In 2010 the annual rate of business insolvencies fell for the first time in two years

In 2010 the annual rate of business insolvencies fell for the first time in two years as the financial health of UK businesses improved, according to the latest Insolvency Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

1.04 per cent of UK businesses failed in 2010, compared to 1.25 per cent in 2009, the first annual drop for two years. The total number of insolvencies decreased from 24,209 in 2009 to 19,946 in 2010 - an 18 per cent drop.

March 2010 saw the greatest number of insolvencies for the year when 0.11 per cent of the total business population failed. From March onwards, the failure rate saw a general improvement, hitting an annual low of 0.07 per cent in August and again in November.

The UK's business community finished 2010 stronger than it started the year. The average financial strength score[2] of UK businesses fell from 81.16 in January to reach its lowest point of 80.70 in May, but since recovered to reach a full year high of 81.35 in December.

Max Firth, MD of Experian PH, said: "2010 has been a period of relative stability for business insolvencies and the improving trend in the insolvency rate has been positive. This contrasts significantly to the last major recession of the early 1990s when the rate escalated over a long period and peaked even as the country came out of recession.

But what now for insolvencies?  Was this just a 'blip'!