‘Critical’ financial distress leaps by a third in Q1 2026
The latest Red Flag Alert research from BTG for Q1 2026, has revealed the number of businesses in ‘critical’ financial distress rose by more than a third (36.9%) compared to the first quarter of 2025, signaling the piling pressure on UK businesses amid major global and domestic challenges.
Football Distress Report: Distress ticks up in Championship as owners lured into spending whilst concerns over Premier League relegation impact loom
English Football League (EFL) clubs experiencing financial distress have increased by 50% in the past year, according to the latest Football Distress Report from BTG for Q1 2026 (31 March 2026). Our latest report found that six of the English Football League’s 72 clubs (8.3%) are showing signs of financial distress. This number has increased 50% in the past year and trebled in the past six months following a period of falling distress volumes post-covid lockdown.
SMEs should frame AI as a productivity driver rather than a strategy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely positioned as a growth and innovation accelerator. But for most SMEs, AI is better framed as a productivity driver rather than a strategy.
Red Flag Alert Q4 2025 figures released
The latest Red Flag Alert figures for Q4 2025 reveal current market performance and future outlook for UK businesses
Critical financial distress soars across the economy ahead of Budget
The latest Red Flag Alert report from BTG Begbies Traynor, which has provided a snapshot of British corporate health for almost two decades, has revealed a 78.0% year-on-year increase in ‘critical’ financial distress as higher taxes on businesses, economic uncertainty and inflation weighed on the UK economy.
Credit Broker Numbers Fall as Businesses Seek Refinance and Funding Options
Numbers of credit broker firms have fallen by more than a fifth (-20.5%) in the past year to 3,388 in Q3 2025 as businesses seek options for refinance and funding, according to data obtained from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by MAF Finance Group.
Support needed as volume of advisory firms and experienced advisers continue to fall
Numbers of financial advisory firms and advisers have fallen significantly since the start of 2022, especially in experienced and entry-level age groups, according to data obtained by Begbies Traynor Group from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).