UK Insolvency Statistics – April 2026 Overview

Published: 20/05/2026 By Hannah Duncan

Company Insolvencies edge higher in April 2026
In In April 2026, 2,085 companies entered insolvency in England and Wales. This was a 2% increase on March and 3% higher than April 2025, indicating a modest month‑on‑month rise rather than a sharp change in direction.

While insolvency volumes remain elevated by long‑term standards, the latest increase was relatively small and well within normal monthly variation. As with March, the figures were influenced by a number of connected companies in the real estate sector entering administration, which continues to distort short‑term comparisons.

Overall, the data suggests ongoing pressure on businesses, but no clear evidence of a renewed surge in insolvencies.

Breakdown by Insolvency Type
Of the 2,085 company insolvencies recorded in April 2026:

• 1,510 were creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs) accounting for 72% of all cases
• 371 were compulsory liquidations 
• 183 were administrations
• 20 were company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) 
• 1 receivership appointment

CVLs increased slightly and remained in line with the average seen over the past year. Compulsory liquidations rose sharply, exceeding the 2025 monthly average, pointing to continued creditor enforcement activity. Administrations fell compared with March but remained significantly higher than the same month last year, again reflecting the impact of exceptional real estate cases.

12 month rolling insolvency rate
Over the 12 months to April 2026, the insolvency rate stood at 51.8 per 10,000 companies, meaning around one in every 193 companies entered insolvency during the year. This represents a slight reduction compared with the previous 12‑month period.

The rolling measure continues to indicate gradual stabilisation, with rates remaining well below the peak seen during the 2008–09 recession.

Industry Trends
Construction continued to record the highest number of insolvencies over the past year, followed by wholesale and retail, and accommodation and food services. These sectors remain prominent due to their scale and exposure to sustained cost pressures.

In summary, April saw a further modest rise in company insolvencies, driven primarily by compulsory liquidations and residual effects from real estate administrations. While business distress remains widespread, the rolling insolvency rate suggests that levels may be levelling off rather than accelerating as we move further into 2026.


Information taken from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/company-insolvencies-april-2026/commentary-company-insolvency-statistics-april-2026