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How do I know when it’s time to liquidate my company?

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When is the right time to liquidate my company?

Liquidation involves selling a business’ assets and using the proceeds to repay debts as far as possible. The company is then permanently closed down, but there are two forms of insolvent liquidation to consider:

So why would you want to place your own company into liquidation?

Worried about your Bounce Back Loan?

If you are a limited company director worried about how you are going to repay your Bounce Back Loan, we are here to help. As licensed insolvency practitioners we can talk you through your options when it comes to repaying your outstanding Bounce Back Loan, as well as handling all negotiations with creditors on your behalf. Call our team today on 0800 063 9262 .

Choosing voluntary liquidation over enforced liquidation

When you wait for a creditor to force your company into liquidation you risk increasing the financial losses of creditors as a whole. This directly contravenes insolvency laws in the UK and is a breach of your obligations as a company director.

Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation does incur professional fees, and given that the business is insolvent it may appear counter-intuitive to incur further costs in this way. It’s possible to mitigate this issue, however, as you and other directors may be eligible to claim director redundancy pay and use it to cover the costs of the process.

How to know when it’s time to liquidate your company

There are three tests for insolvency that you need to be aware of:

  • Cash flow test: you can’t pay the bills as they fall due
  • Balance sheet test: the company’s liabilities (including contingent liabilities, such as pending claims against the company) are greater than its assets
  • Legal action test: creditors have taken action against you through the courts, such as a Statutory Demand or a winding up petition

It’s advisable to formally establish whether the company is solvent or insolvent. Seeking advice from an insolvency expert can help you avoid accusations of misconduct further down the line – failing to cease trade when insolvent, for example.

So what are some of the warning signs of insolvency that could prepare you for potential liquidation, and when might that prospect become a reality?

What are the warning signs that you might need to liquidate?

These are just some of the signs that can lead to insolvency and ultimately require you to liquidate your company:

  • Lack of cash
  • Additional pressure from creditors and suppliers
  • Being unable to collect your own debts effectively
  • Problems paying staff wages,
  • Outstanding tax liabilities
  • Increasingly high levels of bad debt
  • Lack of reliable management information
  • Inability to secure new lines of credit
  • Legal action from creditors
  • Visits from bailiffs

So what should you do if you think it’s time to place your company into liquidation?

Start your online liquidation today

If you have decided liquidation is the right option for your limited company, you can take the first step and begin the process online using our online portal. Starting the process is quick, simple, and can be done at a time that suits you. Your information will be submitted to your local UK Liquidators insolvency practitioner who will be with you every step of the way. Click here to start your company’s liquidation online.

Liquidating a company

You need to seek advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner when your company enters insolvency. They’ll guide you on your next steps, and if CVL is the only option you can take the initiative as directors and prioritise creditors according to UK insolvency laws.

A winding up resolution is passed when 75% or more of members vote in favour of liquidation, and the appointed liquidator then takes control of the company. The IP realises company assets and distributes funds to creditors, ultimately closing the company down.

There’s also an investigation into director conduct leading up to the time of insolvency, to make sure no misconduct has taken place. By seeking advice from a licensed IP and placing the interests of creditors first, however, you’re at less risk of serious allegations being made against you.

For more information on liquidating an insolvent company and the possibility of claiming redundancy pay as a director, please contact our team of experts at UK Liquidators. We’re liquidation specialists operating from a network of offices nationwide, and offer free same-day consultations to quickly provide the professional guidance you need.

Jonathan Munnery
Insolvency & Restructuring Expert

If you are considering liquidation for your limited company, taking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner can help you understand your options.

Is liquidation the right option for you?

Take our 60 second test and find out

Company health risk assessment
Types of liquidation available
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60 Second Liquidation Test
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Are you eligible to claim Director Redundancy?
As a Limited Company Director you may be entitled to claim Director Redundancy - Average UK claim is £9,000*.
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Contact the UK Liquidators Team

If you are considering liquidation for your company, taking expert advice at an early stage is crucial. At UK Liquidators, our team of licensed insolvency practitioners are committed to providing limited company directors with the help and advice they need to make an informed decision.

  • Free initial consultation
  • Strictly confidential
  • Fully licensed insolvency practitioners
  • Local office support
  • Named case handler throughout
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