An independent kitchen and appliances retailer in Bristol has fallen into administration after more than 40 years in business. Nailsea Electrical was established by Peter Gilks in the North Somerset town of the same name in 1982.

The company, which rebranded to NE Appliances in 2020, has a store on Gloucester Road in Bristol and a large purpose-built showroom in Hengrove.

In an announcement on Facebook, NE Appliances – now run by Mr Gilks’ son Benjamin – said it was with “deepest sadness” it had entered into administration.

“We have been working tirelessly to save the business but the economy has not been on our side,” the firm wrote in a statement. “We will be in contact with everyone in the coming days. We thank you for your business to date. Our hearts could not be more broken..”

A later post said NE appliances was currently “working with administrators” to make sure a process is followed to work with customers who have lost money as a result of the firm’s collapse.

“This is not something that is being taken lightly and we fully understand the impact it’s having on people,” the company wrote. “The frustrations are completely taken on board, but at this exact time our hands are tied. We will be in touch with individuals to work through each case where possible.

“We can only deeply apologise for the position we are in as a result and have a human outlook on this that has feelings for each and everyone of you. We hope to be in touch in the next 7-14 days.”

NE Appliances, which has won several awards over the years, rebranded in 2020, launching a new website and making “significant investments” in its business infrastructure, according to the company’s website.

In 2022, the retailer opened a dedicated kitchen showroom for its sister company, 102 Kitchens.

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