New company insolvency statistics show accommodation and food services insolvencies rose again in July, this time by 5% to 327 from 306 the month before.
It represents the sector’s highest monthly insolvency figure since November 2024 and follows a 4% month-on-month rise in June and a 6% rise in May.
When analysing the data, RSM UK notes that this is the first time the number of hospitality insolvencies has risen consecutively for three months since prior to the current data-set’s starting point in January 2022.
“The continued uptick in insolvencies is a worrying trend, but one we have been forecasting for several months now,” says Saxon Moseley, partner and head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK.
“The leisure and hospitality sector has had a difficult year, with higher staff costs and rising inflation continuing to bare down on businesses already struggling with low consumer confidence.”
Remarking on the forthcoming Budget, which is set to take place on 26 November, Moseley adds: “Many operators are now in survival mode. As a key creator of jobs, the sector is a corner stone for the UK economy, and therefore a delicate hospitality industry presents an economic headache for the Chancellor.
“Taking steps to overhaul the business rates system, as well as supporting the industry to respond to recent tax increases would help alleviate pressure on operators, keep more businesses solvent, and in turn allow them to invest in jobs for the future.”