Handmade Burger Co.

The Handmade Burger Company was started by the Sargeant brothers in Birmingham in 2006. Funded by profits made in the property sector, the business grew from 12 staff at the start to 750 by 2016, working at 25 locations across the country. In an article written in May 2016 it seemed that the brothers’ only thoughts were for more expansion. Yet within a year the business had collapsed into administration, leading to hundreds of job losses

Handmade Burger had seemed to do everything right: 40 different types of burger, including gluten-free and celebrity-endorsed ‘Jimmy’s Farm’ burgers. The stores were well designed to ensure a comfortable night out.

The 2016 optimism was understandable. Secondary research source Mintel issued a report to say the UK burger market had grown to be worth £3.28 billion, and the forecast was for future growth. Others highlighted the optimistic store opening plans for Five Guys and other producers of posh burgers.