In the latest detailed figures that are compiled and released by The Registry Trust, the number of County Court Judgements awarded against businesses are down both on the last quarter and the same period last year.  

Between July 1st and September 30th 2025, there were 37,638 new judgements made against businesses in England and Wales. This total is 16.6% lower than the last quarter and 28.2% lower than Q3 in 2024.

In the first three quarters of 2025, new commercial judgements have already reached the 80% mark of 2024 – which was the year with the most commercial judgements registered in the last six years – although growth has been slowing down for the last two quarters. 

The majority of judgements on the register – 88% – remain unsatisfied with the majority being for amounts of £1,000 or below. 

In Scotland there were 1,399 commercial judgments in Q3 which is a 6.1% increase on the previous quarter and 21.2% annual increase from Q3 2024.

Northern Ireland saw 357 commercial judgements which was an 8.5% increase from the previous quarter and was a 33.9% decrease from the same time period in 2024.

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) significantly increases a company’s insolvency risk, but the jeopardy is greatest for sole traders.

Unlike limited companies, which offers directors legal protection for their personal finances, a sole trader is not legally separate from their business. This means:

  • Unlimited Liability: They are personally responsible for all business debts.
  • Personal Assets at Risk: A CCJ can be enforced against their personal bank accounts and assets, including their home or car, to settle outstanding debts.

How a CCJ Works and Its Consequences

It is important not to confuse a CCJ with a winding-up petition, which aims to liquidate a company. Instead, a CCJ:-

  • Authorises Enforcement: It grants High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), or bailiffs, the power to enter premises and seize assets matching the debt’s value.
  • Creates a Public Record: The CCJ is listed on the public Register of Judgements, Orders and Fines, making it visible to creditors, customers and suppliers through The Gazette.
  • Damages Credit: An unpaid CCJ remains on a business’s credit file for six years, making it more difficult and expensive to secure future borrowing.

Options Are Available

According to Chris Horner, insolvency director with BusinessRescueExpert: “Receiving a CCJ doesn’t mean that a business is definitely going to go into insolvency or be liquidated – but it’s a distinct probability.”

The circumstances each business faces are unique but one common thread is that each has more options than they initially realise and the sooner they get some impartial, expert advice, the better.

This is why we continue to offer a free initial consultation to help directors fully understand their position and what they can do to improve things. 

Getting in touch is the first step.