Company Insolvency Statistics || May 2026

Watling’s review of the May 2026 insolvency statistics indicates a moderation in company insolvency activity, with 1,868 registered insolvencies in England and Wales, representing a 10% decrease from April and a 16% reduction year-on-year. The decline was driven by lower levels of both Compulsory Liquidations and Administrations. Insolvencies on a rolling 12 monthly basis were […]
Sub Sector Focus: A Game of Two Halves – Student Living After the Renters Rights Act

For years, student accommodation has been viewed as one of the UK’s most resilient operational real estate sectors. That assumption is now being tested. Rising operational costs, affordability pressures, evolving student demand and significant legislative change are creating a more polarised and volatile market than many lenders and investors have become accustomed to. With the […]
Double 50,000-square-foot office letting secured at Warwick’s The Point

Two occupiers have signed for around 50,000 square foot of offices in total at The Point in Warwick in the West Midlands. Watling Real Estate, acting as asset manager, has signed Calor Gas for 27,976 square feet across the second floor while Workforce One UK will occupy 21,540 square feet on the first floor, with both signing […]
Watling Real Estate completes £2.64 million sale of Nottinghamshire wedding venue

Watling Real Estate has completed the sale of The Lakeside, a landmark wedding and events venue in Nottinghamshire, for £2.64 million. The Grade II* Listed property, located just outside Arnold, was acquired by a subsidiary of Ensarb Ltd, one of the Midlands’ leading independent wedding venue operators. Acting on behalf of joint fixed charge receivers […]
Major Cambridgeshire Development Site Sold for £3 Million

Watling Real Estate has completed the sale of a significant development site in Cambridgeshire for £3 million. The 8.5-acre Wisbech Gateway site, located on the outskirts of Wisbech, was sold on behalf of joint fixed charge receivers Andrew Foster and Chris Walker following its launch to the market in September 2025. The site, which formed […]
Watling Real Estate Completes Sale of Derbyshire Industrial Facility for £2.5 Million

Watling Real Estate has successfully completed the sale of a vacant industrial and warehouse facility in Derbyshire for just under £2.5 million. The property, extending to approximately 37,424 sq ft and located on Hartshorne Road, Swadlincote, was sold on behalf of the joint administrators of Greenbank Terotech Ltd, Lee Causer and Benjamin Peterson. The transaction […]
The Renters’ Rights Act – Understanding the Changes

Since the end of 2022, UK buy-to-let (‘BTL’) mortgage approvals rates have experienced a sharp contraction with the number of new BTL loans more than halving between mid-2022 and the end of 2024. The sector had witnessed some respite following a period of market stabilisation aided by consecutive interest rate reductions over 2024/25 however this […]
TGE Release Day

Team Watling is taking on TGE: Release Day this May, a unique cycling challenge to raise money for Onwards & Upwards. Onwards & Upwards is a charity committed to breaking the cycle of reoffending. Through their sustainable social ventures, XO BIKES and XO BARBERS, they help people to rebuild their lives through training. It’s not just about the miles […]
Company Insolvency Statistics || March 2026

The number of registered company insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 7% in March 2026 (2,022) relative to the preceding month (1,895). Insolvency numbers were comparable with the 12 months previous, however, when 1,995 were observed. Notably, Administrations were 52% higher than in February 2026 and 82% higher than 12 months previously. This was […]
For Sale || Project Quarto

A unique and rare opportunity to acquire an exciting investment portfolio of three convenience stores and one coffee drive-thru unit, let to the undoubted covenants of Tesco, Co-op and Starbucks. The salient points are as follows: • Available as a portfolio or individually. • Located in East London and Essex (Upminster, Romford, Chelmsford). • 3 […]
Pisa To Rimini Cycle Challenge

Proud to support an incredible challenge! Our Managing Director, Nathan Pask, will be taking part in the Pisa to Rimini Cycle Challenge from 28th April – 2nd May 2026. Nathan will be cycling 320 miles across Italy, tackling the Apennines with over 30,000 ft of climbing, all in support of three fantastic charities: Great Ormond […]
Watling Strengthens Manchester Team to Support Continued North West Growth

Watling Real Estate has further strengthened its presence in the North West with the expansion of our Manchester office, following a sustained period of growth across the region. James Bunce has joined the Manchester team, working alongside directors Chris Walker and Ian Whittaker, as we continue to build momentum and enhance our regional capabilities. His appointment follows […]
For Sale || The Lakeside, Mansfield Road

Watling Real Estate has been instructed alongside Christie & Co to market for sale a stunning and extensively refurbished wedding venue located just to the north of Nottingham. The salient points are as follows: • Grade II* Listed wedding venue with Grade II Listed ornamental lake, landscaped gardens, and cottage. • Strategic location on arterial […]
Watling Sponsors R3 Midlands Spring Ball 2026

Watling Real Estate is pleased to once again sponsor the drinks reception at this year’s R3 Midlands Spring Ball, taking place on Thursday 16 April 2026 at the iconic Burlington Hotel. The Spring Ball brings together professionals from across the restructuring, recovery, turnaround and insolvency community for an evening of networking, entertainment and celebration. As […]
Company Insolvency Statistics || February 2026

Company insolvencies rose to 1,878 in February 2026, a 7% increase on January 2026, driven primarily by a growing number of creditors’ voluntary liquidations. Administration and compulsory liquidation appointments also remained elevated. Administration activity reached its highest level since mid-2024 in January 2026, highlighting increasing distress among larger businesses. At the same time, compulsory liquidations […]
SwiMIPIM 2026 Completed

A fantastic start to the day in Cannes as Nathan Pask successfully completed the 2km SwiMIPIM open-water swim alongside fellow industry participants during MIPIM 2026. The event once again brought together professionals from across the real estate sector for a refreshing early-morning swim, all while raising vital funds for Streets of London, a charity providing […]
Watling lands Babcock at Solent Business Park

Watling Real Estate has completed the letting of 19,519 sq ft of office space to Babcock International Group at Affinity, located within Solent Business Park. The engineering and professional services company has taken the accommodation on a five-year lease with a tenant break option at year three. The transaction means that Building 3000B, also known […]
For Sale || The Yorkshire Coastal Portfolio

Watling Real Estate is instructed on behalf of the Joint Administrators to bring to market a unique portfolio of 14 vacant residential properties with redevelopment potential, located in Bridlington and Scarborough. The salient points are as follows: • Comprising 11 former hotels, 2 former residential care homes, and 1 refurbished former public house • All […]
Unlocking the Public Estate – Local Realities, National Choices (February 2026 Edition)

We’re pleased to share the updated February 2026 edition of Unlocking the Public Estate – Local Realities, National Choices, led by Guy Brett. With Budget 2025 and this week’s SEND reform announcement, the operating environment for local government is shifting. While there remains no broad capital programme for civic estate renewal, reforms to high-needs (SEND) funding […]
Merseyside shopping centre sold to Warwickshire investors in £1.5m deal

A Merseyside shopping centre has changed hands in a £1.5m deal. The Manchester office of Watling Real Estate has completed the sale of Cavendish Walk Shopping Centre in Huyton near Liverpool. It was instructed to begin the sale process in September 2025 and completed a deal for the freehold just before Christmas. Rugby Property Assets, […]