What the evidence means
Creditors’ voluntary liquidations are one form of company insolvency. The Insolvency Service monthly figure is provisional.
Provisional monthly figure for England and Wales.
G&G verified business evidence
Creditors’ voluntary liquidations in August 2026
There were 1,431 creditors’ voluntary liquidations in England and Wales in August 2026.
1,431
liquidations
Original source
The Insolvency Service
Company Insolvency Statistics, August 2026
The procedure breakdown records 1,431 creditors’ voluntary liquidations in August 2026.
View original evidence
The Insolvency Service. Company Insolvency Statistics, August 2026. 18th of September, 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/company-insolvencies-august-2026/commentary-company-insolvency-statistics-august-2026
Why this matters to UK SMEs
Creditors’ voluntary liquidations formed the largest part of company insolvencies in the month. For SME owners, the figure highlights the importance of recognising financial distress early enough to preserve options rather than treating liquidation volumes as a forecast for their own business.
Key breakdowns
There were 1,431 creditors’ voluntary liquidations in August 2026. This was 4% lower than July 2026 and 9% lower than August 2025. They represented 1,431 of the month’s 1,946 registered company insolvencies; the remaining procedures included 314 compulsory liquidations, 182 administrations and 19 company voluntary arrangements.
How to interpret this evidence
A creditors’ voluntary liquidation is initiated by shareholders of an insolvent company and is distinct from compulsory liquidation, administration or a company voluntary arrangement. The high share of monthly procedures describes the legal route used, not the causes of failure or the viability of the wider SME population.
Limitations
The monthly figure is provisional and limited to England and Wales. It does not cover solvent members’ voluntary liquidations, personal insolvency, every closure or informal restructuring. Short-term comparisons can fluctuate and do not adjust for the number or composition of registered companies.
Practical considerations
G&G perspective: owners facing persistent cash shortfalls should keep records current, update short-term cash forecasts, avoid taking on obligations the company cannot meet and obtain qualified advice promptly. Early action can widen the available options; national procedure totals cannot replace an assessment of the company’s actual position.