The number of companies in the Midlands filing for administration in the first quarter of the year leapt nearly 40%, according to figures from Interpath Advisory, as stresses facing the region’s businesses take their toll.
Analysis of notices in The Gazette by Interpath shows there were 43 administrations across the Midlands in Q1 2024, a further rise on last year’s corresponding figures (Q1 2023: 31) as the number of companies filing for the process rose.
The figures show a faster increase than the national figures, which saw a modest rise from 321 (Q1 2023) to 328 (Q1 2024). The Midlands accounted for 13% of administrations in Great Britain, up from a share of 10% last year.
The most impacted sectors in the Midlands were Industrial Manufacturing (6 cases), Building & Construction (5 cases) and Business Services and Professional Services each with four cases.
Chris Pole, Managing Director and Head of the Midlands team at Interpath Advisory, said: “There has been a sustained upward pressure on insolvencies in the Midlands and wider UK economy in recent years as Government support has fallen away and businesses have been buffeted by inflation, poor growth, a cautious consumer, and high interest rates.
“The wear and tear that such punishing trading conditions have on company finances is unsustainable for many and we’re seeing that come through in administrations. The rate of failures in the Midlands is running at a greater pace than the national figures, with the likes of manufacturing and construction being sectors under considerable pressure.
“From what we’re seeing on the ground, cashflow pressure is ultimately proving to be the tipping point. Costs have hammered margins, but many management teams have also found it hard to find the revenues that will give them sufficient breathing room.
“A stubborn base rate and tight covenants with lenders combine to make the hard wall that they can then come up against. That distress can spread through supply chains and can impact larger businesses.
“Looking ahead, we expect that the administration rate on an annual basis will continue to rise and to surpass the level we saw immediately before COVID-19 in 2020. That point of inflexion is likely to come towards the end of this year and will represent an important marker in the re-adjustment of the UK economy.
“Let’s not forgot that, while administrations can signal distress the outcome of these processes is equally vital and the other side of the equation. That’s why it is so essential that businesses seek support as early as possible as it can give them the best chance of a positive outcome.”
