THE transport, hotel and restaurant sectors are still struggling, despite an overall fall in insolvency figures, statistics from the Insolvency Service reveal.

The number of transport, storage and communication businesses entering administration jumped by 50% quarter on quarter, up from 16 appointments in Q3 2012 to 24 appointments in Q4 2012.

The hotel and restaurant sector also revealed signs of stress, with 31 operators entering administration in Q4 2012. This is an increase of 29% on the 24 appointments recorded in Q3 2012.

Mark Firmin, KPMG’s regional head of restructuring: “While it’s good news that the overall number of businesses entering insolvency has dropped, the figures reveal that certain sectors are still struggling and remain under unrelenting pressure.

“The hotel and restaurant sector is being hit particularly hard by depressed consumer spending as people tighten their belts and chose to stay home rather than splurging on a meal or weekend away.

“Unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue for the next quarter as people concentrate on paying off their debt after spending at Christmas.

“Transport operators are also being hit by a knock-on effect from troubles in other sectors. While high-profile administrations dominate the headlines, it’s easy to forget their suppliers, such as haulage companies, are always badly affected by the demise of retailers like HMV and Blockbusters.”