Company Insolvency Statistics Overview
The number of registered company insolvencies in England and Wales was 2,085 in April 2026, 2% higher than in March 2026, and 3% higher than the same month in 2025.
Compulsory Liquidations remained elevated in April 2026, exceeding the monthly average in 2025. It was a similar story for Administrations, which were 78% higher than in April 2025. Administration numbers in March and April 2026 were largely influenced by the volume of connected real estate companies entering Administration following the insolvency of lender Market Financial Solutions.
On a rolling basis, however, insolvency numbers tracked downwards over the past 12 months. 51.8 per 10,000 companies on the Companies House effective register entered insolvency in the 12 months to 30 April 2026, relative to 52.5 per 10,000 companies in the prior year.
Sector Focus
Insolvency levels in the retail and food & beverage sectors have remained broadly stable over the past year.
Food and beverage services saw a c.3% decline in insolvencies, while retail experienced less than a 1% change in the 12 months to April 2026 (vs. the prior year).
However, despite apparent stability borne out in the statistics, this masks a more nuanced and challenging market environment for operators within these sectors.
Key challenges operators are facing include:
- Labour cost rises (via National Insurance and Living Wage increases)
- Reduced business rates relief
- Elevated energy costs
- Onerous debt obligations
- Input cost inflation
- Reduced alcohol consumption amongst younger age groups
As a result, we have seen several high-profile insolvencies in the first 2 quarters of 2026, including:
- Quiz Clothing – Administration
- Franco Manca – CVA
- The Real Greek – Administration
- Las Iguanas – Restructuring Plan
- TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) – Restructuring Plan
- Poundstretcher – Restructuring Plan
Watling
Watling has extensive experience in the retail, leisure and casual dining property markets.
We have seen increasing demand from our Insolvency Practitioner client base for our treasury management service, supporting appointments over companies with substantial leasehold portfolios. The service adds capacity to Insolvency Practitioners, whilst managing occupational risk.
The service comprises Watling overseeing the timely settlement of occupational property liabilities for the period during which property portfolios are used for the purpose of the insolvency. We have a stress-tested process proven on nationwide portfolios.
We have provided treasury management services to Insolvency Practitioners over 200 sites during the last 12 months, making £10m worth of payments. Our service is supported by PII insurance up to £10m and our RICS regulation and membership of the RICS Client Money Protection Scheme for Surveying Services.
Should you require any treasury management support, do not hesitate to reach out.
