Overview

• Six trading sites, including The Beech House in Watford, ceased trading immediately after PwC joint administrators were appointed, resulting in 159 redundancies.
• PwC administrators Ross Connock, Toby Banfield and Tom Crookham are overseeing Oakman’s affairs and coordinating the sale process.
• The acquisition boosts Upham Group’s footprint from 14 to 28 rural and suburban establishments across southern England and the Midlands.
• Founded by Peter Borg-Neal in 2007, Oakman Inns had expanded to around 30 venues and employed over 1,600 staff at its peak.
• Remaining branches face an uncertain future as rising operating costs and reduced customer footfall continue to challenge mid-market hospitality businesses.