According to its latest insolvency index, there were five insolvencies in the sector in November 2011, the same as November 2010.

However, it had a financial strength score, calculated using the number of insolvencies compared to the number of companies in the sector, of 78.07, down from 79.06.

Experian also noted in its latest results that there was an increasing north/south divide, with companies in London and the South East faring far better.

During the month insolvency rates were highest in the North West (0.14%), North East (0.12%) and Yorkshire (0.11%). 

The South East, South West and Greater London recorded the lowest failure rates at 0.07%, 0.08% and 0.08% respectively.

It also said that businesses with 3-10 employees have generally managed to maintain lower rates of insolvencies over the past year; however they experienced the biggest deterioration in financial strength between November 2010 (81.80) and November 2011 (81.04).