The latest figures from the Insolvency Service show that 1,882 company insolvencies were registered in England and Wales in September 2026, down 4% from August and 5% from September 2025. The 12-month rolling insolvency rate also fell from 52.8 to 49.9 insolvencies per 10,000 companies, down from 52.8 in September 2025.
However, compulsory liquidations rose 25% year-on-year, showing that the overall improvement does not tell the full story for every business.
Of the 1,882 registered company insolvencies in September, there were:
Figure 1: Total company insolvencies in September 2026 were lower than in August 2026, driven primarily by fewer administrations.
In September 2026, CVLs accounted for 75% of all company insolvencies. CVLs were 1% lower than in August 2026 and 9% lower than in September 2025. The average monthly number of CVLs in the first nine months of 2026 was 7% lower than the average monthly number in 2025.
Compulsory liquidations in September 2026 were 6% higher than in August 2026 and 25% higher than in September 2025.
The number of administrations in September 2026 was 44% lower than in August 2026 and 20% lower than in September 2025. The average monthly number of administrations in the first nine months of 2026 was 29% higher than the 2025 monthly average.
There were 19 CVAs in September 2026, the same as in August 2026 and 12% higher than in September 2025. Numbers remain low compared to historical levels.
The six industries that experienced the highest number of insolvencies in the 12 months to August 2026 were:
Figure 2: For most sectors, insolvencies in the 12 months to September 2026 were lower than in the 12 months to September 2025.
Dan Hancocks, CoCredo MD, comments on the latest company insolvency figures
“It's encouraging to see company insolvency numbers and the overall insolvency rate moving down compared with last year. However, businesses shouldn't interpret this as a reason to become complacent about the financial health of their customers or suppliers.
Every business has its own circumstances, and national figures can only tell us so much. Individual companies may still be dealing with rising costs, cash-flow pressures or weakening demand, even when the wider insolvency picture appears to be improving.
For businesses extending credit, the priority should be understanding the risks associated with each trading relationship and recognising when circumstances change. A credit check provides a valuable starting point, but a company's financial position can look very different six months down the line.
Regular credit monitoring helps businesses track key developments and spot changes that may warrant a closer look. It's not about assuming every warning sign will lead to insolvency; it's about having the information needed to make informed decisions, manage credit exposure and protect cash flow.”
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