R3 is the major trade body for insolvency practitioners in the UK. One of its important tasks is to provide up to date information on the state of insolvency in the UK along with related matters. It announced in late March 2010 that more than a quarter of SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) in the UK anticipate that should the economy again enter recession, that is the so-called double dip recession, they are in severe danger of becoming insolvent. The reason is that these companies have only just managed to stay afloat during the recession and have exhausted all their resources in doing so. There is nothing left that will save them for a second time.
This is not uniform throughout the economy and some types of business are suffering more than others. The worst sector is the catering business where 47% of businesses are facing imminent insolvency. Interestingly, despite the reputation of the manufacturing sector in the UK, this is the sector that is performing best. Only 19% of small manufacturing companies are in danger of insolvency.
In the UK, 97% of businesses employ less than 20 people and employ over 12 million workers, which accounts for 58% of people working in the private sector. If a quarter of these companies really do fail and become insolvent, then up to 3 million people are in danger of losing their jobs.
Job loss is one of the major contributors to individual insolvency and, should the economy take another nose-dive as well it might do if the predicted hung parliament becomes a matter of fact, then a great many individuals along with business owners will need to face up to the stark realities of becoming insolvent. In many circumstances the best way of dealing with insolvency is through an IVA or Individual Voluntary Arrangement. IVAs are applicable to both individuals and businesses. IVA Advice and insolvency in general can be found at the IVA Advisory Centre.