F.R JONES IN ADMINISTRATION

F.R Jones And Son Limited, one of the most well known names in the UK dealer sector, has ceased trading and is in administration.

The Swanley, Kent based dealership that specialised in gardening and arboricultural products, had been established since 1963 and was one of the largest dealerships in the UK.

However, on Monday 26 June 2023, Arvindar Singh and Ben Jones of FRP Advisory Trading Limited were appointed as Joint Administrators.

A statement on F.R Jones now defunct website reads, "The Company has now ceased to trade, and it will no longer be possible to fulfil any outstanding orders."

It continues, "Creditors can contact FRP Advisory Trading by sending emails to the following address: 

"The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Administrators and who act as agents of the Company without personal liability.

"Insolvency Practitioners are bound by the Insolvency Code of Ethics when carrying out all professional work relating to an insolvency appointment."

Service Dealer has reached out to now ex-managing director Justin Jones for a statement, but we were told he was not able to issue one at this point.

STIHL, who were a major trading partner of F.R Jones, were also approached for a comment by Service Dealer. Simon Hewitt, head of marketing, STIHL Great Britain told us, "STIHL GB was saddened to learn that FR Jones recently went into administration. We have worked with the business for many years and its demise is devastating for the employees affected.

"Fortunately, there are many excellent approved dealers in the South East of England to support STIHL customers. It’s our hope that FR Jones’ former employees will be able to find alternative roles within the dealer network too.”

As well as having a major online presence, F.R Jones had recently expanded, opening a new warehouse and service centre in Redditch.

They were also due to organise a retail area described as "the largest ever seen at a groundscare event" at the inaugural GroundsFest this Septemeber, where they had promised "some incredible discounts."