Retail insolvencies up 6% in a year to 1,260

• New Government has opportunity to help the high street

There has been a 6% rise in the number of retail businesses entering insolvency, to 1,260 in the past year (year-end June 30 2019) from 1,189 the previous year*, says RPC, the City-headquartered law firm.

This marks the third consecutive year of rising retail insolvencies as the sector faces a range of headwinds (see graph below). In 2019 alone, high street names such as Patisserie Valerie, Monsoon, Oddbins and Bathstore have entered insolvency.

Karen Hendy, Co-Head of Retail at RPC says: “The pressures on the retail sector are continuing to rise – the government must now consider stepping in to help.”

“On top of very weak consumer spending and the increased costs of business rates, the hike in the National Minimum Wage in April is now starting to be felt.”

“The new Government has a great opportunity to help the retail industry, which is a huge part of the UK economy.”

“The first step would be to provide some clarity on Brexit for the first time in three years, while reducing business rates for retailers is another way the Government could immediately ease the burden on the industry.”

 

6% rise in the number of retail businesses entering insolvency in just a year

*Insolvency Service statistics, latest data available, Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles