Water bills set to increase by £33 a year from April

29th January 2026 Consumer Collections | #water bills

New data from Water UK has indicated that water bills in household water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4% – around £33 a year, or approximately £2.70 per month – from April, reflecting significant investment in upgrading water infrastructure. The rise is two percentage points above December’s official inflation…

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Business financial pressures highlighted by over 28,000 insolvencies recorded in 2025

29th January 2026 Business | #business insolvencies

UK businesses continued to face intense financial pressure throughout 2025, with 28,616 insolvency activities recorded, while start-ups declined, according to a new report from R3. While corporate insolvency-related activities – including administration and voluntary and compulsory liquidations- eased slightly compared with 2024, when there were 29,366 instances, they remain significantly above pre-pandemic norms, reflecting a…

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Unpaid invoices in motor finance sector surged by 78%

Trade credit insurer Atradius has issued a red flag to the motor industry as new data reveals a sharp rise in claims for unpaid and late invoices. Failed and late payment claims against automotive businesses, including OEMs, original equipment manufacturers, component manufacturers and dealerships, have risen 78% year-on-year (Nov 2025). Claims across the wider transport sector,…

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PayPlan makes senior board and executive hires 

29th January 2026 Appointments | #appointments

PayPlan has announced that it has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a new Chairman and three senior industry executives, signalling bold growth ambitions to transform the way customers and partners experience debt advice. The company has received strategic investment from Palladian Investment Partners, which will be used to accelerate the rollout of enhanced digital debt advice services, delivering faster,…

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Printing firm boss sentenced after fraudulently obtaining Covid loan

A Covid fraudster has been sentenced after illegally obtaining a second Bounce Back Loan for his company when businesses were only entitled to one. Jobanputra applied for two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for his printing business, Genesis Web Limited, within a five-day period in the summer of 2020. The 41-year-old fraudulently declared on the second…

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Lantern announces trio of senior appointments

29th January 2026 Appointments | #appointments

Debt management and financial services company, Lantern Group has announced it has made three strategic senior appointments. The company has announced  Charlotte Symonds as Chief Operating Officer, Charmaine Bonnaire as Director of Partnerships, and Scott Forster as Head of Brand and Communications. Joining Lantern’s C-suite as Chief Operating Officer, Symonds brings two decades of experience…

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RSM appoints new Restructuring Partner

29th January 2026 Appointments |

RSM UK has announced the appointment of Joe Barry as Restructuring Partner. Barry will lead the restructuring advisory team in Birmingham. Joining RSM from Teneo,  Barry has over 14 years of experience in restructuring and turnaround. He is an experienced team leader with expertise across a broad range of industries, including construction, real estate, retail,…

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