Overview of Company Insolvency Statistics November 2024
Overview of Company Insolvencies November 2024
Key Statistics At A Glance
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Total Insolvencies: 1,966
- Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs): 1,565 (80% of all insolvencies)
- Compulsory Liquidations: 254
- Administrations: 132
- Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs): 14
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Receivership Appointments: 1
While insolvency numbers remain lower than their 2008-09 recession peak, the data indicates ongoing financial pressure on businesses.
Key Trends in Company Insolvency
1. Creditors' Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs) Remain Dominant
CVLs accounted for 80% of all company insolvencies in November 2024.
Although this is an 8% increase compared to October 2024, it represents a 15% decrease compared to November 2023.
CVLs have consistently been the most common insolvency type, particularly for smaller businesses struggling with unmanageable debts.
Why It Matters: Business owners facing financial pressure are opting for CVLs as a structured way to close their companies while complying with legal obligations.
2. Compulsory Liquidations Surge
Compulsory liquidations increased by 37% from October to November 2024. Despite this sharp rise, they are still 6% lower than November 2023.
This trend suggests rising creditor actions, such as statutory demands and winding-up petitions, particularly as pandemic-related restrictions have eased.
Key Insight: If creditors are escalating actions, businesses must seek professional advice early to explore rescue options.
3. Increase in Administrations
Administrations rose by 36% in November 2024 compared to October and were 12% higher year-on-year.
Administrations remain a critical tool for restructuring companies that still hold some value but require formal intervention to survive.
Action Point for Business Owners: Explore administration as a rescue solution if your company is facing insolvency but has viable components.
4. Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) Show Gradual Recovery
The number of CVAs increased by 17% in November 2024 both month-on-month and year-on-year.
Although volumes remain historically low, this uptick reflects a small increase in companies attempting to negotiate structured repayment plans with creditors.
Longer-Term Insolvency Trends
Rolling Insolvency Rates
Between December 2023 and November 2024:
- 52.9 per 10,000 companies entered insolvency, down from 57.3 per 10,000 in the previous year.
- This equates to 1 in 189 companies entering insolvency.
Historical Context: While current rates are higher than pre-pandemic lows, they remain significantly lower than the 2008-09 peak of 113.1 per 10,000 companies.
What This Means: Despite rising insolvencies, a larger number of businesses on the Companies House register helps keep rates comparatively low.
Insolvencies by Industry: Sectors Most Affected
For the 12 months leading to October 2024, the top five industries experiencing company insolvencies were:
- Construction (4,208 insolvencies, 17%)
- Wholesale & Retail Trade (3,710, 15%)
- Accommodation & Food Services (3,602, 15%)
- Administrative & Support Services (2,406, 10%)
- Manufacturing (1,945, 8%)
Insights for Business Owners: Sectors like construction, retail, and hospitality remain particularly vulnerable due to rising costs, economic uncertainty, and ongoing supply chain disruptions.
Regional Insights: Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland
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114 company insolvencies were recorded in November 2024.
- This marks a 5% increase compared to November 2023.
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Compulsory liquidations accounted for a significant portion alongside CVLs.
Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland saw 16 company insolvencies, a 47% decrease from November 2023.
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The regional insolvency rate increased to 36.5 per 10,000 companies.
Why Do Insolvency Numbers Matter to Your Business?
For company directors, these statistics provide vital insight into the economic landscape.
A rise in insolvencies signals financial stress across sectors, indicating that proactive financial management is more critical than ever.
Key Takeaways for Business Owners
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Monitor Cash Flow: Ensure your business has a clear understanding of its cash position.
- Seek Help Early: If you face creditor pressure, rent arrears, or HMRC debt, early intervention can provide more options.
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Explore Alternatives: Consider rescue solutions such as Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) or administrations to restructure debts.
Next Steps: Get Professional Insolvency Advice
If your business is struggling with debt, you are not alone.
The trends from the Company Insolvency Statistics November 2024 highlight that many businesses are facing similar challenges.
Seeking early advice can prevent escalation and provide a clearer path forward.
How Business Helpline Can Help:
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Free Advice: Our expert consultants offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
- Tailored Solutions: Whether you are considering a CVL, administration, or restructuring, we guide you through the process.
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Support Across the UK: Trusted by directors nationwide, we specialise in supporting businesses under financial stress.
Contact Us Today
Call our 24/7 helpline at 0800 088 2142 or schedule your free consultation.
Conclusion
The Company Insolvency Statistics November 2024 reflect a mixed picture of rising pressures but manageable rates compared to historical peaks.
Business owners should take these insights seriously and ensure they remain proactive in managing their finances.
With the right advice and support, navigating financial uncertainty becomes more achievable.


