Multiyork, which trades from 50 stores in the UK and has two manufacturing plants in Norfolk and Thetford, is expected to continue to trade as normal over the next few weeks in order to fulfil Christmas orders.

Allan Graham, a managing director with Duff & Phelps and joint administrator, said: ‘Trading conditions for UK retailers continue to be difficult due to a number of factors including economic uncertainty, rising commodity prices, increasing business rates and the fall in value of the pound which has increased the cost of importing raw materials and products.

‘This appears to be leading to a sharp fall in consumer confidence and less money being spent on discretionary items.

‘This has impacted certain sectors particularly hard and as a result of trading losses, Multiyork could no longer meet on-going liabilities.’

Graham said the administrators intend to continue to trade the business for a short period while looking for a buyer.

Report by Pat Sweet