Is Your UK Business in Trouble?

Let's talk honestly about your situation and your real options.

Start Free Assessment

Struggling with Debt?

Cash flow problems, creditor pressure, or mounting bills?

Business in Distress?

Can't see a way forward? Feel like you're drowning?

Want to Exit?

Ready to close but worried about debts and responsibilities?

Get Your Free Assessment

Answer a few quick questions to understand your options

1 of 7

The Reality Check You Need

Important to know: There are multiple ways to handle business financial difficulties. While formal insolvency procedures have their place, they're not always the most efficient or cost-effective solution. Let's explore what each option really involves.

Compare Your Options

Here's the truth about each option - including the one most advisors won't mention:

CVL (Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation)

What they say:

"Clean way to close your company"

The reality:

  • Costs £3,000-£7,000 to start + ongoing fees
  • Directors face investigation
  • Can take 12-24 months
  • Personal guarantees still enforceable
  • Public record of failure

CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement)

What they say:

"Save your company with a payment plan"

The reality:

  • 75% of creditors must agree
  • Costs £5,000-£15,000+
  • 5-year commitment
  • High failure rate
  • Restricts business operations

Administration

What they say:

"Breathing space to rescue the company"

The reality:

  • Costs £5,000-£10,000+ upfront
  • Administrator takes full control
  • 70% end up in CVL anyway
  • Publicly advertised
  • Often just delays the inevitable

Compulsory Wind-Up

What they say:

"Let creditors force closure"

The reality:

  • Publicly advertised
  • Loss of all control
  • Directors investigated
  • Worst possible outcome
  • Maximum reputational damage

Quick Comparison

Option Time Cost Control Investigation
Sell Company 2 weeks 5% of debt Full handover None
CVL 12-24 months £3,000-£7,000 + ongoing Limited Full investigation
CVA 5+ years £5,000-£15,000+ Restricted Monitoring
Administration 8-12 months £5,000-£10,000+ Administrator Possible
Wind-Up 6-12 months Creditor driven None Full investigation

Understanding Your Real Options

The formal insolvency process isn't your only choice. Here's what else is available:

💡

Speed Matters

Traditional liquidation takes 12-24 months. But did you know some solutions can be completed in just 2 weeks? Time is money - and stress.

📊

Cost Comparison

CVL fees typically range from £3,000-£7,000 upfront. Alternative routes might cost just 5% of your debt level - sometimes less than the liquidation fees.

🔍

Investigation Levels

Formal insolvency means mandatory director investigations. Other options may avoid this entirely, preserving your reputation and future opportunities.

🤝

Control & Dignity

In liquidation, you lose control to an appointed practitioner. Alternative solutions often let you maintain dignity and influence over the outcome.

Explore All Paths

Every situation is unique. The best solution depends on your specific circumstances:

  • Quick exit strategies - Some buyers specialise in distressed businesses
  • Creditor negotiations - Direct agreements often work better than formal procedures
  • Simple closure - If debts are manageable, basic dissolution costs just £10
  • Business transformation - Sometimes the business can be saved with the right changes

Our assessment tool will help you understand which option suits your situation best.

Trusted Resources & Specialist Help

Connect with reputable organizations that can help with your specific situation. These specialists offer different approaches to business financial difficulties.

Organization Speciality Contact Website
Director Freedom Quick business sales & exits 0808 134 8240 directorfreedom.co.uk
Business Debtline Free debt advice for businesses 0800 197 6026 businessdebtline.org
The Insolvency Service Government guidance & DRO 0808 200 0887 gov.uk/insolvency-service

Additional Support

📚 Companies House

For dissolution and company information

Visit Companies House

💼 HMRC Business Support

Tax debt and Time to Pay arrangements

HMRC Support

🏦 British Banking Association

Help with bank debts and forbearance

UK Finance

Important: We provide information and guidance only. For formal insolvency procedures, you'll need a licensed insolvency practitioner. Our role is to help you understand if you really need one.