The number of companies filing for administration across the Midlands jumped 64% in the third quarter of 2022, as economic headwinds continued to buffet businesses the length and breadth of Britain.
These findings were identified by Interpath Advisory in their latest analysis of notices in The Gazette. A total of 36 companies based in the Midlands fell into administration from July to September 2022 – up from 22 during the same period in 2021.
This represents the highest number of insolvencies in a quarter in the Midlands since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. August, which is traditionally the quietest month for insolvency appointments, saw the highest monthly number of administrations in the region since March 2020, with 16 appointments.
The picture in the Midlands aligns with what is experienced nationally. Across the UK, there was a total of 265 companies which fell into administration from July to September 2022 – up from 176 during the same period in 2021, and up from 243 in Q3 2020.
Notwithstanding the uptick in insolvency appointments in the last quarter, administrations both in the Midlands and nationally are still yet to hit the pre-pandemic levels. In Q3 2019, there were 51 and 401 administration appointments in the Midlands and nationally respectively.
The rising number of insolvencies can be seen across a wide range of sectors, with building and construction, industrial manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, retail, and the food and drink industry all witnessing increased activity.
Chris Pole, Managing Director in Interpath’s Midlands team, said: “The summer months often herald a quieter period for corporate insolvencies, and so the fact that the third quarter of this year, and specifically August, witnessed the highest monthly total in more than two years is particularly telling of the wider challenges which businesses are experiencing.
“We know that companies across the Midlands have been wrestling with a myriad of issues for some time, from rampant inflation, to supply chain challenges, to labour shortages, so this is perhaps the first real evidence that a significant shift in activity is now underway.”
He added: “And let’s remember: the bulk of administrations seen in the past quarter landed well before the economic and political storm that we’ve witnessed in the past few weeks.
“The impact of rising interest rates, currency and gilt yield movements, and the increase in energy prices from 1 October are yet to feed through, but undoubtedly will only serve to compound the extraordinary pressure that local businesses were already under.”
Chris Pole continued: “We’re now in a situation where interest rates may well be above 5% by Spring of next year, putting increased pressure on cashflows for businesses with high debt levels, and especially those with an unhedged position. Further, with suppliers trying to navigate the impact of a weaker Sterling, and consumers adjusting to rising mortgages and lower disposable income, businesses are going to be squeezed in all directions.
“While the Government has intervened to provide certain relief in respect of rising energy costs and new loans for start-ups and small businesses, for many businesses, some difficult choices lie ahead.”
Chris Pole concluded: “Speaking from our own experience at Interpath, we are certainly seeing a rise in activity across the breadth of the Midlands and, based on our current pipeline, we would suggest that by the end of Q4 this year insolvency levels will have risen even further. Identifying cash pinch points and seeking advice at the earliest opportunity will be key for businesses to navigate the challenges ahead over the coming weeks and months.”
