Professional services firm Deloitte has forecast the number of corporate insolvencies to reach 900 during 2026 as ongoing cost challenges are expected to have a “disproportionate effect” on small and medium-sized businesses in both the hospitality and retail sectors.
According to Deloitte’s figures, there were 812 corporate insolvency appointments recorded in 2025 — a 7% decrease compared to 2024.
The forecasted increase in insolvencies this year come as measures such as the introduction of the pension auto-enrolment as well as the increase to the minimum wage are expected to add to the cost of doing business.
While the reduction in the Vat rate to 9% in July for food-service companies may assist some companies, Deloitte said it…