Different routes. We'll tell you which one fits — even if it isn't us.
Plain-English explanations of every formal insolvency procedure available in the UK, with realistic timelines, costs, and consequences.
Company Liquidation
Closing a limited company — solvent or insolvent. We help you choose the right route.
- CVL · MVL · Compulsory
- Director-led process
- UK-wide
Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation
Close an insolvent company and protect yourself from further action.
- Stops creditor pressure
- Resolves HMRC arrears
- Director-initiated
Members' Voluntary Liquidation
Solvent close-down — distribute reserves tax-efficiently.
- Solvent companies
- BADR-eligible
- Final accounts handled
Compulsory Liquidation
Liquidation by court order — usually after a creditor's winding-up petition.
- Court-ordered
- Official Receiver
- Conduct review
Company Voluntary Arrangement
A binding deal with creditors to repay debts — usually over a 3–5 year term.
- Trade continues
- Creditor-approved
- 3–5 year term
Administration
Court-protected procedure — trading may continue while rescue options are explored.
- Moratorium
- Court-supervised
- Sale or rescue
Pre-Pack Administration
The rescue alternative that keeps the original company alive.
- Continuity of trade
- Jobs preserved
- Court-protected
LPA Receivership
Lender-led recovery over property — appointed by a fixed-charge holder out of court.
- Property-secured debt
- Out-of-court appointment
- Lender-instructed
Winding Up Petition
Received a winding-up petition? Act fast — we can advise immediately.
- Urgent advice
- Court process
- Time-critical
Bankruptcy
Personal insolvency for sole traders, directors and individuals.
- Personal debt relief
- 12-month standard
- Honest assessment
Closing a Limited Company
Not sure how to close down? We talk you through every route and help you pick the right one.
- Strike-off · MVL · CVL
- Director-friendly
- Free initial call
Strike Off & Dissolution
Voluntary strike-off (DS01) for solvent, dormant companies — when conditions are met.
- Solvent & dormant
- Simple & low cost
- 3-month no-trading rule
Practitioner-led negotiation with HMRC, defence of enforcement action, and structured arrangements.
HMRC is the largest single creditor in most UK insolvencies. Practitioner-level engagement materially changes the outcome — both procedurally and in director-personal exposure terms.
Time to Pay (HMRC)
Negotiate VAT, PAYE, CT arrears over up to 36 months. Practitioner-led with a defensible cash flow forecast.
Can't Pay VAT
Defence of Security Demands; structured negotiation where VAT cycles can no longer be funded.
Can't Pay PAYE
Defence of Personal Liability Notice exposure under section 121C SSAA 1992; structured PAYE negotiation.
Can't Pay Corporation Tax
DLA / s.455 review; director-exposure framing alongside CT arrears resolution.
Sector-specific framing of insolvency procedures.
Distress patterns, regulatory environment, and stakeholder considerations distinctive to each sector — surfaced in dedicated hubs.
Side-by-side comparison
Solvency, timeline, and effect on the director's credit file — for each route. The figures below are indicative ranges only, not a quote or guarantee; actual timelines vary materially with case complexity, creditor cooperation, HMRC clearance, and court availability. Your specific position will be set out at the initial consultation.
| Route | Solvent? | Time to begin | Case duration | For | Director credit file |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strike Off | Yes | — (DS01 filing) | 3–6 months | Dormant / no creditors | None (proper procedure followed) |
| MVL | Yes | ~1 week | Up to 12 months | Solvent companies with surplus | None |
| CVL | No | ~6 weeks | Up to 24 months | Insolvent companies (most chosen) | No personal credit file effect (PGs separate) |
| Compulsory | No | Court-ordered | Court-led | Court-ordered (creditor petition) | As CVL; conduct investigation possible |
| Administration | Either | Days – 2 weeks | 3–12 months | Trading businesses needing rescue | As CVL re: credit file |
| Pre-Pack Admin | No | Days | Days/weeks | Going-concern sale (rescue) | As CVL; SIP 16 disclosure attaches |
| CVA | No | ~6–10 weeks | 3–5 years | Restructure with creditor approval | No personal credit file effect (PGs separate) |
Typical ranges only — your specific position, including any personal guarantees, will be assessed at the initial consultation.