You’ve invested time, money, and emotion into building your business, so thinking about the end can feel uncomfortable, pessimistic and unnecessary. Without a clear exit plan, though, you are missing a vital part of the life cycle of a business.
jump to content

Planning Your Exit – Is a Solvent Liquidation the Best Way to Close Your Business?Posted: Oct 23, 2025

When most people start a business, they’re focused almost exclusively on growth. Regardless of why they started a business, the immediate need is to make it a success. They want to create something lasting and viable, to grow their business venture as planned.

The last thing people are focused on at that stage, therefore, is how to exit it later.

It’s hardly a surprise then that a recent Capital on Tap survey found 79% of small business owners have no exit plan.

It’s understandable that business owners are not considering their exit. Your business is personal. You’ve invested time, money, and emotion into building it. Thinking about the end can feel uncomfortable, pessimistic and unnecessary. However, it is also an important part of where your business is going and why.

 

Without a clear exit plan, you are missing a vital part of the life cycle of a business.

For a lot of business owners, particularly those who look to build to sell, the natural conclusion of their involvement is to pass the business on to new owners. For many who don’t have an exit plan in place, however, a different story may unfold. Not all businesses are suitable for sale.

It could be that the business is not saleable in the traditional way, maybe it is reaching the end of its natural usefulness in the marketplace, perhaps it is a family business with no one to take it over, or the Directors simply want to retire and take out the rewards for all their efforts.

In these circumstances, a solvent liquidation may be the better option but it requires planning and a structured approach.

 

The option of solvent liquidation

When you’re ready to move on, whether that’s to retire, change direction, or simply take a well-earned break, a solvent liquidation, also known as a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL), can be a tax-efficient, controlled way to close your company.

Unlike insolvency procedures, an MVL is only available if your company can pay all its debts in full within 12 months. So, in a very real way, it’s an exit route for successful businesses that no longer have a reason to trade that will allow you to extract the company’s remaining value and close it properly, with full legal and financial clarity.

 

Key benefits of a solvent liquidation

Solvent liquidation is often overlooked or misunderstood when it comes to the decision to close a business. It’s not unusual for clients to contact us with little or no advance knowledge of how it works until they read the free information on our site. Which is a shame because it is often an option that will allow them to move ahead with the next phase of their life, knowing everything is wrapped up.

Some of the key potential benefits include:

  1. Tax efficiency - Through an MVL, funds distributed to shareholders are usually treated as capital gains rather than income, which can significantly reduce your tax bill. In many cases, Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief) may apply, meaning you could potentially pay a lower rate of tax.
  2. Controlled and professional closure - An MVL is overseen by a licensed insolvency practitioner, ensuring the company is wound up in compliance with the law, with all creditors paid, and no loose ends left behind.
  3. Peace of mind - You’ll know that your company has been closed properly, with no future liabilities or administrative surprises down the line.
  4. Unlocking your hard-earned value - For directors who’ve built up reserves over the years, an MVL is often the most effective way to extract retained profits and move on, whether that’s to start something new or enjoy your next chapter.

When you look at that list, it is clear that understanding and planning your exit just makes sense. Planning now may just mean a little research and building that into your long-term goals and objectives, but what about when you seriously start to consider it?

 

Why it’s worth talking to an expert early

Apparently, 21% of business owners have never sought professional advice on exiting their business. That seems to be a huge missed opportunity, doesn’t it? When you start to consider exiting your business, not understanding your options can only limit the ones available to you.

Getting expert advice as soon as you are thinking about an exit can help you:


The sooner we speak, the faster we can start helping you as the directors, to exit with confidence that you are doing the right thing for everyone.

 

Free resources and expert support

We’ve created a free downloadable guide that explains the MVL process in plain English, including examples of how solvent liquidation can work for different business types.

Visit our Solvent Liquidation and Members Voluntary Liquidation pages to learn more about:

A solvent liquidation is often the smart, structured exit strategy for directors who’ve built something valuable and want to move on cleanly and efficiently. Whether you’re retiring, stepping back, or simply ready for a new challenge, planning your exit properly ensures you keep control, protect your assets, and close your business on your terms.

If there is anything in this article that has made you wonder if an MVL could be your best option, then download the free guide and book your free consultation to find out more.

There is no time like the present, and with a budget in the near future, it could well be time to start defining your exit strategy before circumstances define it for you.

 

Back

transparent gif
You’ve invested time, money, and emotion into building your business, so thinking about the end can feel uncomfortable, pessimistic and unnecessary. Without a clear exit plan, though, you are missing a vital part of the life cycle of a business.

Planning Your Exit – Is a Solvent Liquidation the Best Way to Close Your Business?

When most people start a business, they’re focused almost exclusively on growth. Regardless of why they ... more

A worryingly high number of businesses fail in their first year, and it is looking likely that 10% will soon not survive their first 12 months of trading. As insolvency practitioners, we see a lot of businesses that sadly need to close. Often this is simply because the reality of running a business can be very different to the dream of ownership.

Surviving Your First Year in Business – The Reality of the Dream

Starting your own business should be one of the most exciting times of your life. You have the drive, the dream ... more

If you missed it in the news, there has been a serious cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The result of the incident is a major disruption to their operations and, therefore, their supply chain, for several days. While JLR is the company in the headlines, the consequences of such an incident extend far beyond the manufacturer itself.

The Ripple Effect of a Cyber Attack: Lessons from Jaguar Land Rover’s Supply Chain Disruption

The recent cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) could have far-reaching effects. While JLR itself wrestles with ... more

Recent figures from the UK Insolvency Service paint a rather bleak picture for struggling businesses.

The Rise in Compulsory Liquidations Is a Warning Not to Ignore HMRC

Company insolvencies are still rising. Yes, times are tough in general, but there has also been a notable rise in ... more

With another Autumn budget looming, now is the time to start looking at how it could affect your business and, where possible, prepare for changes. Only, it isn’t that easy, is it?

Another Autumn, Another Hit for Businesses? Getting Ready for the Next Budget.

With the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2025 approaching, businesses once again face uncertainty over potential ... more

Do you suffer from Beach Business Syndrome? It’s our term for that nagging worry that something might be going wrong while you’re away from your business.

Keep Your Business Financially Healthy and Help Avoid the Beach Business Trap

If you are a company director or run your own business, you will probably be familiar with just how hard it is to ... more

It may sound unlikely that you could be made bankrupt without you knowing anything about it. However, not only is it possible, but we also actually get a significant number of enquiries from people asking what they can do about it.

Can I Be Bankrupt Without Knowing It? How Personal Bankruptcy Can Come as a Surprise

At Smart Business Recovery, we sometimes receive calls from people who have just discovered that they’ve been ... more

We are often asked questions about directors' pay when we are presenting or speaking at events, and it often comes up during the initial consultation with businesses looking at insolvency. As with any area of insolvency, it needs careful treatment and, above all else, it is important to get it right.

Directors Salaries – Doing it Right if You Have Financial Issues

How directors pay themselves can suddenly become very important if the business is facing financial issues. You ... more

It’s tempting to see tax issues as a purely business matter, but that isn’t always the true as the case of Rob Cross, the former darts world champion, vividly illustrates

Rob Cross, Another High-Profile Lesson About Paying HMRC

If you do things right, then being a limited company director may well offer some protection from your company's ... more

Despite their good intentions, Community Interest Companies (CICs) are no more immune to insolvency than any other organisation. With the increase in registration of CICs in recent years and it seems like we are going to see more of them going through insolvency.

Understanding Insolvency in UK Community Interest Companies (CICs)

Despite their good intentions, Community Interest Companies (CICs) are no more immune to insolvency than any other ... more

UPDATED - NEW RATE When a business is struggling with cash flow pressure, directors sometimes try the gambit of delaying tax payments to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to free up some funds. It might seem like a temporary solution to a short-term problem, but it’s a tactic that can quickly backfire.

Paying Tax to HMRC – Beware of the False Economy of Late Payment

UPDATED - HMRC CHARGES HAVE NOW BEEN REDUCED IN LINE WITH THE RECENT BASE RATE CHANGE, AS WE PREDICTED IN THIS ... more

As an insolvency practitioner, our duty is to look at all options when a charity is struggling financially. Sometimes people assume our only role is to close the charity, but in fact, we look at all options to see if there is a way for the organisation to survive. Sometimes that is possible, and sometimes we need to face the unfortunate truth that the charity is not financially viable and needs to go the insolvency route. When that happens, it’s vital that we look at several key issues as soon as possible so that everything is legal and follows the correct process. One of the most complex of these is restricted funds. We are happy to advise on other areas but for now let’s look at how restricted funds can and can’t be used.

Restricted Funds, Insolvency and Charities – Understanding the Facts

Over the years, we have dealt with many charities with financial issues, and one of the least understood areas is ... more

The commercial world has always been prone to the odd shake up, but they now seem to just be a regular part of the business landscape. From pandemics to economic sanctions and global events, we seem to be regularly dealing with unexpected disruptions.

Unusual Market Disruptions – Resilience, Wake Up Calls and When to Seek Help

Remember when unpredictable market conditions were rare occurrences? Don’t misunderstand me, the ... more

Whether you are a manufacturer, reseller or retailer, your supply chain is vital. A sudden disruption to that chain can be enough to cause serious operational challenges.

The Importance of a Secure Supply Chain – A Lesser Know Cause of Insolvency

A secure and reliable supply chain is fundamental to a business’s survival. Whether you are a ... more

This week is Debt Awareness Week, so we want to play our part by reminding business owners what debt could mean to them.

Debt Awareness Week - Understanding Financial Challenges

The purpose of Debt Awareness Week is to encourage open conversations about financial struggles and provide ... more

/3rd-sector_help Even for a charity, when the bills are not being paid and the money isn’t coming in, you need to accept the situation and take advice. That is why we offer a specialist support service for charities and other third sector organisations who are facing insolvency .

Insolvency in the Third Sector – Why Do We Have a Specialist Support Service?

Charities and other third sector organisations are just as susceptible to insolvency as private companies. ... more

It is very easy to take your eye off credit control. Sadly, we see it happen regularly and it is a major contributor to a business slipping into insolvency.

Now is the Time to Review Your Credit Control – Keep Watching the Road

With what looks like a very difficult time ahead, reviewing your credit control now could be the difference between ... more

When a long-standing business is closed under an MVL, retirement is far and away the most common reason. Closing a business so you can retire is a big decision though and one of the most difficult elements of that decision is picking the right time.

Retiring and closing your business – How do you decide when is the right time?

When a long-standing business is closed under an MVL, retirement is far and away the most common reason. Closing ... more

In October last year, a budget was delivered that will have repercussions for business throughout 2025. The questions facing directors and business owners in the UK are how much will it affect them, what do they need to do to deal with these changes and is now the time to start worrying about what will happen to your business?

Changes for Business in April 2025 - Will the KBO approach be Enough?

In October last year, a budget was delivered that will have repercussions for business throughout the coming year. ... more

When you are faced with business disagreements over payments, contracts, or other areas such as the management of financial obligations, the first priority is a practical resolution.

Insolvency Practitioners and Commercial Disputes – How We Can Help

When you are faced with business disagreements over payments, contracts, or other areas such as the management of ... more

Sadly, organisations that come under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, are just as prone to changing times and difficult economic circumstances as any other business.

Insolvency for Societies – What Happens When the Social Club Needs to Close?

Sadly, organisations that come under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, are just as prone ... more

https://www.gov.uk/business-asset-disposal-relief The Chancellor's Autumn budget was an interesting one, to say the least. Now, a week on, the big headlines have died down, and hopefully, businesspeople are starting to reflect on how to deal with the changes.

Autumn Budget 2024 – An Insolvency Practitioners viewpoint one week on.

Capital Gains Tax and Entrepreneurs Relief – A change as we predicted. In our previous blog , we looked ... more

The Chancellor has just stepped away from the podium, and everyone is still digesting the full content of her budget. The initial question we are all left with within the business world is, ‘Practically speaking, what could it mean to my financial stability?’

What does it mean for insolvency and business? - First thoughts on the Autumn budget

The Autumn budget wasn't exactly a friendly one for SMEs. Whether it will lead to more insolvencies and financial ... more

The JSL Notice is usually a rather rare beast for HMRC to use, because it is a somewhat complex and difficult action to take. However, HMRC now seem to be increasingly more inclined to utilise them,

JSL Notices - Are HMRC becoming more aggressive when it comes to Tax avoidance and Evasion?

There was a relatively large rise in the number of Joint and Several Liability (JSL) Notices in the last year. ... more

According to recent data from the Insolvency Service, the construction sector remains one of the industry areas most likely to struggle with insolvency.

Insolvencies Rise in the Building Sector – Are the Foundations Crumbling?

According to recent data from the Insolvency Service, the construction sector remains one of the industry areas ... more

According to Charity Debt Justice, around 6.7 million people in the UK are considered to be in financial difficulties. The Debt Relief Order is one way to deal with this problem and how it works it is about to change.

UPDATED - The Debt Relief Order (DRO) rules are changing – Better or Worse for Those in Debt?

According to Charity Debt Justice, around 6.7 million people in the UK are considered to be in financial ... more

In the run-up to the election, the current government made some very clear promises that could have quite an effect on your business finances. Now the initial transition fuss has died down, what could it all mean financially for your business?

Zero hours to day 1 – Should your business be planning for changes to the law?

In the run-up to the election, the current government made some very clear promises that could have quite an effect ... more

There is always bound to be a question about when it is the right time to push the button on a member's Voluntary Liquidation (MVL). With a budget being announced for October, right now may well be a good time to take a serious look at your options if you are considering an MVL.

Members Voluntary Liquidations – A tax target in October?

There is always bound to be a question about when it is the right time to push the button on a member's Voluntary ... more

When you are responsible for a business that is facing insolvency, or potentially facing personal financial issues that could mean bankruptcy, you need to take action. The first action to take is to contact someone who can help. Often that will be an Insolvency Practitioner (IP).

Choosing an Insolvency Practitioner – The Human Touch

When you are responsible for a business that is facing insolvency, or potentially facing personal financial issues ... more

Here we go again. The election is ramping up and the media are dissecting every statement and promise in search of a great headline. Behind all that though, both main parties have made several promises in manifestos and statements about how they will help business if they have someone in Downing Street. As we have said many times, politics isn’t our business… but business is. So, let’s take a quick, impartial, look at what both parties have said and what it could potentially mean for businesses going forward.

Election 2024 and Business – What is on the Table from Both Main Parties

Here we go again. The election is ramping up and the media are dissecting every statement and promise in search of ... more

As we often say, HMRC can be a ‘quiet creditor’ because they don’t shout as loud or seem as urgent as other, more immediate bills. However, they are persistent and will eventually lose patience and enforce collection. The repercussions for underestimating how dedicated HMRC are to collecting monies owed to them for VAT and Corporation Tax can be life changing, as Ex-Footballer, John Barnes, recently found out. /help-home

John Barnes Media Limited insolvency – A reminder that HMRC do not take non-payment lightly

What happened between John Barnes Media Limited and HMRC? According to the Insolvency Service news, John Barnes ... more

You will probably know that that one of the actions taken during an insolvency is for the company assets to be sold to help pay debts. This is always the case, but what constitutes an asset is sometimes a little more complex.

Fixtures and fittings and all the stock - What exactly is an ‘asset’ during insolvency?

One of the actions taken during an insolvency is for the company assets to be sold to help pay debts. This is ... more

The politics of a budget are not really in our area of interest, to be honest. The motivations behind decisions made in Westminster seem considerably less important than dealing with the day-to-day practicalities of what those decisions mean to business. Let’s leave the speculation about ‘why’ to the press and look at what there was in the budget that will, or won't, have an impact on your business.

Budget 2024 – Spring in the air or a wet summer ahead?

The politics of a budget are not really in our area of interest, to be honest. The motivations behind decisions ... more

There have been a couple of dramatic looking statistics about company closures and recessive economies recently. While it isn’t a good idea to dismiss their importance, it is worth putting them into perspective.

Closures and recessions – Are things that bad when you look behind the numbers?

There have been a couple of dramatic looking statistics about company closures and recessive economies recently. ... more

HMRC have issued an update to how Members Voluntary Liquidations (MVLs) are processed. The change is quite a shift in the administration of MVLs, so it’s worth taking a moment to look at it and what it will mean.

Changes to the Members Voluntary Liquidation process – what do they mean?

HMRC have issued an update to how Members Voluntary Liquidations (MVLs) are processed. The change is quite a shift ... more

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), retail sales fell 3.2% in December 2023. With a harsh outlook on the cards, what can retailers do to ease the financial problems they could be facing this spring?

Not so merrily on the High Street – How retailers can respond to a low sales Christmas

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), retail sales fell 3.2% in December 2023. With a harsh outlook ... more

Christmas is around the corner, and the last bell is about to ring for 2023, so it’s a good time to sit back and look at what the year meant to business and insolvency.

Looking back on 2023 – A year of challenge for UK business

Christmas is around the corner, and the last bell is about to ring for 2023, so it’s a good time to sit back ... more

We are all aware that a business can become insolvent but what about the over 168,000 charities currently registered in the UK, can they become insolvent?

Well-meaning sometimes isn’t enough – Insolvency and charities.

We are all aware that a business can become insolvent - but what about the over 168,000 charities currently ... more

This year the Autumn statement was a bit of a mixed bag for business and individuals. National insurance giveaways and minimum wage rises dominated the news but, looking at the bigger picture, is it a win or a loss for business?

The Chancellors autumn statement – hint of spring or cold winter ahead?

This year the Autumn statement was a bit of a mixed bag for business and individuals. National insurance giveaways ... more

A stagnant economy in the third quarter, increases in company insolvencies, rising fuel and utilities costs and many other factors are all pointing to a difficult business year ahead. Let’s not forget though, that we could be also looking at some harder times for personal finances as well.

2024 – does a financially difficult year for you mean a tough year for business?

Do personal finances impact business finances? When you run a business, one of the first things any of your ... more

The jump in insolvencies in September follows a similar increase in August. However, there was a drop in July. So is this a blip or a precedent that we should be concerned about?

The increase in insolvencies – What is of root cause of the jump in numbers?

The jump in insolvencies in September follows a similar increase in August. However, there was a drop in July. So ... more

Bankruptcy and insolvency are not the same thing, but they are closely related. Maybe that is why they are sometimes used interchangeably in the public domain. While this is understandable, it’s very important to know the difference between them.

Birmingham is not bankrupt – Understanding bankruptcy and insolvency.

Bankruptcy and insolvency are not the same thing, but they are closely related. Maybe that is why they are ... more

Much like the current summer weather, the outlook for the economy is not great. So, what should businesses be doing right now to stave off some of the effects of the economic instability?

Weather forecasting - Strategies for business in UK's Challenging Economy

Economic sunshine and showers. We have gotten used to having a more Mediterranean style summer in the last few ... more

It often still comes as a surprise to directors when they learn that they can claim redundancy. However, the process has recently been updated so the answer to the question ‘Can I claim redundancy if I am a company director’ is not quite as simple as it used to be.

Claiming redundancy for directors - Important changes to the process

It often still comes as a surprise to directors when they learn that they can claim redundancy. If you meet the ... more

Knowing the cobbles – Is it better for your Insolvency practitioner to have local knowledge?

Does being local matter? After all, insolvency is about logic and process, isn’t it? To answer that ... more

We have been informed by the Insolvency Service that an email from a fake email address, 'info@theinsolvencyservice.co.uk' claiming to be Chris Pleass (Director) and possibly intended to build up to an attempt to defraud the agency, has been circulating.

Warning: Insolvency Service impersonation

              Warning: Insolvency Service ... more

The recent budget may well have not been much of a shake up for the economy but it did contain some things to need to be considered by businesses in the coming months.

Very few surprises and a few worries – Some thoughts for business about the Spring budget 2023

The recent budget may well have not been much of a shake up for the economy but it did contain some things to need ... more

You have probably seen news articles recently about Directors being disqualified over Bounce Back loans so if you have a company that is insolvent, do you need to worry?

Getting jumpy about bounce backs – Is a bounce back loan going to get you disqualified as a director?

Can I be disqualified as a director over a Bounce Back Loan? Let’s deal with the big questions first. In ... more

To be frank, it came as no surprise that the treasury recently changed the rules surrounding Capital Gains Tax. In fact, we were really surprised it didn’t happen sooner because it seemed an obvious way to raise funds and, in fairness, it had remained untouched for some time. When the change did come it was still quite a light touch but even so, anyone considering closing their solvent company through a member's voluntary liquidation has a decision to make and it needs to be made quickly.

No surprise but it still stings – Now is a good time to think about Members Voluntary Liquidation

What happened with Capital Gains Tax and MVLs? To be clear from the outset if you are thinking of closing your ... more

Normally in early January, it is time to look forward to the year to come. However, after such an unusual year, it’s probably worth taking a moment to reflect on what happened and what it could mean for business. https://www.smartbusinessrecovery.co.uk/news/50/137/More-than-knowledge-What-to-look-for-in-an-Insolvency-Practitioner

Frantically paddling against fast water or going with the tide? - Looking back on 2022

A year of financial white water 2022 started with a lot of hope, didn’t it? By the end of January Covid ... more

As if the hospitality sector hasn’t suffered enough through covid and lockdowns, it is currently experiencing even more financial pressure. Sadly, according to a recent survey, it looks like insolvencies for pubs and restaurants are going to continue to be an issue into the coming year.

Less than Festive – Sharp increases in hospitality insolvencies pre-Christmas

What’s going on in Hospitality? You cannot help but feel for pubs, restaurants, and other venues. It must ... more

A tax to be paid – Changes to the way HMRC view writing off a director’s loan account during insolvency.

It isn’t unusual that a director of a company will have an outstanding director’s loan account. If that ... more

More than knowledge – What to look for in an Insolvency Practitioner

What makes a good Insolvency Practitioner? There are some fundamental skills and experience that should really ... more

Wasps, the well known Coventry based rugby club, have filed the intention to appoint administrators with the high court. So, is that the end of the line for the team and its supporters?

Intent to file administration by rugby club Wasps - What does it all mean?

What does ‘intent to appoint administrators’ mean? If you have been keeping up with the news ... more

Is your business going through a bad patch or insolvent? – Red light and green lights

Green, amber, and red lights of insolvency If we were to make a list of things that directors usually tell us ... more

The voices of doom – Don’t panic, things may not be as bad for business as they sound.

How bad are things for business? You can’t help but notice that the economic news is pretty grim at the ... more

Personal guarantees – Where do you stand and what do they mean to your finances?

Personal guarantees can be a problem when a business becomes insolvent, and directors are often concerned about ... more

If the economy is so bad, why aren’t we seeing a flood of insolvencies?

What happened to the insolvency crisis? Back in what now feels like aeons ago during 2021, there were rumblings ... more

Resilience and down to earth assessment – Dealing with the rise in business costs

The cost of business crisis. Without knowing your expenditure, it is almost impossible to make a sound judgement ... more

Full disclosure matters when it comes to debts, bankruptcy, and insolvency.

The importance of honesty. There is nothing the press likes more than a celebrity scandal and former Wimbledon ... more

BBL anxiety - Should you be worried about Bounce Back Loan consequences?

You have probably seen various stories in the press about Directors of businesses being caught out because they ... more

Time for a change? If you are considering solvent liquidation, now may be the time.

Why do people consider a Members Voluntary Liquidation? Unlike insolvency, which is driven purely by financial ... more

All things come to an end – The end of temporary insolvency measures.

When the insolvency legislation was temporarily changed during the pandemic, I suspect there was a widespread sigh ... more

Once more around? – Things to think about coming out of the pandemic.

I heard a wonderful phrase to describe the current situation the other day. Someone said they would be glad when ... more

Riding the roller coaster - why cashflow should now be at the top of your priority list

If you run a business and don’t currently have cashflow planning at the top of your agenda, you probably ... more

Yes, for those of you that watched ‘Game of Thrones’ you will appreciate that this is the threat of bad things happening. We have heard similar phrases being used in the press, such as ‘Winter of discontent, ‘Shortages’ and stories of empty shelves.

Winter is Coming!

Yes, for those of you that watched ‘Game of Thrones’ you will appreciate that this is the threat of bad ... more

Having spent 30 years working with Companies in trouble we have seen this in the past, for example after the 2008 banking crisis, HMRC took the same approach only to return to their normal ways a couple of years later and in my experience, they can be even more aggressive as the demand for collections from the treasury increases. To make matters worse given the change in legislation in December 2020, now that HMRC are preferential creditors in an insolvency, they are likely to push even harder knowing they will be top of the queue for payment if the business fails.

Beware HMRC collections will be returning to normal SOON.

As you will appreciate, during the pandemic HMRC has been very busy dealing with the various support schemes, ... more

An End to the Temporary Insolvency Measures – Almost but not Completely

Companies in financial distress as a result of the pandemic have been protected from creditor action since last ... more

When a Company fails it is quite common that directors are excused of Wrongful or Insolvent trading. Wrongful trading, sometimes called insolvent trading, is quite a complex area to discuss and is based on the facts of each individual case so advice should be sought if you think this applies to your company.

Wrongful trading, Insolvent trading – What is it and what does it mean?

When a Company fails it is quite common that directors are excused of Wrongful or Insolvent trading. Wrongful ... more

Government Extends Help Again but are we just kicking the problem down the road?

This is the fourth time I have written about the Government extensions of the insolvency provisions brought in ... more

I the first of these BBL articles we looked at your options if you are struggling to pay your Bounce Back Loan payments. If you haven’t read that article, it may be worth reading it now because we discuss the routes available to you via the ‘Pay as you Grow’ options. In this article, we want to focus on what happens if your financial situation has progressed to a critical stage.  There is a lot of uncertainty and conflicting opinions so, we will try to answer the main points raised by the question ‘what happens if I can’t pay back my Bounce Back Loan’?

What to do about your Bounce Back Loans (BBLs) Part 2 – What if you cannot pay it.

I the first of these BBL articles we looked at your options if you are struggling to pay your Bounce Back Loan ... more

Bounce Back Loans are becoming a big problem area and we may only be scratching the surface of the impact they may well have on business. Thinking back to when they were first announced, they may not have been the covid response many limited companies wanted, but they did potentially offer a stop-gap solution.

What to do about your Bounce Back Loans (BBLs) – Part 1

Bounce Back Loans are becoming a big problem area and we may only be scratching the surface of the impact they may ... more

The Government has announced a new scheme to help individuals with debt problems. The scheme is described as ‘Breathing Space’ and comes into effect on 4 May 2021.

New Scheme Announced for Individuals with Debt Problems.

The Government has announced a new scheme to help individuals with debt problems. The scheme is described as ... more

I also think it is fair to say that Pre-Pack sales by an Administrator have had a high level of press coverage. All the evidence suggests that a Pre-Pack sale commonly leads to a better return to creditors than a forced sale shut down. But equally, creditors are understandably concerned because the sale is conducted very quickly following the appointment of the Administrator and often, they are the last people to hear about it. This concern is always worse when the sale is to a connected party.

Pre-Pack Sales to Connected Parties – The New Evaluator Process

First of all, it is fair to say this blog is very technical and probably more for our professional contacts, so if ... more

The Insolvency Service produces monthly figures for both corporate and personal insolvencies and as mentioned previously, I rarely comment on them. Partly because insolvencies are seasonal, so generally increase in the first and third quarter of the year and decrease in the second and fourth quarter and partly because there is not much to talk about.

Latest Insolvency numbers are released for March 2021.

The Insolvency Service produces monthly figures for both corporate and personal insolvencies and as mentioned ... more

The answer to the question ‘when is a good time to close your solvent business’ is never an easy one. However, with capital gains tax and asset disposal relief both still working in your favour, if you are looking to close your solvent business then 2021 or early 2022, may well be the time to make the move. If not, you could see a much less favourable tax landscape in the future.

Good news for those planning a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)

The answer to the question ‘when is a good time to close your solvent business’ is never an easy one. ... more

Groundhog Day - Government Extends various measures to assist struggling business

Why Groundhog Day you ask? Over the last 12 months, I have posted about various Governments measures brought in ... more

VAT Deferrals – What can you do now if you still have not got the funds to pay?

Believe it or not, it has been almost 12 months since businesses in the UK were first given an answer to the ... more

I thought I would provide some thoughts on how the change may affect you because, despite the budget not quite producing the fireworks some were predicting, it did have a lot worth discussing in there.

Budget 2021 – Thoughts from an Insolvency Practitioner

Like most people, I get several excellent emails and budget summaries every year and I would guess you do too. ... more

The Insolvency Service produce monthly figures for both corporate and personal insolvencies and to be honest I rarely comment on them. Partly because insolvencies are seasonal so increase in the first and third quarter of the year and decrease in the second and fourth quarter and partly because there is not much too talk about.   However, I feel that there is a clear trend and whilst on paper the trend appears to be good news it hides several issues which will hit the economy later in the year.

Company Insolvencies in January 2021 50% lower than January 2020, but is this good news?

The Insolvency Service produce monthly figures for both corporate and personal insolvencies and to be honest I ... more

Smart Business Recovery is pleased to welcome a new member of the team

Meet Sharon – an old and new colleague.

If you have been reading our blogs or social media recently you will probably have noticed that we are very busy at ... more

Looking ahead isn't always easy but despite 2020 begin one of the most unusual years ever for many of us, there are some signs of stability ahead.

Some optimism, some hope and a big dollop of realism – Insolvency and business in 2021

I am already on the third draft of this blog. Every time I managed to get pen to paper the Covid situation or ... more

Over the last few days, a number of extensions have been announced which it is hoped to assist business affected by COVID 19. These are as follows;

Government Extends various measures to assist struggling business

Over the last few days, a number of extensions have been announced which it is hoped to assist business affected by ... more

Will I get my money? The order of payment for creditors.

There is no such thing as a simple way to close a business. Whether it is an administration or a liquidation, the ... more

What’s left for you? What will the change to HMRC preferential creditor status really mean to SMEs?

Up until the early 2000s HMRC were a preferential creditor in cases of insolvency. When this changed in 2003 it was ... more

The Government Announces new rules regarding Pre-pack sales to be implemented.

The Government Announces new rules regarding Pre-pack sales to be implemented.

The Government has announced that new rules will be brought into legislation as soon as possible. The following was ... more

Measures put in place to protect businesses from insolvency will be extended to continue giving them much-needed breathing space during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the government announced today (24 September). UPDATED 27 November 2020

Government gives businesses much-needed breathing space with extension of insolvency measures

UPDATED 26 NOVEMBER 2020 The Government has announced extensions to previous temporary measures relating to ... more

Taking stock – Are your customers stock levels a threat to your cashflow?

There is a potential situation arising that could soon be causing some insolvency related issues, cashflow problems ... more

Changes to the regulations surrounding insolvency could spell trouble for SMEs. This article takes a look at what some of these changes are and the impact they could have on cashflow.

Supplier beware – Credit control and the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill 2020

Insolvency legislation rarely makes the news which is probably why one of the biggest changes to the way it works ... more

Dividends, Overdrawn Loan Accounts and Insolvency - Updated

This is a very common problem in insolvency and here is the reason why!! At some stage, a director of a new ... more

Keep your cashflow forecast up to date – 5 tips and 1 warning

Why then are we bothering to dedicate a full article and video to cashflow forecasts if they are so common? Well, ... more

Since the Covid-19 pandemic insolvency has been on the minds of many business owners. Pressing the panic button is unlikely to be the right response though.

Am I insolvent? – Why pressing the panic button may not be the best idea.

The initial shock of the lockdown. When the government announced the Coronavirus lockdown our telephone began to ... more

Bankrupt, Insolvent or in need of rescue?

  What happens when you reach out to an Insolvency Practitioner?   I doubt any business owner ... more

Employee rights is an insolvency

What are employees entitled to in an insolvency process?

One of the major aspects of any insolvency is what will happen to the employees. Any news story in relation to an ... more

transparent gif
footercall

Find out more about how we can support you when times are tough. We’re here to help with clear, straightforward support.

Call us on 0116 2325117 (Leicester), 01926 671891 (Warwick), 02476017639 (Coventry), 01604 263179 (Northampton) or email us at info@smartbusinessrecovery.co.uk