Hospitality insolvencies reduce amid heatwave and World Cup

Hospitality insolvencies have declined as a result of warm weather and the World Cup, analysts have suggested.

Company Insolvency Statistics for June 2026, published by the Insolvency Service, revealed accommodation and food services insolvencies have continued its downward trend, falling 15% from 279 in May 2026 to 237 in June 2026.

Insolvencies in the sector also dropped 23% compared to the same month in 2025 (307).

However, the hospitality industry still ranked third out of the sectors that experienced the highest number of insolvencies in the 12 months to June 2026, after construction and wholesale and retail.

Saxon Moseley, partner and head of leisure and hospitality at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, said: “The hot weather and major sporting events such as the World Cup have given the hospitality industry an important lifeline, with insolvencies continuing to trend downwards.

“Pubs have been the main beneficiary, helping to offset weaker growth in other parts of the industry. The major concern is whether this momentum continues once the sunshine disappears or if it’s simply a short-term boost – either way operators need to maximise trading while the demand is there.”

Gordon Thomson, restructuring partner at RSM UK, added: “Global and domestic uncertainty is leading operators to sit on their hands as they take a wait and see approach before triggering an insolvency process. While international uncertainty is expected to continue, the appointment of Andy Burnham as PM should help to provide some stability to the sector. But that’s dependent on the government setting out pro-growth policies that provide businesses with a clear sense of direction and help to restore confidence.”

Earlier this week, Barclays Consumer Spend data for the month of June showed that pub transactions on the night of the England vs Panama World Cup match were at five times’ the year’s daily average, equating to a 389.9% boost.