Insolvencies in Scottish firms are at a two-year low, according to new research.
In July 2012, 65 companies failed, a 25% drop on the previous year, the latest Business Insolvency Index from Experian showed.
Researchers said that Scotland has historically had some of the lowest insolvency rates, but after January 2012 its insolvency rates were higher and more in line with the rest of the UK.
During July 2012, however, Scotland saw the biggest month-on-month fall in its insolvency rate — from 0.09% in June to 0.05% in July — and is now at its lowest point since July 2010, the study said.
Across the UK as a whole, 1776 companies (0.09% of the business population) failed last month, compared to 1962 companies (0.10%) in July 2011.
Max Firth, managing director of Experian Business Information Services UK&I, said: "Since March this year, when the insolvency rate peaked at 0.11%, it has remained fairly stable — between 0.08% and 0.09%. The lack of any real increase is clearly welcome and this picture is unlikely to change in the near future.
"The figures continue to underline the importance of good insight into the financial risks associated with insolvencies among both clients and suppliers and how these issues can affect their business."
