THE number of limited companies failing in 2003 fell by 9.4 per cent compared with 2002.

Latest figures released by business solutions company Experian show there were 17,522 corporate failures in 2003 - 1,825 fewer than 2002. Voluntary liquidations, compulsory liquidations and receiverships declined - by 6.7 per cent, 16.7 per cent and 17.3 per cent respectively. Administration orders rose by 20 per cent and voluntary arrangements by 10.4 per cent.