Several popular UK businesses have collapsed into administration over recent weeks
The iconic UK metal firm with 200 staff has collapsed into administration (Image: Getty)
A historic UK metal firm has plunged into administration, with some 200 jobs potentially at risk. Rotherham-based metal recycling firm CF Booth filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Friday (January 16), with James Ronald Alexander Lumb and Howard Smith of Interpath Advisory appointed as joint administrators, according to a notice published in The London Gazette.
The collapse follows the recent death of director and owner Ken Booth, bringing an end to more than a century of family involvement in one of Britain’s best-known metal recycling businesses. Founded in the 1920s, CF Booth Ltd grew from a small local scrap trader into one of the largest independently run metal recycling companies in Europe, employing generations of families from the Rotherham area. It focused on the purchase and processing of metals, including steel, copper, and aluminium, supplying customers across the UK manufacturing and recycling sectors. Its main site, Clarence Metal Works, near the Rotherham Ring Road, has long been a fixture of the town’s industrial landscape and a major local employer. News of the administration has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of reaction from workers, industry figures, and residents.
CF Booth’s Clarence Metal Works site in Rotherham (Image: Google)
The National Wagon Preservation Group, a UK-based heritage organisation made up of railway enthusiasts dedicated to saving, restoring and showcasing historic railway freight wagons, acknowlegded the news.
In a statement shared online yesterday (January 17), the group said: “Sad news that CF Booth is winding up its operations following the passing of Ken Booth a few weeks ago. With 200 staff on the books and many more throughout the supply chain, it’s not happy new year for them.
“With a sympathetic attitude to preservation going back over half a century there can’t be many preservation sites out there without some component or stock that was once a CF Booth asset.
“I think the deal we brokered for OCA’s 112010 and 112013 saw them become the last two rail vehicles to escape the yard.
“Thank you to all those Booths staff past and present for your help.”
In response, one man called it a “historic loss” whilst another called it “devastating news for Rotherham.”
Many also paid personal tribute to Mr Booth and his family following the news. One man said: “I rented a workshop from Ken Booth. He would pop in most mornings for a drink on his rounds. RIP Ken.”
Mr Booth was also a former chairman of Rotherham United (Image: Getty)
Another added: “RIP Ken, a proper old school gentleman. Used to deal with that company as buyer at Davy Roll Company Sheffield.”
A further tribute read: “Sad news – for the Booth family and the employees. I was allowed to look around in 1983 when the 76s were being scrapped. ‘Just be careful’ was the advice! A phone call beforehand arranged the visit.”
Administration is a legal process triggered when a business is in financial trouble, allowing independent specialists to take control in an attempt to rescue, sell or restructure the company. It does not automatically mean closure, but roles can be affected.
Beyond his role as a leading figure in the metal industry, Mr Booth was a former chairman of Rotherham United, where he played a key role in saving the club from financial collapse in 1987. He remained at the helm until December 2004.
In later years, he became closely involved in efforts to bring the club’s former ground, Millmoor, back into use, supporting work to refurbish facilities, clear the site and improve the pitch for community teams.
Earlier this year, he joined supporters at the Tivoli End for a re-recording of the club anthem Millermen, an event which raised thousands of pounds for Rotherham Hospice.
