Insights and reports

The IFT’s first Quarterly Update: increasing demand for turnaround services in the face of inflationary and costs pressures

Written by Nicolette Stickland on February 15, 2024

As official figures show that the UK economy entered a technical recession in the last quarter of 2023, today we publish The IFT’s first quarterly update, covering activity in the turnaround sector as well as distress and insolvency statistics for Quarter 4 2023.

This update supplements our annual Societal Impact report which surveys our independent members and corporate partner firms. Last year’s report estimated that accredited turnaround professionals saved an estimated 55,000 jobs in 2022-23, helping UK companies to add £2.6 billion in shareholder value.

The vast majority of surveyed firms specialising in turnaround saw an increase in activity in the last quarter, with construction, real estate and financial services the busiest sectors seeking turnaround expertise.

Inflationary pressures and the costs of servicing debt were the top two reasons turnaround professionals saw underlying business distress, highlighting the difficult economic context for companies seeking support.

With thanks to FRP Advisory and our partners who contributed to this update. These updates will be released on a quarterly basis to provide a snapshot of trends in the turnaround sector and business distress.

IFT Quarterly Update Q4 2023 FINAL

Turnaround, the economy and people

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56K Jobs

Members of The IFT saved an estimated 56,000 jobs in 2023-24.

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£3.1 Billion

IFT members helped add £3.1 billion in shareholder value in 2023-24.

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80% busier/as busy

Over 80% of IFT members reported being busier or as busy 2023-24 compared to the previous year.

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62%

Over 60% of stressed companies don’t know they are in trouble until it is too late.

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