Overview

• The rise to 187 cases reverses August’s 8.1% decline and stands 8.1% higher than a year earlier.
• The region recorded the sixth‑highest level in the UK, as eight regions fell while Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland also increased.
• R3 highlights higher energy and materials costs, cautious consumer demand, creditor pressure and slower reductions in borrowing costs as key stresses.
• Creditsafe data show overdue invoices edged down from 57,935 in August to 57,558 in September, while start‑ups rose to 6,406, up 15.8% year on year.
• R3 urges business owners to seek early advice from regulated professionals, noting many members offer an initial consultation free of charge.