In the latest data, 14.7% of UK companies in professional, scientific and technical owed more than they owned (negative net assets), against 18.7% across all sectors. That puts the sector 15 of 18, where 1 has the highest share. In 2015 the share was 13.3%.
All UK sectors: 18.7%
All UK sectors: 39.8%
All UK sectors: 1.21
All UK sectors: 18.6%
All UK sectors: £8,926
All UK sectors: 30.2%
Ten years of data
Each chart compares the sector with all UK sectors. Use the download button to save a chart as an image with the source printed on it. You are welcome to use the charts with credit to Gregory Analytics.
What this means if you run, lend to or buy a business in this sector
Lenders and buyers look first at net assets, whether current assets cover the debts due within a year, and cash. A company with negative net assets or a current ratio below 1 can still be sound, for example where directors have lent money to it, but the lender will ask why. The numbers above show how common each position is in professional, scientific and technical, so you can see where a business sits against its peers before anyone else does.
Borrowing, forecasting or selling in this sector?
Our fixed-fee reports show a lender or buyer's view of your own accounts: the business loan review, the business cash flow forecast and the Financial, business and due diligence review.
Based on the latest data for UK companies, as at November 2026. The most recent year is still being completed, so the latest figures can change, and small moves in earlier years should be read with care. Figures for any group with too few companies are not shown. Gregory Analytics estimates; not advice. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.