Number of distressed UK businesses hits a two-decade high on the eve of the Budget
Summary
There were 738,144 UK businesses in 'significant' distress in the third quarter of 2026, according to new research, the Evening Standard and The Independent reported on Tuesday 27 October, the number of distressed businesses hitting a two-decade high on the eve of the Budget. The Guardian reported that the administrator BTG says 738,144 firms are struggling as calls grow for more support for the private sector in the budget.
Latest: There were 738,144 UK businesses in 'significant' distress in the third quarter of 2026, a two-decade high, according to new research reported by the Evening Standard and The Independent, The Guardian saying the administrator BTG puts the number of struggling firms at 738,144 as calls grow for more support for the private sector in the budget.
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How it unfolded
Tuesday 27 October
There were 738,144 UK businesses in 'significant' distress in the third quarter of 2026, a two-decade high, according to new research reported by the Evening Standard and The Independent, The Guardian saying the administrator BTG puts the number of struggling firms at 738,144 as calls grow for more support for the private sector in the budget.
- 06:08The Independent Number of distressed businesses hits two-decade high on eve of Budget
- 06:08Evening Standard Number of distressed businesses hits two-decade high on eve of Budget
- 05:01The Guardian Number of UK businesses in financial distress ‘at two-decade high’