R3 in Southern and Thames Valley responds to September 2021 corporate and individual insolvency figures

Published by

TBM Team

Garry Lee (pictured), chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in the South and Thames Valley, responds to the publication of the September 2021 corporate and individual insolvency statistics for England and Wales:

“The insolvency statistics published today show the economic effects of the pandemic are continuing to take a toll on businesses and consumers.

“The dramatic increase in corporate insolvencies compared to this time last year – to the highest level since January 2020 – illustrates just how crucial the Government’s support has been in keeping businesses afloat and suggests that there may be a rocky road ahead for the business community now it has ended.

“The monthly increase in corporate insolvencies was driven by a rise in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which increased for the third consecutive month. This suggests that directors are choosing to close their businesses after deeming their financial survival unlikely after 18 months of trading through a pandemic.

“Despite the fact that businesses have benefitted from two months of restriction-free trading and the economic boost over the summer, conditions are still not back to where they were before the pandemic."

“Consumers are now increasingly cautious about the state of the economy, their personal finances and the increased cost of living and are more wary about spending their money.

“And with widespread supply chain disruption and significant wholesale energy price increases building up between September and October, there is likely to be little slack in the system for businesses and individuals who have yet to get back on their feet following the impact of COVID.”

TBM Team