Afford Rent-a-Car collapses Into administration as sale talks fail

Midlands vehicle hire operator Afford Rent-a-Car Limited has entered administration following failed efforts to secure a going-concern sale, resulting in the closure of the business and the loss of 34 jobs.

Steve Currie and Sophie Murcott of Currie Young Ltd were appointed joint administrators after the Staffordshire-based company experienced sustained financial strain from rising insurance premiums, higher vehicle leasing costs, escalating repair and maintenance expenses, and weakening rental demand.

Afford Rent-a-Car, founded in 1981 and operating from offices in Fenton and Stafford, had been a long-standing presence in the regional vehicle rental market. At its peak, the business traded from multiple locations and built a reputation as a recognised local employer.

According to a statement issued by the administrators, the directors had been engaged in negotiations to sell the business prior to the insolvency filing. However, despite those efforts, no transaction could be concluded before cash pressures intensified.

Currie Young was introduced shortly before the appointment with limited time to explore restructuring and sale options. The joint administrators pursued a distressed sale process immediately upon appointment but were unable to complete a going-concern transaction within the available timeframe. Following the appointment, the company’s assets were sold to an undisclosed third party.

Employees have been informed of the closure and will be supported in submitting claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.

Steve Currie, joint administrator, said the case underscores the importance of seeking professional advice at the earliest signs of financial distress, noting that earlier engagement can materially expand restructuring and rescue options, including the potential preservation of jobs.