Crunch toll on property sector - Business - Evening Standard
       

Crunch toll on property sector

The crisis in the construction and property industry was underlined today by figures showing firms in the sector accounted for a third of insolvencies in the last two months.

Accountants Wilkins Kennedy found builders, estate agents and property management companies made up 34% of 1600 insolvencies in September and October.

Partner Keith Stevens described the property market as "a shadow of its former self".

He added: "These figures give a strong indication of just how hard the sector has been hit by the effects of the credit crunch. Building and construction has always been a vulnerable sector but the past 18 months has seen a steady increase in the number struggling to keep their heads above water."

Financial services firms accounted for 8% of insolvencies. Stevens said casualties ranged from mortgage brokers to fund managers.

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity