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Company insolvency

If your company cannot pay its debts you are likely to find yourself in a frightening and confusing place.  This page gives an overview of corporate insolvency (also known as corporate recovery) and explains how we can help you through it.

Last Updated: 07/02/2025

What is company insolvency?

Put simply, company insolvency is when a company has net liabilities, when it has reached the point of no return or cannot pay debts when they fall due. As soon as this happens, directors of the business should take advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner.

Taking early advice is key as this financial distress will impact on how the business should be run. It is sometimes possible to trade out of the situation if advice is sought early enough. There are some strict penalties for ‘getting it wrong’ that we can help you avoid.

Clear action plan

If you are a director in this uncomfortable situation you may feel very alone, but we operate in this area the whole time and meet people facing the possibility of company insolvency every day. We promise to help relieve the pressure you’re feeling, find the best way forward and give you a clear plan of action.

Experience

We deal with more small/medium enterprises (SME) and family businesses in the Southeast of England than any other firm and so have a deep appreciation of the issues facing owner managers and how best to navigate these. Contact one of our insolvency practitioners on or view our Brief Guide to Insolvency

How can we help?

Our experts are able to help you maintain business’s critical cashflow functions – by sitting alongside you in negotiations with suppliers, HMRC and banks and even providing interim management solutions.

Experience

It is important to be aware that directors of an insolvent company have a legal duty to act in the best interests of creditors and need to be careful to avoid wrongful trading (and personal liability!) or other misconduct which could lead to disqualification. This may sound worrying, but we can quickly assess your situation and provide you with the guidance you’ll need. 

Our initial meeting with you is free and in complete confidence.   We encourage you to get in touch to discuss the next steps.

Director

Norwich office contact details:

Cambridge office contact details:

Understand your financial options

Check the health of your business with our free business health check tool.

Get an indication as to whether your company has what it needs to survive.

Includes:


-Company health assessment
-Types of liquidation available
-Options & next steps

*All information provided is completely confidential and will not be shared with a third party

Free advice line for distressed company directors > 08003317417

Insolvency pitfalls

If the company is insolvent (net liabilities on balance sheet or unable to pay its debts as they fall due) then insolvency law requires the directors to work in the best interests of creditors. In addition there is a host of director duties set out in The Companies Act(s) and The Insolvency Service provide further information in their Director information hub.    We can help directors navigate through these and avoid personal liability and other sanctions including:
  • Misconduct and possible disqualification
  • Wrongful trading
  • Avoid criminal sanctions such as trading with a similar name
  • Avoiding/minimising personal guarantees
  • Manage potential conflicts of interest
  • Breach of duty/misfeasance
Don’t fall into the insolvency trap, let us navigate your way as your trusted adviser.  Contact us today and speak with one of our experienced insolvency professionals for tailored advice.

BUSINESS RESCUE & INSOLVENCY SPECIALISTS

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How can we help - Book a free 1-2-1

If your company is struggling with unmanageable debts, decreased cashflow or concerns about about your company’s future, we can assess your situation and provide you with tailored solutions and options.

During your free initial advice meeting, we will discover a true picture of your company’s financial situation
and offer practical and expert guidance on your next steps.

Initial meetings can be held at our office or your premises and are completely confidential.

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There is no charge for this meeting – charges only apply if and when terms of engagement have been agreed.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (or CBIL) was an initiative created by the British Business Bank during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to support large organisations facing financial difficulties as a result of lockdowns, business closures and loss of custom.

If you are struggling to repay this loan we can help you understand what options might be available to ease the financial strain. Either call us to speak to one of our experts or arrange a free initial consultation meeting.

Is your business struggling to make repayments on a Bounce Back Loan (‘BBL’) that was taken out during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic?  We can help you understand what options might be available to ease the strain. Either call us to speak to one of our experts or arrange a free initial consultation meeting. We will help protect you and your personal liability, assessing your situation to provide you with tailored options and next steps.
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McTear Williams & Wood can act as an LPA Receiver under the fairly limited powers granted under the Law of Property Act.
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