600,000 UK firms feel economic strain – where financial services fits in

Professional services firms among tens of thousands at risk of insolvency

Jen Frost
clock • 2 min read

A total of 601,950 British businesses faced “significant” financial strain in the second quarter of 2024, a jump of almost 10% according to research by consultancy firm Begbies Traynor.

The impact was felt most keenly by the construction, support services and real estate and property sectors. However, 50,683 professional services firms rounded out the top four and 16,977 financial services firms saw the sector eke into the top ten. Top ten sector ranking – significant financial distress 1.     Construction – 89,824 2.     Support services – 89,763 3.     Real estate & property service – 65,919 4.     Professional services – 50,683 5.     General retailers – 42,992 6.     Health & education – 39,933 7.     Telecommunications and information technology...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

How advisers can support clients through market volatility

How advisers can support clients through market volatility

‘Losses simply hurt more than gains feel good’

Sophia Panayi
clock 08 May 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Depledge founder to swim five-mile lake for Manchester homeless charity

Feel Good Friday: Depledge founder to swim five-mile lake for Manchester homeless charity

Raising money for Lifeshare

Professional Adviser
clock 08 May 2026 • 1 min read
Advising UK resident US citizens: A challenge worth embracing

Advising UK resident US citizens: A challenge worth embracing

Cross-border rules create a plethora of pitfalls

Tony Mudd
clock 08 May 2026 • 8 min read