What makes an independent insolvency expert?

An independent insolvency expert’s job can be tough, complicated, rewarding and at times exciting. It requires the application of several abilities, including intelligence, excellent people skills and technical knowledge. The ability to assess situations and how to attack each one is paramount. Of course, deep knowledge of insolvency law is vital. Insolvency is a fast…

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Struggling Business Owners Will Act Swiftly, If They Are Smart

In December, I warned that company insolvencies would soar over the next 12 months. Now, new research suggests that one million businesses are currently facing ‘financial distress’, with 850,000 UK firms currently suffering from decreased profits. Insolvency & Law provide services for companies in trouble, and businesses affected by companies in trouble i.e. creditors.

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Remedies for Struggling Directors: CVAs and Renegotiating with Creditors

Company directors experiencing financial difficulties often consider terminating agreements and contracts to reduce the burden of their debts. A director in this position must avoid delaying decisions and rectify the situation as soon as possible; otherwise the business will experience a rapid decline in trade and become insolvent. Reducing staff and rented equipment will lower costs,…

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What’s More Important: Managing Debt or Bad Practice?

Last year, I advised a company that went bust owing £100,000. The Insolvency Service sought to have the company’s director disqualified, but he couldn’t understand why as his liabilities dwarfed the sums owed by other companies. I explained that he faced prosecution because of his conduct rather than the size of his debt. You may…

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Creditors Voluntary Liquidations Will Be Popular in 2011

Thousands of struggling company owners will voluntarily close their businesses this year, and most of those that do will use a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) process. A CVL is perhaps more popular than a Compulsory Liquidation as it allows directors to put a company into liquidation with their shareholders’ approval and permission from creditors. If…

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New HMRC Scheme Punishes Small Businesses Owners

Up to two million small and medium sized business that fail to keep up-to-date records and are likely to pay taxes late face fines of up to £3,000, under a new scheme to be launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this year. HMRC’s consultation plan, Business Records Checks, runs until 28 February 2011 and…

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Insolvency Fees and Charges: Honda Dispute Highlights Need for Reform

A recent court ruling into the conduct of administrators at BDO and PKF highlights the need for an independent review into insolvency practitioners (IPs) and their regulations – something I’ve been blogging about for many months. The dispute centred on Formula One team Super Aguri whose directors appointed three joint administrators from PKF following the…

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Improved Business Models, Not Foreign Players, Will Save English Football

Over the past five months, I’ve posted several blogs highlighting the need for executives and club chairmen to change their business models if they want English football to maintain solvency. It seems English Football League Chairman Greg Clarke may have been following these posts and taken some of my advice as he’s embarked on an…

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Winding Up Petitions Increase, But Are They Being Served Correctly?

Winding up petitions issued by creditors against firms based in Central London increased by 39 per cent in October 2010 compared with 10.5 percent in the rest of the country, a new study has revealed. The increase is simply a reflection of the government cutbacks and will probably continue throughout 2011. It’s also evidence that…

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