The number of companies going bust surged by nearly a fifth in April despite recent figures showing Britain emerged from recession at the start of the year. Official data from the Insolvency Service showed that total company insolvencies in England and Wales jumped to 2,177 last month – up 18% compared with the previous month and on a year-on-year basis. Corporate failures were sent higher in April, having fallen the previous month. They were largely pushed up by an 18% month-on-month rise in creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs), at 1,715 last month. There were also 300 compulsory liquidations, up 11% on March, a 36% rise in administrations to 144, and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) doubled to 18. The figures come a week after official data showed the UK economy had exited a short recession, with estimated gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0.6% in the first quarter. David Hudson, restructuring advisory partner at FRP, said: “Last week’s GDP figures suggest that the UK economy is finally emerging from its lengthy post-Covid hangover. “But while there is optimism this growth can be sustained, the coming months will continue to be turbulent with more businesses faltering as they weather the legacy of high...