Free 1-to-1 insolvency & business recovery advice
Speak confidentially with a licensed insolvency practitioner. No obligation. No pressure. No cost.
McTear Williams & Wood provide clear, practical advice to directors and business owners whose businesses are facing financial difficulty. Our role is to help you understand your options — whether that means rescuing the business, restructuring or bringing matters to a close in the right way.
Why your initial advice is free
We offer free initial advice because we will not engage with your business unless we are confident we can help you. Early, informed decisions make a real difference. Our fees are paid from the company’s assets, not by you personally.
In many cases, insolvency can be avoided altogether, but if it can’t we will tell you that straight. Only around one in four initial meetings results in a formal insolvency process. Our priority is to understand your situation fully and explain your options clearly, not to push you towards a particular outcome.
If a formal process is not right for you, we will say so but only if an alternative is realistic.
What happens when you first speak to us?
Directors under financial pressure usually want clarity, speed and discretion. This short answer walks through how we work, from the first meeting and a rapid assessment to stabilising the position and, where needed, a formal process.
Answered by Andrew McTear, Director and licensed insolvency practitioner. Watch on YouTube.
Read the transcript
When directors face financial pressure, they usually want three things, clarity, speed, and discretion. Our role begins with the offer of a physical meeting at your convenience, followed by a detailed rapid assessment of the company's financial position, identifying immediate risks and opportunities. We explain directors' duties in straightforward terms, ensuring decision makers understand potential liabilities and how to mitigate them.
We then stabilise the situation through cash flow control, creditor engagement to buy time to establish if a rescue is feasible. If a formal insolvency process is required, we guide directors through restructuring, administration or liquidation with precision and transparency. Our approach is rooted in practical advice, realistic strategies, and unwavering support, enabling directors to remain in control during challenging circumstances.
We provide structure, confidence, and clarity at every stage.
Speak directly with an experienced insolvency practitioner
When you contact us, you won’t be passed to a call centre or salesperson, you’ll speak with a qualified, licensed insolvency practitioner or senior business rescue and insolvency specialist who has extensive experience supporting:
- Established small businesses, medium enterprises and large corporates
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Directors or business owners
We listen first, ask the right questions and explain things in plain English.
Regulated, accredited and trusted
McTear Williams & Wood is a long-established, independent, trusted business rescue and insolvency firm.
We are:
- Licensed insolvency practitioners regulated by the ICAEW
- Members of recognised professional bodies, including R3
- Highly experienced in both advisory and formal insolvency appointments
Our work is governed by strict professional and ethical standards, giving you confidence that the advice you receive is objective, compliant and in your best interests.
Recent case studies
Facts: Referred by: Accountant Industry sector: Haulage Annual turnover: £3 million Employees: 15 Cash at bank of £320k and reserves of £500k. Background A haulage company made a net profit
Background A long-established, family-owned manufacturing business was facing challenges despite not being insolvent on a cash flow basis. The business operated in two distinct areas: general engineering and a niche
Overview McTear Williams & Wood were appointed to support the owners of The Stow Partnership LLP t/a WH Smith Local, a franchise in Dereham, Norfolk in June 2018 following sustained
Overview McTear Williams & Wood were appointed to liquidate two connected Norfolk businesses operating under the VANshop brand, following sustained trading difficulties that led to the cessation of trade. The
Summary When a national bed retailer saw profits turn into multi-million-pound losses and creditor pressure intensified, McTear Williams & Wood was appointed to deliver a complex restructuring and guide the
Summary When a long-standing Norfolk travel operator was forced to cease trading due to an unexpected loss of financial protection insurance, McTear Williams & Wood stepped in to support the
What happens after you get in touch
We know that reaching out can feel daunting. Here’s what you can expect:
We respond within 24 hours
A member of our team will review your enquiry and respond immediately or get back to you promptly.
A confidential discussion
We talk through your situation, pressures and concerns in complete confidence.
Clear next steps
You’ll leave the conversation with clarity on your options and time to decide what feels right. There is no obligation to proceed.
Choose how you’d like to speak to us
We offer several ways to get in touch, so you can choose what suits you best.
Request free advice online
Complete the form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Call us directly
Speak to our team during office hours for immediate reassurance.
Book a meeting at a time that suits you
Arrange a phone or video meeting via our online calendar.
You’re not alone, and you don’t need to have all the answers
Financial distress is stressful, personal and often isolating. Many directors worry about making the wrong move or leaving it too late.
Speaking to an experienced licensed insolvency practitioner early gives you clarity, control and peace of mind, even if you decide not to take things any further.
All conversations are confidential. There is no judgement, and no obligation.