Milton Keynes-based company Waterline Limited has called in administrators to process a liquidation.
The company, based in a distribution head office at Newport Pagnell with subsidiary depots in Bolton and Bristol, was a wholesale independent firm supplying kitchen and bathroom parts, but has called in administrators as of October 9th, in a move that has seen 105 people made redundant and a further 15 retained to wind down the business.
Leonard Curtis confirmed that they have been appointed as administrators to manage the company’s winding down, with Axia VS acting as agents and Crowell & Moring as solicitors in the process.
Waterline Limited was initially incorporated on 3 February 1947 and was one of the largest UK independent wholesale distributors within the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector. The company had traded successfully, experiencing exceptional growth between 2021 and 2022, but went into decline in recent years due to a number of factors.
Pressures included the lifting of the national covid restrictions, increase in interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis which caused a significant reduction in consumer spending. As a consequence, the company had to rely on funding support from its shareholders which from 2025 became no longer viable.
Waterline’s board of directors had attempted to market and sell the business, only for the sale fell through and with the lack of long-term funding available, the decision was made to approach Leonard Curtis to consider the company’s financial position.
An accelerated mergers & acquisitions (AMA) process started in September, but despite some expressions of interest being received in certain assets of the company – mainly stock and intellectual property rights – there was no appetite for purchasing the business as a going concern.
This led to Alex Cadwallader and Dane O’Hara being appointed in the high court on 9 October 2025 as Joint Administrators. Leonard Curtis’ multidisciplinary teams, including its performance advisory specialists, prepared a wind down plan to benefit the company as whole and assist the Retention of Title suppliers in collecting their stock whilst realising the value in the other assets. The Administrators are not in a position to fulfil nor take any orders.
Administrator Alex Cadwallader commented in a statement, “We are disappointed that a sale did not take place, despite reaching out to both industry and non-industry specific parties as part of our regulated process.
“A key driver for the board of Waterline was the safeguarding of jobs for employees with the aim of a going concern sale. However despite their best efforts, the external factors pressures in the economy and the sector specifically meant a buyer could not be found.
“Unfortunately, 105 redundancies have taken place, with 15 staff members working to support the wind down of the business.”
Industry association KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association Ltd) voiced their disappointment in a statement on social media. They said, “A big blow to our industry.
“The news that Waterline has ceased trading brings real sadness across the KBB sector. While many were aware of the challenges faced in recent times, it is still deeply disappointing to see such a long-established name leave the industry.
“Our thoughts are with all the staff, suppliers, and customers affected during this difficult period.
“At The KBSA, we are here to help support our members and the wider industry wherever we can. If you have been impacted or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Olney today (15/10) in which a building was damaged in attempts to steal a cash machine.
At approximately 2.45am, offenders used a green telehandler to force entry into the Nationwide on High Street in Olney on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.
The offenders attempted to steal the ATM but failed to do so, however, they caused significant damage to the building in the process.
Thames Valley Police have said that they do not have descriptions of the offenders at this stage.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Samantha La Jeune said, “We’re appealing to anyone who may have information, CCTV, or dash-cam footage relating to this burglary to please contact us.
“Several vehicles drove past the bank while the burglary was happening, including lorries and milkmen, so please review your dash-cam footage in case it has captured anything that may help us.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we’ve increased patrols in the area and our neighbourhood teams are actively engaging with residents to listen to concerns and help ensure people feel safe so please speak to a uniformed officer if you have any concerns.”
Report information to us by calling 101 or by making an online report via our website, quoting reference 43250525929.
Luton Airport have announced they will begin a programme to resurface the airport’s runway.
Essential runway resurfacing works are to be undertaken at the airport, beginning on 3 November 2025. Luton Airport have said that work to upgrade the durability and performance of the runway is necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of airport operations and to ensure that they continue to meet regulatory safety requirements.
All works will take place overnight between 00:01 and 05:45, Monday to Friday, with airport saying this is to minimise disruption. During this time, the runway will be closed to all aircraft movements. The project is expected to run for approximately five months.
The £18 million project forms part of the long-term investment in the airport and will be carried out by Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure, a contractor highly experienced in airfield projects.
Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Office at London Luton Airport, said, “We recognise that projects of this scale can raise questions or concerns, particularly around noise disturbance and light pollution. While some disruption is unavoidable, every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum and we will closely monitor noise levels throughout the project. Wherever possible, materials will be reused to reduce both waste and the movement of vehicles. We would like to thank local residents for their understanding and cooperation as we complete this essential upgrade.”
London Luton Airport has written to more than 25,000 households to notify them of the work. Any questions regarding the project should be emailed to [email protected] or sent in writing to London Luton Airport, Runway Resurfacing Project, Percival House, Percival Way, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9NU.
Luton Town will have a home tie against National League outfit Forest Green Rovers in the First Round of the FA Cup.
The Hatters had been drawn at home to face the winners of last night’s (13/10) First Round tie between Worthing and Forest Green Rovers, with the draw taking place at Worthing’s ground ahead of the tie.
Forest Green Rovers’ consequent 4-1 victory in Sussex to beat the Mackerel Men means that the side from Gloucestershire managed by former Welsh international midfielder Robbie Savage will be making the trip to Kenilworth Road.
The match will take place on the weekend around Saturday November 1st, with the specific kick-off date and time, ticket information and details of any TV coverage to be announced in due course.
The match will be Luton’s first encounter with Forest Green Rovers since 2018, with the Hatters having met Forest Green Rovers in the 2017/18 season, at a time when both were in League Two. Luton won both contests that season, with the match at Kenilworth Road ending in a 3-1 win for the Bedfordshire-based club.
Forest Green Rovers currently sit second in the National League, having picked up 29 points from their opening 14 games.
Milton Keynes Museum has revealed it will be hosting a series of events during half-term, which this year coincides with Halloween.
Among the events on their schedule this year will be delivering a Victorian themed event too, being done for the first time ever.
In addition, popular local performance troupe The Black Sheep Collective will be occupying the Street of Shops with perfectly eerie interactive performances. These take place in the build-up to Halloween at 12-2pm daily, October 27-October 31.
In a statement, MK Museum said that there will also be ghost-themed displays in their Street of Shops. They said, “There have been some spooky goings on, reports of shadows, strange noises and people going missing in the street of shops. Meet George the paperboy, Betty the Butcher and Victor the V… who disappears into the shadows. All have their own story to tell, if you are brave enough to listen!”
In the farmhouse area of the museum, the Parlour will be dressed with all kinds of authentic decoration from the time when Queen Victoria occupied the throne.
Elsewhere, Halloween activities are running – including cookie decorating, and the chance to make your own witch’s hat. Museum volunteers will be dressing to scare, too.
Furthermore, there will be extra events including a Spooky Singalong with Lingotot (Oct 29), Victorian-inspired henna design candle painting (Oct 30) and – coinciding with Black History Month – Cultural storyteller Chinwe will explain the meaning behind Adinkra Symbols from Ghanaian Culture, cross referencing them with objects from the servant’s room (Oct 31).
“It’s frightening how quickly Halloween is upon us, but we are ready for it and can promise everyone who visits the Museum this half term a thoroughly creepy time!” promised deputy director Surbhi Bhambri, “We’ve got a full week of freaky and fabulous events and activities planned, which will be spine-chillingly great, and perfect for all ages!”
There is ample free parking for broomsticks – and cars – at the Museum.
Pay once at the Museum and you can visit for free for a whole year.
For more information visit www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
