Britain’s Insolvency Landscape – 50,000 Companies on the Brink

Latest reports show that almost 50,000 companies are now on the verge of collapse, struggling under the combined weight of tax hikes, inflation, and ongoing economic instability.

For many directors, these challenges aren’t abstract statistics; they’re the daily reality of running a business right now. At Simple Liquidation, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly financial strain can escalate when cash flow tightens and costs keep rising.

If your company is one of the many feeling the pressure, now is the time to understand your options and take control before the situation worsens.

This highlights three major forces pushing businesses towards insolvency:

Higher Taxes – Recent changes to corporation tax, dividend taxation, and business rates have increased the financial burden on companies. For businesses already running on tight margins, even a small percentage rise in tax can tip the balance from profit to loss.

Persistent Inflation – While the headline inflation rate has eased from its peak, costs for essentials such as raw materials, energy, and wages remain stubbornly high. Retail, hospitality, and manufacturing have been especially hard-hit.

Economic Uncertainty – Interest rate rises, fluctuating consumer confidence, and volatile global markets have made planning ahead far more difficult. Many businesses are delaying investment or expansion, which can lead to stagnation.

The Reality Behind the Numbers

When you read “50,000 companies at risk”, it’s easy to think these must all be big names in trouble, but the reality is more complex. Many are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been pillars of their local economies for years.

We’re speaking to directors from sectors as varied as logistics, construction, digital marketing, and high street retail. Some have weathered previous recessions, but this time the combination of pressures feels different.


Britain’s Insolvency Landscape in the 2025

Location: United Kingdom

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