Insolvency Statistics Hub
Company insolvency statistics can show how many businesses are entering liquidation, administration or other formal insolvency procedures. For directors, the figures can also provide useful context when trading is under pressure, creditors are chasing, or HMRC arrears are building.
This hub tracks the latest company insolvency statistics and explains what the figures may mean in practice. We focus on company insolvency, including Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, compulsory liquidations, administrations and Company Voluntary Arrangements. We use data from official Insolvency Service statistics to highlight key trends and explain the practical options available to company directors.
If your company is facing debt pressure, the wider trend is less important than your own cash flow, creditor position and ability to continue trading. Taking advice early can help you understand whether liquidation, administration, a CVA or another route may be appropriate.
There were 1,946 company insolvencies in August 2026. That was slightly above July 2026, but below August 2025. Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations remained the dominant procedure, accounting for nearly three quarters of all company insolvencies in the month.
Overall company insolvencies were broadly stable month on month, but lower than the same month last year.
CVLs continued to dominate the figures, making up around 73.5% of all company insolvencies in August 2026.
This is the main creditor-led liquidation route and a useful indicator of external pressure on companies.
Administrations remained a much smaller category than CVLs, but are still important where rescue or sale options exist.
CVAs were a very small part of the monthly insolvency mix, compared with liquidation routes.
Total company insolvencies over time
Monthly total company insolvencies from September 2024 to August 2026.
Company insolvencies by procedure
Breakdown of company insolvencies in August 2026.
CVLs remained by far the largest procedure type in August 2026, with compulsory liquidations and administrations making up much smaller shares of the monthly total.
About this data: The figures on this page are based on the Insolvency Service company insolvency statistics for August 2026. The official release covers registered company insolvencies in England and Wales, with related statistics for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What the latest insolvency statistics may mean for directors
The August 2026 figures show a broadly stable month for overall company insolvencies, but the mix of procedures still matters. Different types of insolvency can point to different pressures, risks and options for company directors.
CVLs remain the largest category
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations accounted for most company insolvencies in August 2026. A CVL is often used when directors recognise that the company is insolvent and choose to place it into liquidation in a controlled way.
For directors, high CVL numbers are a reminder that taking advice early can help avoid a position where creditors, HMRC or the court begin to control the next steps.
Read our CVL guideCompulsory liquidations point to external action
Compulsory liquidation is usually creditor-led and may follow serious creditor pressure, a winding-up petition or court action. The August 2026 figures show compulsory liquidations were higher than both the previous month and the same month last year.
If your company is receiving statutory demands, court papers, HMRC pressure or threats of winding-up action, it is important to take advice quickly.
Get help with HMRC company debtsAdministration numbers can be volatile
Administrations were higher in August 2026 than both July 2026 and August 2025. Administration can be relevant where there may be a viable business, assets, contracts or jobs to protect, although it is not the right route for every company.
For smaller companies with no realistic rescue route, a CVL may be more appropriate. The right option depends on the company’s cash flow, creditor position, assets and trading prospects.
Understand business administrationCVAs remain a small part of the mix
Company Voluntary Arrangements made up a very small share of company insolvencies in August 2026. A CVA can sometimes allow a company to continue trading while repaying creditors over time, but it usually needs a realistic business plan and creditor support.
If the company cannot keep up with ongoing tax, wages, supplier costs or rent, directors should be cautious about assuming a repayment plan will solve the problem.
Learn more about Company Voluntary ArrangementsStatistics can show the wider market picture, but your own position depends on cash flow, creditor pressure, HMRC arrears, assets and whether the company can realistically continue trading.
Insolvency types explained
The monthly statistics include several different company insolvency procedures. The right option for a company depends on whether it can still trade, whether there is a realistic rescue route, and whether creditors are already taking action.
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation
A Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, or CVL, is usually used when a company is insolvent and directors decide to place it into liquidation voluntarily. It is often the main route for closing a company that cannot pay its debts.
CVLs are director-led, but creditors still have an important role in the process.
Read our CVL guideCompulsory liquidation
Compulsory liquidation is usually started by a creditor through the courts. It may follow a winding-up petition where a company has failed to pay a debt and the creditor seeks to have the company wound up.
For directors, this can mean less control over timing and fewer opportunities to manage the process proactively.
Understand company liquidationAdministration
Administration can be used where there may be a realistic prospect of rescuing the company, selling the business or achieving a better result for creditors than immediate liquidation.
It is more common in larger or more complex situations, but it can be relevant where there are assets, contracts, employees or a viable business to protect.
Read about business administrationCompany Voluntary Arrangement
A Company Voluntary Arrangement, or CVA, is a formal agreement between a company and its creditors. It can allow a company to continue trading while making agreed repayments over time.
A CVA usually needs creditor support, realistic cash flow and a credible plan for future trading.
Learn more about Company Voluntary ArrangementsDissolution and strike-off
Dissolution is not the same as liquidation. It may be suitable for some solvent companies, but it can be risky where a company still has debts, creditor pressure, HMRC arrears or unresolved liabilities.
If an insolvent company applies for strike-off, creditors may object and the company could still end up in a formal insolvency process.
Understand strike-off noticesChoosing the right route
The insolvency statistics show what is happening across the wider economy, but they do not decide what is right for your company. A business with no rescue prospect may need a different route from one that can still trade with support.
Directors should consider cash flow, debts, creditor action, HMRC arrears, assets and the realistic prospects of recovery.
Get insolvency adviceInsolvency trends to watch
Monthly figures can move up and down, so it is important not to read too much into one release in isolation. The wider trend, the mix of insolvency procedures and the reasons companies enter insolvency are often more useful for directors than a single headline number.
CVLs continue to shape the company insolvency picture
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations remain the largest part of the monthly company insolvency statistics. This matters because a CVL is usually a director-led process, often used when directors accept that the company cannot continue trading or repay its debts.
For directors, this reinforces the importance of acting before the position becomes creditor-led. Taking advice early can give you more time to understand your duties, review the company’s position and choose a controlled route where appropriate.
Compulsory liquidations can signal increasing creditor pressure
Compulsory liquidations are often linked to external action from creditors, including winding-up petitions. When these figures rise, it can suggest that more companies are reaching the point where creditors are no longer prepared to wait.
If your company is receiving final demands, statutory demands, HMRC pressure or threats of legal action, it is usually better to seek advice before a winding-up petition is issued.
Administration and CVA figures need context
Administrations and Company Voluntary Arrangements tend to make up a smaller share of the monthly statistics than liquidation. That does not mean they are unimportant, but they are usually only suitable where there is a realistic rescue, sale or repayment route.
A company with viable trading prospects, assets, contracts or investor interest may have different options from a company with no clear route back to profitability.
Short-term movement should not delay action
A small monthly rise or fall in insolvency statistics does not change the reality for an individual company. If your business cannot pay tax, wages, rent, suppliers or loan repayments as they fall due, the key issue is your own cash flow and creditor position.
Directors should not wait for the next statistics release before taking advice. The earlier you review your options, the more scope there may be to manage the situation properly.
Don't rely on national statistics to judge your own company’s position
Insolvency statistics can show wider trends, but they cannot tell you whether your company is solvent, whether it should continue trading, or whether liquidation, administration, a CVA or another route is suitable.
If the company is struggling to pay debts as they fall due, directors should take advice based on the company’s own financial position, creditor pressure and realistic trading prospects.
Monthly company insolvency statistics archive
This archive summarises recent company insolvency statistics. We keep the latest 12 monthly updates on this page, with the newest figures shown first.
For the most recent figures, charts and procedure breakdown, view the latest statistics above.
- CVLs
- 1,431
- Compulsory liquidations
- 314
- Administrations
- 182
- CVAs
- 19
- Other/receiverships
- 0
Director takeaway: CVLs remained by far the largest category, showing that voluntary liquidation continued to account for most company insolvencies in the month.
Get advice
Worried your company may be heading towards insolvency?
Insolvency statistics can show what is happening across the wider economy, but they cannot tell you what is right for your company. If your business is struggling with debt, HMRC arrears, creditor pressure or cash flow problems, it is better to take advice early.
Anderson Brookes can help you understand whether liquidation, administration, a Company Voluntary Arrangement or another route may be appropriate. We will look at your company’s position and explain your options in clear, practical terms.
- Company debts are becoming difficult to manage
- HMRC arrears are building up
- Creditors are threatening legal action
- The company cannot pay bills as they fall due
- You are unsure whether to continue trading
You can also speak to Anderson Brookes directly on 0800 1804 935.
Insolvency statistics FAQs
What are insolvency statistics?
Insolvency statistics show how many companies or individuals have entered formal insolvency procedures during a given period. This page focuses on company insolvency statistics, including liquidations, administrations and Company Voluntary Arrangements.
How often are company insolvency statistics published?
The Insolvency Service usually publishes company insolvency statistics monthly. These releases show the latest recorded figures and include breakdowns by procedure type.
What is included in company insolvency statistics?
Company insolvency statistics usually include Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, compulsory liquidations, administrations, Company Voluntary Arrangements and any other relevant registered company insolvency procedures.
Why are CVLs usually the largest category?
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations are commonly used when directors recognise that a company is insolvent and decide to place it into liquidation voluntarily. This means CVLs often make up a large share of monthly company insolvency figures.
What is the difference between a CVL and compulsory liquidation?
A CVL is usually started by directors and shareholders when a company cannot pay its debts and needs to close. Compulsory liquidation is normally creditor-led and involves the court, often after a winding-up petition.
Do rising insolvency statistics mean my company should liquidate?
No. National statistics can show wider economic pressure, but they do not decide what is right for your company. Your options depend on your cash flow, debts, assets, creditor pressure, HMRC position and whether the company can realistically continue trading.
When should directors take insolvency advice?
Directors should take advice as soon as they are concerned the company may not be able to pay debts as they fall due. Warning signs include HMRC arrears, unpaid suppliers, missed wages, creditor threats, legal action or uncertainty about whether to keep trading.
Are individual insolvency statistics included on this page?
No. This page focuses on company insolvency statistics. Individual insolvency statistics, including bankruptcy, Debt Relief Orders and Individual Voluntary Arrangements, are separate from the company figures discussed here.
Can a solvent company still close voluntarily?
Yes. A solvent company may be able to close through dissolution or a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation, depending on its position. If the company has debts, unresolved liabilities or creditor pressure, directors should take advice before applying for strike-off.
Where do the official insolvency figures come from?
The figures are published by the Insolvency Service. Anderson Brookes uses the official company insolvency statistics to explain the key trends in plain English for company directors.
Get advice before company debts escalate
Insolvency statistics can provide useful context, but your next step depends on your company’s own position. If the business is struggling with HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, unpaid bills or cash flow problems, Anderson Brookes can help you understand your options.
