New company registrations in Northern Ireland fell in the second quarter of 2026, suggesting business confidence remains subdued although the region also recorded a decline in insolvency-related activity, according to an R3 report.
R3’s latest Quarterly Business Health report, based on data from Creditsafe, found that 2,352 new companies were registered in Northern Ireland during Q2 2026, 16% lower than the same period last year (2,790) and 8% down on the previous quarter (2,549).
While fewer new businesses were launched, the number of Northern Ireland companies entering insolvency-related processes also fell year-on-year. There were 78 insolvency-related activities in Q2 2026, 14% lower than the same period last year (91) although 18% up on the previous quarter (66).
Scott Murray, chair of R3 in Northern Ireland and Managing Director at Keenan CF, commented:
‘R3’s latest Business Health report points to a landscape where fewer firms are entering formal distress processes year-on-year, but where entrepreneurs remain cautious about launching new ventures, instead favouring a wait-and-see approach.
‘That is a concern because sustainable economic growth depends on a healthy pipeline of new businesses entering the market.
‘Businesses continue to face a range of pressures, from higher employment costs and geopolitical uncertainty to concerns around consumer demand and cashflow. Together, these factors can make starting a business feel like a greater risk than it might have done previously.
‘Directors should continue to monitor cashflow carefully and seek professional advice early from an R3 expert if they are struggling.’
The latest figures mirror the UK picture, with new company registrations falling by 6% year-on-year to 184,873 in Q2 2026 and by 2% compared to the previous quarter. Insolvency-related activity has also declined nationally by 6% compared with Q2 2025, falling to 6,854 cases.
