Jobs saved as health food firm’s subsidiaries sold out of administration

Two subsidiaries of a stricken Nottingham business which had been trading for almost a century have been sold out of administration.

Chris Pole and Ryan Grant of Interpath Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of Health Made Easy, of which Bulwell-based the Health Store was subsidiary, last week. Now, the administrators have revealed that they have sold two of its subsidiary companies – Higher Nature and Freshly Cut – to CGK Consulting.

Some 33 employees, 31 from Higher Nature and two from Freshly Cut, form part of the deal.

The companies form part of the UK’s largest independent health food and wellness products distribution platform, supplying a broad range of third party and owned brand goods, food and drink, personal care, and vitamins, minerals and supplements.

Some 206 employees worked across Tree of Life UK and Health Stores (Wholesale) company sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Nottingham.

Over recent months, the group had faced a number of challenges including an unexpected sales decline following the loss of a large customer, and “unprecedented” market conditions that have impacted on financial performance.

Based in Sussex, Higher Nature is a manufacturer and distributor of vitamin and mineral supplements, operating in the sector for over 25 years. Freshly Cut, trading as Peppersmith, is one of the UK’s leading mints and gum brands.

Pole said: “We’re delighted to have been able to conclude this transaction, which safeguards the future of these market-leading businesses, as well as preserving many jobs. We wish the purchaser all the very best for the future.”