Economy
Post-Covid-19 termination clauses
One of the most controversial proposals in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act is the suspension of termination clauses. Medium and large creditors are prevented from using the terms of their contract to stop the supply of ‘essential’ goods and services to a company in a formal insolvency procedure. However, the suspension of termination clauses…
Read MorePros and cons of the moratorium procedure
Under the provisions of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, struggling companies can be placed into a new statutory insolvency procedure. But what are the pros and cons of the moratorium? The moratorium provides up to 40 business days of protection from creditors. This should be ample time to secure additional investment and remodel…
Read MoreYoung and middle-aged women leading on insolvencies
The number of women entering insolvency procedures jumped from 30% to 54.3% between 2000 and 2018, according to new figures released by the Insolvency Service. Last year, women in England and Wales were involved in 65% of Debt Relief Orders (DROs); 54% of Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs); and 38% of Bankruptcies. The figures reveal that…
Read MoreLandlords must reduce rates or face high street exodus
The future looks bleak for British landlords, especially those renting in town centres and cities because everyone knows our high streets are changing. Fashion retailer Primark recently claimed to be seeking rent reductions of up to 30% in negotiations over new leases. The Irish retailer is considering entering a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to help…
Read MorePrepare your business for Brexit, deal or no-deal
Irrespective of who becomes the UK’s next Prime Minister, it’s essential that business owners prepare for Brexit. Cynical business leaders may take advantage if the UK leaves the European Union (EU) without an exit deal on 31 October. It’s likely they will show no loyalty to European suppliers after the leave date. Consequently, don’t be…
Read MoreBlame bad management, not Brexit for insolvencies
Corporate insolvencies are on the rise, but why? Some ‘experts’ have been quick to associate Brexit with the collapse of manufacturer British Steel, fashion retailer Arcadia, and the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group – but I doubt these collapses have anything to do with our decision to leave the European Union. When business was booming in…
Read MoreDid Sir Philip Green asset-strip BHS and cause its collapse?
Giving evidence to a government inquiry recently, Sir Philip Green claimed to have worked diligently to avoid one of his best-known retail brands going into liquidation. Nevertheless, the Insolvency Service must establish if Sir Philip had asset-stripped BHS and caused its collapse. Last month, fashion tycoon Sir Philip appeared before the Business, Innovation and Skills…
Read MoreSmall Business Commissioner to help firms recover billions of pounds from late payments
The government is planning a big shake up in the world of small business debt. Anna Soulby (Minister of Small Business Enterprise) has announced that she is opening a new role in her cabinet for a Small Business Commissioner, whose main responsibility would be to bring about reform in the way large businesses have historically…
Read MoreThe UK construction industry writes off £2bn annually of bad debt
According to a report released earlier this year from Bibby Financial Services, the UK construction industry has a very serious problem managing its bad debts. Just over 70% of small, medium and large UK construction firms write off an average of £10,000 per year. Often firms have to write off the debt completely, settle with…
Read MorePoor Policing Leaves HMRC Exposed
I strongly disagree with the Insolvency Service’s recent claim the organisation ‘…does not hesitate to punish irresponsible directors.’
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