January 2026 UK Business Insights
January marks a natural reset for company formation in the UK. As businesses reopen after the year-end pause, new companies are registered, strategies are activated, and formation activity provides early signals of economic intent for the year ahead.
Did you know?
January is historically one of the strongest months for UK company formation, as entrepreneurs launch planned ventures following December slowdowns.
This month’s DataGardener UK Business Insights Report examines company formation UK trends, alongside dissolutions, financial risk, and enforcement signals as the UK enters 2026.
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Business Overview
What does January tell us about company formation in the UK?
As of January 2026:
These figures show a strong rebound in UK company formation, alongside increased credit and enforcement activity as businesses reset financially after year-end.
Company Dissolutions – January 2026 vs December 2025
How many companies closed down in the UK?
In January 2026, 59,575 companies were dissolved across the UK, compared to 68,923 in December 2025.
This decline indicates that most year-end closures occurred in December, allowing company formation UK activity to normalise as the new year began.
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Businesses Incorporated – January 2026 vs December 2025
How did UK company formation compare to December?
In January 2026, 61.2K+ companies were incorporated in the UK, up from 47.6K+ in December.
This increase confirms a strong post-holiday rebound in UK company formation, as entrepreneurs moved quickly to register new businesses at the start of the year.
Regional Distribution of UK Company Formation
- London: 20.8K+ companies, maintaining its lead in UK company formation
- North West: 6.3K+, showing sustained regional momentum
- Wales: 1.1K+
- Northern Ireland: 0.7K+
📍 London remains the UK’s primary hub for company formation, while regions across the North and Midlands continue to demonstrate steady business creation.
New Companies Registered in January 2026
Industrial Distribution of UK Company Formation
The SIC analysis for UK company formation in January 2026 shows broad participation across core industries.
- Wholesale and Retail Trade (19.08%) continues to lead UK company formation
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (11.00%) and Real Estate Activities (10.80%) reflect strong consultancy and property-driven formation
- Information and Communication (9.50%) and Construction (8.21%) remain key contributors
💡 Overall, January’s data confirms that company formation in the UK is being driven by service-led, digital, and infrastructure-focused sectors.
Risk Assessment of Companies Incorporated in January 2026
What does the risk profile of UK company formation reveal?
Risk analysis of newly incorporated UK companies shows:
- Moderate Risk: 99.29%
- High Risk: 0.05%
- Very Low Risk: 0.01%
- Not Scored / Very High Risk: 0.65%
These figures suggest that most new UK companies are entering the market with cautious financial strategies, prioritising stability over aggressive expansion.
Charges Registered – January 2026 vs December 2025
How did secured lending align with company formation UK trends?
In January 2026, 10.4K+ charges were registered in the UK, down from 16.4K+ in December.
This reduction reflects a short-term pause in borrowing activity, despite strong UK company formation, as businesses reassess funding needs early in the year.
County Court Judgments (CCJs) – January 2026 vs December 2025
What does this mean for UK businesses?
Over 11.8K+ CCJs were filed in January, compared to 7.4K+ in December.
📊 This increase aligns with post-year-end enforcement activity and does not undermine the broader strength seen in company formation across the UK.
Female Founders and UK Company Formation
How are female-led companies contributing?
In January 2026, over 4.4K female-owned companies were registered in the UK.
Leading Industries
Leading Regions
💡 Female founders continue to play a vital role in UK company formation, contributing to diversity, resilience, and sector-wide growth.
Conclusion: What does January 2026 tell us about company formation in the UK?
January 2026 highlights a strong rebound in company formation across the UK, supported by disciplined financial behaviour.
- New business registrations increased sharply
- Dissolutions normalised after December
- Risk levels remained stable
- Entrepreneurs entered the market with measured intent
As 2026 begins, one message is clear:
Businesses that understand company formation trends in the UK and act with data-led timing, will be best positioned to succeed.
📈 All insights are sourced from DataGardener’s January 2026 UK Business Insights Report.
For deeper data on company formation UK, API access, or customised dashboards, speak to an expert at DataGardener.com.