Distress rates ‘level off’ for Lancashire firms but dangers lurk ahead for almost 10,000 companies

By Begbies Traynor

05 Aug 2022

chris-lawton-of-begbies-traynor-in-preston-min.jpeg

Negligible increase in significant distress from Q1 to Q2 Just 97 more firms enter significant distress during period Begbies Traynor says almost 10,000 firms remain in danger and warns of challenges ahead during second half 2022

New data published today by Preston-based Begbies Traynor (5th August 2022) indicates a short-term levelling off in distress rates for firms across Lancashire as company directors fight hard against the impact of spiralling inflation.

However, experts at Begbies Traynor say that despite the small increase in the number of firms entering significant financial distress during the past quarter (97), almost 10,000 businesses are on the brink. 

The Red Flag Alert data, published by Begbies Traynor, has analysed the health of companies across the region for the last 15 years. 

Today, it confirms that 9,926 firms in Lancashire remain in ‘significant distress’. This is a 12% drop on the same period last year (11,254) which followed a national lockdown.

However the number of businesses in Lancashire falling into ‘critical distress’ has more than doubled with a 104% increase during the past 12 months (from 25 firms to 51).

Biggest falls in levels of significant distress amongst Lancashire-based  firms over the past 12 months have been in the Health & Education sector (24% reduction), Manufacturing (19%) and Automotive (18%) as demand in these sectors picks up in the post-pandemic era.

Real Estate & Property (1,303), Construction (1,431) and Support Services (1,320) were the three sectors that contained the highest volumes of distressed firms from the 22 analysed in Q2 of 2022.

Nationally, more than half a million firms are now in significant financial distress (582,452).

Chris Lawton, insolvency director at Begbies Traynor in Preston, said: “It will be a relief for many businesses to see a levelling off in distress rates in the past quarter but it remains to be seen whether this trend continues and company directors across Lancashire should remain cautious. 

“Many businesses have been agile in their response to rising inflation and hopefully will have planned for costs of raw materials in particular to continue rising during the remainder of this year.

“Ambiguity over which tax policies will be enacted in the UK looks set to continue until September when the new Prime Minister will be confirmed but we’ll already be most of the way through the third quarter by that point.

“As well as uncertainty over domestic politics, there’s the international aspect to consider including the situation in Ukraine and the increasing cost of energy as we progress into Autumn and Winter.” 

“Smart directors have used the opportunity since the start of the year to look at their banking facilities and debt arrangements and have been proactive in restructuring their debts and operations.

“Labour shortages and supply chain issues may also have an impact on the bottom line for a lot of companies and the working capital and cash availability will need to be monitored closely.  

“Given these circumstances, it would be wise for company directors to stay alert during the remainder of the year and act quickly and decisively in the event of a sudden cashflow squeeze or demands from creditors.”

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin