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

Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Just 19% were likely to seek advice, Continuum finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Amid concerns about consumer harm and weaknesses in oversight

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Panel unpacks next gen themes in advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 3 min read