Monthly Insolvency Statistics: November 2023

​ There were 1,946 company insolvencies in August 2026, 1% higher than in July 2026 but 3% lower than in August 2025. August 2026 saw lower numbers of CVLs but higher compulsory liquidations and administrations than July 2026. CVLsIn August 2026, CVLs accounted for 74% of all company insolvencies. The number of CVLs was 4% lower than in July 2026, and 9% lower than in August 2025. The average monthly number of CVLs in the first eight months of 2026 was 7% lower than the average monthly number in 2025.In 2025 CVL volumes slightly decreased by 2% from 2024 and by 10% from the record-high number registered in 2023. The past four years have seen the highest four numbers of CVLs since the time series began in 1960. Between 2017 and 2019, CVLs had been rising at approximately 10% per year, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they fell to their lowest levels since 2007.Compulsory liquidationsThe number of compulsory liquidations in August 2026 was 8% higher than in July 2026 and 5% higher than in August 2025. The average monthly number of compulsory liquidations in the first eight months of 2026 was 5% lower than the 2025 monthly average.In 2025, compulsory liquidations were at the highest levels since 2012, having increased by 15% compared to 2024 volumes. This continued an increase from record low levels seen in 2020 and 2021, while restrictions applied to the use of statutory demands and certain winding-up petitions (leading to compulsory liquidations). AdministrationsThe number of administrations in August 2026 was 44% higher than in July 2026 and 60% higher than in August 2025. The average monthly number of administrations in the first eight months of 2026 was 36% higher than the 2025 monthly average. This was driven by higher numbers between March and August 2026, when more than 250 connected companies in the Real Estate sector entered administration. What Is The Trend? Last month there was a slight uptick in the number of insolvencies but this now seems to have been reversed. This backs up some signs that insolvency volumes are easing compared with the very high levels seen in recent years. The average monthly number of CVLs during the first seven months of 2026 was 7% lower than the 2025 average, while compulsory liquidations were 6% lower. More broadly, average monthly company insolvencies during 2026 have been 6% lower than the monthly average recorded over the preceding three years. This has mainly been driven by lower numbers of CVLs. So, while insolvency levels remain high, the current picture looks more like a period of stabilisation than a renewed upward trend. The wider business environment has not changed significantly. Many companies continue to face pressure from employment costs, energy prices, borrowing costs, weak demand and historic debt. However, these pressures are not currently translating into a fresh surge in formal insolvencies. Our experience earlier in 2026 was that HMRC had increased enforcement activity against companies with tax debts that had been allowed to build up over a long period. This included winding-up petitions and greater use of enforcement officers. Such action can often become the immediate trigger for either a compulsory liquidation or for directors to place a company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. For now, the August figures suggest that insolvency levels are in fact falling.What is very interesting is that there was a similar fall in August 2024. Keen readers will note that this was a couple of months prior to the first big labour budget under Rachel Reeves.  We are seeing similar falls of insolvencies prior to the next big Budget under Any Burnham.  Could it be that HMRC and other creditors are holding back a bit.  It is more likely though that during periods of uncertainty big decisions are not taken that can have a knock on effect on the insolvency statistics. 

​ Company insolvencies in England and Wales increased slightly in July 2026, with 1,931 companies entering formal insolvency such as administration or liquidation. This was 5% higher than in June 2026, but 5% lower than in July 2025. Creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs) continued to make up the bulk of company insolvencies, accounting for 78% of all cases in July. The number of CVLs was 9% higher than in June, but remained 3% lower than in July 2025. Compulsory liquidations also increased slightly in July, rising by 4% compared with June, although they were 11% lower than in July 2025. Administrations fell sharply, dropping 33% compared with June and 19% compared with July 2025. This was mainly because June’s figures were affected by around 60 connected companies in the property sector entering administration. Administration numbers have been unusually volatile this year. Around 260 connected real estate companies entered administration across March, April and June, which has had a substantial impact on the headline totals. There were 22 company voluntary arrangements in July. This was 57% higher than in June and 83% higher than in July 2025, although CVA numbers remain very low by historical standards.What Is The Trend? Taken as a whole, the figures do not suggest that insolvencies are beginning to rise again. The 5% increase from June is within normal monthly variation and the total was still 5% lower than a year earlier. There are also some signs that insolvency volumes are easing compared with the very high levels seen in recent years. The average monthly number of CVLs during the first seven months of 2026 was 7% lower than the 2025 average, while compulsory liquidations were 6% lower. More broadly, average monthly company insolvencies during 2026 have been 6% lower than the monthly average recorded over the preceding three years. This has mainly been driven by lower numbers of CVLs. So, while insolvency levels remain high, the current picture looks more like a period of stabilisation than a renewed upward trend. The wider business environment has not changed significantly. Many companies continue to face pressure from employment costs, energy prices, borrowing costs, weak demand and historic debt. However, these pressures are not currently translating into a fresh surge in formal insolvencies. Our experience earlier in 2026 was that HMRC had increased enforcement activity against companies with tax debts that had been allowed to build up over a long period. This included winding-up petitions and greater use of enforcement officers. Such action can often become the immediate trigger for either a compulsory liquidation or for directors to place a company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. For now, the July figures suggest that insolvency levels remain relatively stable, with some evidence that the very high levels of company liquidation seen in recent years are gradually beginning to come down.