A major British beauty brand is struggling to find a buyer after it submitted its paperwork to go into administration. Barry M Cosmetics is a longestablished UK makeup brand known for bold colours, affordable prices, and crueltyfree products, widely available online and in major retailers across the UK.

Founded in 1980, the make-up brand has its products available in stores such as Superdrug, Boots and Tesco. The company has recently brought in Begbies Traynor to explore a possible sale. It notified the courts that it plans to appoint administrators as the firm and its advisers look for a rescue deal. Barry Mero, who founded the company, died in 2014 after transforming the venture from a market setup into a highstreet favourite.

His story stretches from a small stall in East London's Ridley Road Market in the 1970s to its status as a muchloved British cosmetics label. After his death, his son, Dean took over leadership in 2004.

Company records show that Barry Mero's wife, Maxine, also serves as a director, and the business has recently been trying to modernise its image through a major rebrand aimed at customers who value authenticity and individuality.

Financial results for the year ending 29 February 2024 revealed that turnover increased from £15 million to £17.4 million and pretax profits rose significantly, though the company cautioned that global political tensions were pushing up its costs.

Several UK beauty businesses have been shutting down or entering administration, reflecting the pressure on the sector.

Rising costs, tougher competition, and weaker consumer spending have pushed both longstanding retailers and newer brands to close stores or cease trading altogether.