Search

Your 2024 Guide To Insolvencies

Navigating the tough times of corporate insolvency can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to have a trusted source of reliable and independent advice.

At Parker Andrews, we’re fully aware of the complexities and pressures that come with running a business. Because of this, we’re committed to providing practical solutions and expert advice to address your business’s financial challenges.

That’s why we’re here with an easy-to-understand guide to insolvency—empowering you with all the knowledge you need to regain control of your financial situation.


What Is Insolvency?

Insolvency is when a company is unable to meet its financial commitments due to a shortage of cash, or when the total value of its assets is less than the money it owes any creditors. 

Either scenario can ultimately lead to the winding down of a business, which is why it’s important to spot the warning signs of insolvency before it’s too late.


Types of Insolvency

When it comes to choosing the right solution to insolvency, regardless of the size or complexity of your problem, there are four main services and procedures:

 

CVL

A Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) is a voluntary process initiated by the company’s directors to cease trading and liquidate the company. 

Unlike involuntary liquidation, which is often the result of creditor enforcement action, a CVL is a voluntary process, allowing the business to address its debts and conclude affairs in a structured manner.

 

MVL

Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) is a formal process used by solvent companies seeking a tax-efficient and orderly closure or restructuring of their business.

It is typically utilised in scenarios such as the retirement of owners/directors, business closure or exit from markets, group reorganisation, or in the case of mergers/demergers.

 

CVA

A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is a legally binding agreement that allows your company to settle its debts partially or in full over time while retaining control of its operations.

 

Administration

Administration is a formal insolvency procedure that allows Licensed Insolvency Practitioners to take extensive control of a company’s business, providing a ‘pause’ on creditor actions and offering vital breathing space. 

This process aims to rescue, restructure, or sell the business in a manner that maximises returns for the company’s creditors. This service is particularly effective when there is a viable core business, valuable assets, or a significant client base at stake, and where legal actions or more extensive procedures might be detrimental.


Why Have Insolvency Numbers Risen So Much?

According to Reuters, the number of companies declared insolvent in England and Wales in February 2024 was 17% higher than the same month a year earlier.

In fact, the latest figures from The Insolvency Service showed that the number of corporate insolvencies last year hit a record 30-year high.

So, what has caused the growing increase in insolvencies over the last few years?

 

Aftermath of the pandemic

In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill by disrupting business, economy and life as we know it. As a result, the UK government introduced various measures such as furloughing through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and grants to help businesses weather the storm.

Four years on, however, many of these schemes have now completely stopped. With little to no support past 2021 despite several extensions, some businesses are struggling to return to their pre-pandemic numbers.

 

Cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis has been an unavoidable topic in the news and only a small trip to the supermarket reveals the devastating effects it has had on finances. Since late 2021, the price of everyday essentials, such as groceries and fuel, have been increasing at a rapid rate with income wages failing to catch up. But, it’s not just the weekly food shop that has been affected. 

Higher outgoing expenses, supply chain issues and the ongoing energy crisis are just some of the cost of living effects leading to an enormous surge in insolvencies. Even major companies are feeling the hit as last year saw a 58% increase in the number of redundancies where businesses aimed to cut costs where they can.

 

Economic downturn

With soaring food and energy bills, the latest figures show that the economy failed to grow in the last two quarters of 2023—a technical statistic that means the UK entered a recession at the end of the year.

In an attempt to control inflation, The Bank of England raised interest rates from 0.1% to 5.25%, a rate it has now been held at for the fifth time in a row. 

This means the cost of borrowing for loans such as mortgages is on the rise as the banks discourage businesses from spending more. The current bank rate is at its highest number in 16 years, adding an additional financial burden to businesses already coping with operational challenges from COVID.

 

Shift in consumer demand

The impact of inflation has led to some tough business decisions: bear with the costs or increase product prices. With many companies taking to implementing the latter, the average consumer has to reconsider where they spend their money.

Most notably, UK businesses specialising in non-essential goods and services are experiencing the worst of the demand shift as their products have become unaffordable luxuries.

The pandemic and rising cost of living have created a perfect storm for businesses facing insolvency. Any one of the factors mentioned can lead to a company becoming insolvent and so with all these factors at play one after another, it’s no surprise that insolvency rates are on the rise.


How Do I Know If My Company Is Insolvent?

With the causes behind the rising numbers of insolvent businesses in mind, here are ten key indicators to look out for that could signal your company is facing insolvency:

01
Overtrading (lack of capital to pursue growth strategy, declining profit margins)
02
Accrued debts with HM Revenue & Customs
03
Significant bad debts & ageing debtor ledger
04
Terminal bank overdraft position – continually at the limit
05
High staff turnover
06
Delays in producing and providing financial information when requested
07
CCJ’s, Statutory Demands or WRITS registered against the Company
08
Loss of major contacts resulting in cash flow crisis
09
Constantly receiving red-top letters from creditors
10
Bailiffs attending to pursue unpaid debts

The tipping point in which a business becomes insolvent depends on several factors unique to each company’s circumstance, and so cannot be attributed to a single indicator. Therefore, it’s important to seek clear advice at the earliest opportunity to enable as many restructuring and recovery options as are available.


Has This Answered All Your Questions?

If this has left you wondering or even created more questions, we’ll be more than happy to support you. At Parker Andrews, we are dedicated to providing award-winning, realistic, and empathetic advice for all your insolvency needs.

Get in touch with us for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards resolving your financial difficulties.

Here when you need us

Our team is always available by email 
and telephone in the evenings and at weekends, and we can also arrange meetings out of hours if required.
Norwich 5th Floor, The Union Building, 51 - 59 Rose Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1BY 01603 284 284 Norwich@parkerandrews.co.uk
Cambridge CB1 Business Centre, Twenty Station Road Cambridge CB1 2JD 01483 323173 cambridge@parkerandrews.co.uk
Ipswich Saracens House, 25 St Margaret’s Green, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BN 01473 530 204 ipswich@parkerandrews.co.uk
Middlesex Stanmore Business & Innovation Centre, Phase 1, Suite 108, 1st Floor, Stanmore Place, Howard Road, Stanmore Middlesex, HA7 1GB 0800 612 7593 Norwich@parkerandrews.co.uk
Portsmouth Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5EJ 023 9309 2045 portsmouth@parkerandrews.co.uk
Kent Pantiles Chambers, 85 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XP 01892 506 898 David.Perkins@parkerandrews.co.uk
London Broadgate Circle 2nd Floor, 1-2 Broadgate, London, EC2M 2QS 020 7127 6805 london@parkerandrews.co.uk
Plymouth Falcon Business Centre, Falcon House, Eagle Road, Plymouth, PL7 5JY 01752 936099 Lisa.Thomas@parkerandrews.co.uk
Cornwall Penstraze Business Centre, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8PN  01882 301735 Lisa.Thomas@parkerandrews.co.uk
Freephone:0800 612 7593