Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Hospitality & Real Estate Hit Hardest

  • Retail sector accounted for 16% of UK administrations in 2023
  • Increase of 22% compared to 2022
  • Greater London led with 25% of filings
  • Higher interest rates and inflation affecting businesses
  • Consumer spending shrinking due to economic uncertainty

The retail sector accounted for the highest number of administrations in the UK during the first half of 2023, with a 16% share. A total of 759 businesses filed for administration between January and June, an increase of 22% compared to 2022. Retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and real estate made up 57% of all administrations. Greater London led with 25%, followed by the North West (15%) and South East (11%). Insolvency expert Andy Taylor warns that more businesses will fail unless inflation is controlled and interest rates stop rising. The retail sector’s filings almost doubled compared to the same period in 2022, surpassing construction as the worst-hit sector. Hospitality, real estate, and manufacturing also remained in the top five. Taylor explains that economic uncertainty, higher borrowing costs, and energy expenses are squeezing businesses from both sides, leading to reduced consumer spending and footfall on high streets and in restaurants.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the increase in administrations in the retail sector and other industries, cites data sources, and includes expert commentary on the reasons behind this trend. However, it could provide more context or statistics for comparison with other sectors to give a better understanding of the situation.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the increase in administrations in the retail sector and identifies some contributing factors such as inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty. However, it lacks a more in-depth analysis of long-term trends or solutions for businesses facing these challenges.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and real estate sectors
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the increase in administrations in various industries, particularly retail, which impacts businesses and their financial stability. It also mentions the effects of inflation, higher interest rates, and borrowing costs on these sectors.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk