UK businesses look for economic certainty in November's Budget

The number of UK businesses in ‘critical’ financial distress has surged as the economy cries out for certainty in Rachel Reeves’ November Budget .

The number of businesses in ‘critical’ financial distress surged 78 per cent year-on-year, to 55,530 in the third quarter of 2025, up from 31,201 in the same quarter last year.

The latest Red Flag Alert report from Begbies Traynor stated that economic uncertainty and inflation have weighed on the UK economy.

Of the 22 sectors covered by the report, 21 experienced a rise in ‘critical’ financial distress of more than 40 per cent versus the same period last year.

Consumer-facing industries are under the most severe pressure, including leisure and cultural activities, hotels and a

See Full Page