A kitchen fitting company that has entered administration has seen a new firm set up by the owner’s son, leading to criticism over its name.

Administrators have been appointed to shut down Sherwood Kitchens Limited, based in Witney, which was set up 24 years ago.

The business, situated on the town’s main shopping street, was founded by Steve and Bobby Pidsley in 2002 and specialised in kitchen design, supply, and installation services.

Steve’s son Robert Pidsley has established Kiss Kitchens and Doors Ltd, which reportedly operates from the same address as Sherwood Kitchens.

A dissatisfied former customer of Sherwood Kitchens said Steve told her that Kiss stands for Keep it Simple Stupid.

She called the new name deeply disrespectful to customers and noted that Steve communicated he would only accept cash or bank transfers, providing his banking information.

She said he told her that recovering her £1,400 would mean payments of £1 weekly or monthly through the liquidation process. She alleged he has not compensated shop employees nor paid their redundancy entitlements.

Another individual reported that Sherwood Kitchens dismissed two employees with immediate effect on January 31, 2026, leaving them owed wages for January hours worked, along with redundancy compensation and notice pay.

They also allegedly stopped pension contributions from October 2025 despite deductions being made from wages.

Former director Steve said the current economic conditions forced Sherwood Kitchens Ltd into liquidation, with two employees and four family members applying for redundancy.

He said they are a local enterprise run by local people committed to treating customers and staff fairly, which is why Sherwood Kitchens Ltd is in administration.

UK company administrations surged by 52% from February to March, reaching 235, and were 82% higher compared with March 2025, while mandatory liquidations rose by 18%.

Industry observers have cautioned that the underlying situation remains worrying for enterprises as cost pressures mount.

Steve explained that Kiss Kitchens and Doors Ltd represents a new business operated by his 36-year-old son Robert and has no connection to Sherwood Kitchens.

Company records indicate Robert continues to hold a directorship at Sherwood Kitchens.

However, Steve said Robert will fulfil all guaranteed work from Sherwood Kitchens.

The 61-year-old added that they successfully finished all outstanding projects without customers paying additional costs, except for one customer who opted to reclaim her deposit.

He said they even paid part of outstanding wages in cash from personal funds.

Looking ahead after this difficult start to the year, Steve expressed confidence that his son would establish Kiss Kitchens and Doors as a successful local brand.