UK jewellers in administration amid £189K debts

The owners of John Gowing Jewellers Ltd, a shop based at the iconic Oxford Covered Market operating since 1946, have made it clear that the business is not closing after it went into administration, reports the Oxford Mail.

However, another group talks about its jewellery business: “The shop is an independent, family-run jeweller and watch specialist that also offers valuations, diamond accessories and repairs.

As of July 28, administrators from Begbies Traynor have been appointed to the company, with a notice to strike the business off having been published on Companies House. The notice was dated for August 4 and said that unless an objection was raised, the company would be struck off the register in two months.

In its latest accounts for the 12 months to June 13, 2025, it reported creditors falling within a year of £188,705 as well as an average number of four employees. The spokesperson for the business added that the recent “corporate change” has come about following new owners being appointed.

The spokesperson added: “There has been no interruption to our watch, jewellery, repair or valuation services. Under new ownership, additional investment supports the next stage of the business. That the shop is not closing will be a relief for the Covered Market, which is a tourist hotspot and first opened in 1774.

Four years ago John Gowing Jewellery celebrated 75 years in operation. At the time Mr Gowing – who was running the shop with his wife – was 66 years old and celebrating half a century in the business with no plans to retire. Additionally, he was hopeful about the market’s prospects.

Indeed, in June 2025 John and Ann Gowing resigned as directors of the company and were replaced by Prasanna Perera, according to Companies House.

Speaking in the months after the Covid-19 pandemic, he said: “I do feel that the city council (the landlord of the Covered Market) has its heart in the right place and wants it to do well. “There are some empty units, but at the same time there are plans for those units to be filled – I think four new businesses are currently being lined up to take over different units.”