Coface has published an article in which Andrew Share, Director of Business Information at Coface, explains why businesses can’t afford to let their guard down. Andrew notes that there has been a welcome outbreak of positive economic news this month; according to the latest forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the UK economy will pick up to 0.8% in 2024 – slightly above Coface’s prediction of 0.5%. However, company insolvencies are still rising, with more compulsory liquidations and administration proceedings – including big names such as Ted Baker and The Body Shop. The impact is also seen in the latest trade credit insurance statistics from the Association of British Insurers, which found that, in Q4 2023, the gross claims paid by trade credit insurers was £69 million (up £19 million on the previous quarter), with domestic gross claims paid up by 70%. To read Coface’s article, go to https://cofaceitfirst.co.uk/figures-on-gdp-growth-inflation-and-consumer-spending/.