The pub industry is facing long-term decline. Over 400 pubs closed in England & Wales in 2024 – total numbers fell below 39,000 for the first time – the most since 2021 during the COVID pandemic. Rising National Insurance contributions, increased wages, and reduced business rate relief from April 2025 will further strain the sector.
The situation is similar for the hotel and restaurant industry. Recent research by the British Institute of Innkeeping shows that only 50% of UK hospitality businesses are making a profit.
How can Antony Batty & Company help?
(*The above article and advertisement ran in the June/July 2025 edition of CLH – Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier – click on the image to go there.)
As Licensed Insolvency Practitioners, our aim is to save businesses, with liquidation being a last resort. Key options include:
- Time to Pay Arrangements with HMRC – Structured payment plans that give businesses time to repay debts. We have extensive experience negotiating these.
- Additional Finance – We have strong relationships with lenders who may provide financial support.
- Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) – If creditors are demanding payment, we can propose a structured repayment plan. This allows part of the debt to be written off, avoiding liquidation. A CVA is a recovery process that gives businesses time to turn things around.
Directors need to be aware of their responsibilities: continuing to trade when a business is loss making and to the detriment of creditors can result in personal liability. So, if your company is struggling, early professional advice is vital. Figures from R3, our industry body, show that Insolvency Practitioners rescue 40% of insolvent businesses who appoint them over a 12-month period.
We will guide you through your options, ensuring you make the best possible decision.
Contact us today: https://www.antonybatty.com/contact/ or call Antony Batty or Claire Howell on 0208 088 0633 for a free initial consultation.
