Insolvency statistics show impact of Covid on region’s businesses
NEW figures suggest businesses across the Midlands are struggling to get to grips with the impact of Covid19 despite the easing of restrictions.
Latest data from the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3 suggests many firms are under greater pressure to survive compared with this time last year.
It says the latest statistics from the Insolvency Service show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 22.9 per cent to 1,348 in August compared with July’s figure of 1,097, and rose by 71.1 per cent compared with August 2020’s figure of 788.
There are concerns that supply chain issues, wages and material inflation, recruitment issues and the huge rise in gas prices will put even more pressure on businesses.
Last week, Derby County Football Club went into administration after struggling to find investors.
R3 Midlands spokesperson Martin Smith, a director at Dains Business Recovery in the East Midlands,
Company directors need to be aware of the signs of business distress and seek advice if any of them appear. Martin Smith
said: “The insolvency figures published this month highlight how tough the current climate is for businesses and the increased pressure the pandemic has exerted on directors over the last 12 months. “The August increase in corporate insolvencies was driven by a rise in creditors’ voluntary liquidations. Numbers for this process were 115 per cent higher than this time last year, and 30 per cent higher than in 2019, which suggests that despite the opening up of the economy, there are a number of company directors who are opting to close their businesses after attempting to ride out the pandemic.
“This comes despite the fact that August was one of the better months for trading since the start of the pandemic.
“The lifting of the final restrictions and the continued impact of the vaccine rollout means that more people are working, shopping and spending, and that looks set to continue as we enter the autumn.
“With the furlough scheme closing at the end of this month, however, company directors need to be aware of the signs of business distress and seek advice if any of them appear.
“If a firm has problems paying rent, staff or suppliers, has issues with cashflow, or its directors are concerned about its future, now is the time to seek advice from a qualified professional, rather than waiting until the problem worsens.”