the number of `zombie businesses` in Britain has hit a 5 1/2 year low, according to R3. It found the proportion of organisations stagnating because they can pay only the interest on their debts fell to 3% in December – 2% less than April 2017 &  down from 9% in November 2012. it is also the lowest figure since R3 began tracking Zombie businesses in June 2012. R3`s research showed further signs that severe financial distress was in retreat. Only 1% of companies reported that they were having to negotiate payment terms with creditors, that they would be unable to repay debts if there were a small rise in interest rates or were struggling to pay debts when they fell due – The Times – Amicus Times