Company Insolvency Statistics April 2026
The latest Company Insolvency Statistics April 2026 show that registered company insolvencies in England and Wales rose to 2,085 in April 2026, up 2% from March 2026 and 3% higher than April 2025.
While the increase itself is relatively modest, the wider picture remains important for directors. Insolvency levels continue to sit at historically elevated levels, with creditor pressure remaining active and many businesses still struggling with cash flow, HMRC arrears and rising operating costs.
However, the April figures also need context. Administration numbers remained unusually high because approximately 200 connected companies in the Real Estate sector entered administration across March and April 2026.
This means the headline totals are partly influenced by a specific sector event rather than a broad based deterioration across the economy.
The April 2026 insolvency breakdown
Company insolvencies in England and Wales during April 2026 consisted of:
- 371 compulsory liquidations
- 1,510 creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs)
- 183 administrations
- 20 company voluntary arrangements (CVAs)
- 1 receivership appointment
CVLs remained the dominant insolvency process, accounting for 72% of all company insolvencies in April 2026.
What stands out in the April 2026 figures
The biggest development in the Company Insolvency Statistics April 2026 is the continued rise in compulsory liquidations.
There were 371 compulsory liquidations in April 2026, which was:
- 19% higher than March 2026
- the highest monthly level since February 2025
- 24% above the average of the previous 12 months
For directors, this is significant. It reinforces the reality that creditor enforcement activity remains firmly back after the unusually low levels seen during the pandemic years. HMRC and other creditors are continuing to take action where arrears remain unresolved.
By contrast, CVL numbers were relatively stable. There were 1,510 CVLs in April 2026, broadly similar to both March 2026 and April 2025. Although not surging higher, CVLs remain historically elevated and continue to represent the vast majority of formal insolvencies.
Administrations fell 21% compared to March 2026, but were still 78% higher than April 2025. Again, these numbers were heavily influenced by connected Real Estate sector companies entering administration across March and April.
The bigger picture remains challenging
The Insolvency Service notes that insolvency levels since the second half of 2022 have remained at levels last seen during the 2008 to 2009 recession.
That does not mean every month is worsening, but it does show that business distress across the UK economy remains elevated compared with historic norms.
At the same time, the 12 month rolling insolvency rate actually eased slightly year on year. Between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026, the insolvency rate stood at 51.8 per 10,000 companies, equivalent to one in 193 companies entering insolvency.
That was slightly lower than the 52.5 per 10,000 companies recorded in the previous 12 month period.
So while monthly insolvency volumes remain high, the longer term trend suggests conditions may have stabilised somewhat rather than deteriorating sharply.
Which sectors continue to see the most insolvencies?
The sectors with the highest insolvency volumes in the 12 months to March 2026 were:
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail
- Accommodation and food services
- Administrative and support services
- Professional and technical services
- Manufacturing
Construction remained the largest category, accounting for 16% of insolvencies where industry was captured.
These sectors continue to face pressure from tight margins, higher costs, delayed payments and ongoing cash flow challenges.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland recorded 107 company insolvencies in April 2026, 6% higher than April 2025.
Northern Ireland recorded 40 company insolvencies, which was 33% higher than April 2025.
Both regions also saw increases in their rolling insolvency rates over the past 12 months.
What directors should take from the April 2026 insolvency statistics
The key message from the Company Insolvency Statistics April 2026 is that the environment remains difficult, even if some measures have stabilised slightly over the longer term.
The rise in compulsory liquidations is particularly notable and reflects a more aggressive creditor environment than many directors experienced during 2020 and 2021.
At the same time, CVLs continue to dominate insolvency numbers, showing that many businesses reaching financial distress are still ending in closure rather than rescue.
For directors already struggling with cash flow pressure, mounting HMRC arrears or creditor threats, the most important thing is not to wait for the situation to escalate further. Seeking advice early typically gives directors more options and more control over the outcome.
