safe.”
Contrasting Outcomes: Protection Through Proactivity vs. Penalty
The Skate Hut rescue and Robinson Brothers’ fine reflect the West Midlands’ dedication to fostering economic stability and worker well-being. The successful sale of Skate Hut preserves a vital retail business, maintaining jobs and supporting customers, while demonstrating the efficacy of administration as a tool for business recovery. In contrast, the fine imposed on Robinson Brothers underscores the region’s zero-tolerance approach to workplace safety violations, ensuring employees are protected from long-term health risks.
Broader Implications for Regional Resilience
Both cases have broader implications. Skate Hut’s rescue mitigates the impact of retail sector challenges, which have seen numerous insolvencies due to economic pressures like inflation and shifting consumer habits post-pandemic. By securing new ownership, the business can continue contributing to the local economy and global action sports market. Meanwhile, the HSE’s action against Robinson Brothers sets a precedent for industrial employers, encouraging proactive risk management to prevent occupational health issues like HAVS, which can devastate workers’ lives and livelihoods.
Looking Forward: Compliance and Communication are Key
The Skate Hut sale navigated significant hurdles, including a creditor’s winding-up petition, which required court intervention to facilitate the administration process. Bishop Fleming’s ability to secure a buyer within two weeks highlights the importance of rapid, strategic action in insolvency cases. For customers with unfulfilled orders, clear communication from SkatePro UK Limited will be crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring a smooth transition.
Robinson Brothers’ case exposes the challenges of compliance in high-risk industries. The company’s failure to follow straightforward HSE guidance on vibration risks underscores the need for ongoing training and oversight. As industrial firms face increasing scrutiny, investing in safety measures is not only a legal obligation but also a means to protect workforce productivity and corporate reputation.
A Shared Goal: Economic Security and Worker Protection
The Skate Hut rescue and the Robinson Brothers fine mark significant steps toward a safer and more prosperous West Midlands. By preserving over 100 jobs, Skate Hut’s sale strengthens the region’s retail sector, offering a model for navigating economic challenges. Simultaneously, the HSE’s enforcement action against Robinson Brothers reinforces workplace safety, protecting workers from irreversible harm. Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to economic resilience and employee welfare, positioning the West Midlands as a leader in responsible business practices and community-focused development.
