Latest figures from the Insolvency Service have shown that the number of business insolvencies in England and Wales fell to 1,868 in May 2026, 10% lower than in April 2026 (2,087), and 16% lower than the same month in the previous year (2,231 in May 2025).
The insolvencies consisted of 285 compulsory liquidations, 1,423 creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs), 135 administrations and 25 company voluntary arrangements (CVAs). There were no receivership appointments.
CVLs accounted for 76% of all company insolvencies. The number of CVLs was 5% lower than April 2026 and 18% lower than May 2025. The average number of CVLs in the first five months of 2026 was 7% lower than the average monthly number in 2025….