UK company insolvencies: November 2025 figures and what they mean for credit control

In this episode of Debt Matters, we break down the Insolvency Service’s latest company insolvency statistics for November 2025 and translate the numbers into practical actions for debt collection and credit control teams.

England and Wales recorded 1,866 registered company insolvencies in November 2025. That was 8% lower than October 2025 and 7% lower than November 2024. The mix matters: creditors’ voluntary liquidations (1,461) made up the majority, followed by compulsory liquidations (250), administrations (136), company voluntary arrangements (18), and 1 receivership appointment.

We also look at the rolling insolvency rate: 52.9 insolvencies per 10,000 companies over the 12 months to 30 November 2025 (around 1 in 189 companies), slightly down on the previous 12-month period. The key point for practitioners: month-to-month movement is helpful, but insolvency levels remain elevated versus pre-pandemic norms, so prevention and early intervention still win.

Sector risk is clearer when you look at the 12 months to October 2025 (published with a 1-month lag). The highest volumes were in Construction, Wholesale and retail (including motor repairs), Accommodation and food services, Administrative and support services, Manufacturing, and Professional, scientific and technical activities. If your ledger is concentrated in these areas, now is the time to tighten workflows and reduce “days-to-decision” on disputes and escalations.

Practical takeaways we cover:

Bring escalation forward: CVL-heavy months mean the recovery window closes quickly once a debtor tips over.

Segment your ledger by insolvency exposure and treat repeat broken promises as a risk trigger, not just a delay.

Get documentation audit-ready: contract or PO, proof of delivery, acceptance, invoice accuracy, and statement of account.

Train teams on what changes under administration and CVAs (who you deal with, what you can do, and how to lodge claims).

Review credit terms in exposed sectors: staged payments, shorter terms, and faster stop-supply decisions.

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