The wrong kind of fertiliser

Well how's that working out for you Rachel?

Turns out that ramping up taxes across the board, coupled with slamming businesses with restrictive employment laws and extreme Net Zero policies does not fertilise an economy, but rather shits on it.

The rising cost of living, rising unemployment and uncertain international situation is going to impact on everybody, and the signs of distress are easy to read. The latest insolvency figures for January 2025, released in February, paint a concerning picture. A noticeable uptick in company insolvencies across England and Wales, and also in Northern Ireland, signals that many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

Our Key Takeaways from the January figures are:

• Increased Insolvency Rates:
  • The data from the Insolvency Service reveals a clear increase in company insolvencies in England and Wales. January 2025 saw a rise compared to both the previous month and the same period in 2024.
  • Northern Ireland also saw an increase in their insolvency rates.
  • Scotland saw a modest dip in insolvencies.
• Creditors' Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs) Dominate:
  • A significant portion of the insolvencies is attributed to CVLs, indicating that many business owners are choosing to close their companies voluntarily.
  • This trend indicates that many directors are making the hard choice to close their companies, due to the difficult trading conditions.
• Sector-Specific Challenges:
  • Sectors like construction, retail, and hospitality continue to experience high insolvency rates, reflecting ongoing economic pressures.
• Economic Factors:
  • Rising costs, consumer spending reluctance, and creditor pressures are contributing to the surge in insolvencies.
  • Economic uncertainty, and the cost of living crisis, are also contributing factors.

Diving Deeper into the Numbers:

The January 2025 figures highlight the following:

• In England and Wales, there was a clear percentage increase in company insolvencies, compared to both the previous month, and the same month of the previous year.
• The high percentage of CVLs, show that company directors are choosing to close their businesses, rather than having creditors force closure.

What This Means:

The rising insolvency rates indicate that many UK businesses are facing severe financial strain. This trend has several implications:

• Job Losses: Increased insolvencies can lead to job losses, impacting families and communities.
• Economic Uncertainty: The rising figures contribute to a climate of economic uncertainty, which can further dampen business confidence.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Business closures can disrupt supply chains, affecting other businesses and consumers.

Looking Ahead:

It's crucial for businesses to seek professional advice if they're experiencing financial difficulties. Early intervention can help explore options for restructuring or turnaround. The current economic climate demands vigilance and proactive measures from businesses to navigate these challenging times.

If you are facing local difficulties then you need to add your voice to those telling the Government to get its priorities right. It's a bit like shouting at the wind, but consider writing to your MP, pointing out that as a wealth generator and employer, your endeavours are a cog in the national machine that keeps the country afloat, and that without you your community literally becomes poorer. It won't help but those pulling the levers need to hear about the real world outside of their political bubble.

More effectively, if you or someone you know is struggling with margin pressures, please get in touch for a discreet, free initial assessment of how we might be able to help.

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