An insight into Business Insolvency

Business insolvency is a complex and often challenging situation that companies may face. Insolvency occurs when a business is unable to meet its financial obligations, leading to potential closure or restructuring. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of business insolvency including its types, causes, and the legal framework that governs it.

Understanding Business Insolvency

Business insolvency can take various forms, but the two primary categories are:

1. Liquidation:
   • Compulsory Liquidation: This is initiated by creditors through a winding-up petition when the company cannot pay its debts.
   • Voluntary Liquidation: The Company’s shareholders decide to wind up the business due to financial difficulties.
2. Administration:
   • Administration is a process that aims to rescue a company from insolvency by allowing it to continue trading, sell its assets, or formulate a restructuring plan.

Legal Framework for Business Insolvency

The legal framework for business insolvency is primarily governed by the Insolvency Act 1986. The Act provides for several procedures to address insolvency, including administration, liquidation, and voluntary arrangements.

1. Administration:
   • The goal is to rescue the company as a going concern, preserve jobs, and achieve a better outcome for creditors.
   • An administrator is appointed to oversee the company’s operations during the process.
2. Liquidation:
   • Compulsory Liquidation: This is initiated by creditors when the company cannot pay its debts. A liquidator is appointed to sell the company’s assets and distribute the proceeds to creditors.
   • Voluntary Liquidation: Shareholders decide to wind up the company voluntarily, either as a members’ voluntary liquidation (solvent) or a creditors’ voluntary liquidation (insolvent).
3. Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA):
   • A CVA is a formal agreement between a company and its creditors to repay debts over a specified period.
   • The company must continue trading and adhere to the agreed repayment plan.

Insolvency Practitioners – Keywood Group

Business insolvency is a challenging and often distressing situation for companies. It is crucial for business owners and directors to understand the causes and recognise the warning signs of insolvency early on. Prompt action, such as seeking professional advice and exploring insolvency procedures like administration or liquidation, can help mitigate the impact on stakeholders and potentially lead to business recovery.

Keywood Group is a firm of Licensed Insolvency Practitioners with offices based in Birmingham and London. Please get in touch for a free consultation by calling us today on 0121 201 0399 or 0208 912 0399.