Insolvency and business recovery specialists
Real solutions
for challenging
times.
Clear advice for company directors facing insolvency, liquidation and financial difficulty.
- Free, confidential consultation
- Practical advice in plain English
- More than one route considered
- Personal implications explained
- Experienced UK specialists
Get expert advice
Request a free consultation
Speak to a specialist today. It is confidential, straightforward and there is no obligation.
100% confidentialYour information is safe with us
- Free consultation
- No obligation
- UK based specialists
- 20+ years’ experience
How we can help
Company in debt?
We will help you find the right solution.
Every business is different. We start by understanding the full position, then explain the routes that may protect the company, its people and the director.
Speak to an expert See how the team can helpVisit the main 1st Business Rescue websiteCompany rescue
Clear options for stabilising the company, protecting value and deciding the next practical move.
Liquidation
Straightforward guidance on closing an insolvent company through the correct formal process.
CVA
Understand whether a Company Voluntary Arrangement can make repayments manageable.
Director loan accounts
Review overdrawn loan accounts and the possible personal implications before acting.
Personal asset protection
Identify personal exposure early and take informed steps before pressure increases.
Business debt advice
Get a clear view of company debt, creditor pressure and the routes that remain open.
The issue behind the first call
Advice for the debt or decision in front of you.
These are the subjects directors most often need to understand before they can make a confident decision. A first conversation can establish which questions matter in your case.
Company closure and rescue
Choosing a route for the company
The right route depends on viability, creditor pressure, available funding and what the directors need to achieve.
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Liquidation and company closure
Understand the formal closure process, likely timescale and what happens to company debts.
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Company Voluntary Arrangement
Explore whether the company can continue while making an agreed contribution to its unsecured creditors.
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IR35 company closure
Review retained funds, outstanding liabilities and closure timing with the appropriate tax and insolvency specialists.
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Pre pack administration
See when an insolvency practitioner led sale may preserve the viable parts of a business and its jobs.
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Closing a company with debts
Compare formal closure with any viable rescue or repayment options before taking action.
Tax, loans and director exposure
Dealing with the pressure behind the debt
Early advice can clarify where company liabilities end and where personal questions may need careful review.
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Director loan accounts
Establish the balance, how it arose and what an insolvency process could mean for the director.
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Bounce Back Loan or CBILS concerns
Review how funding was used and what records may be needed if the company cannot repay.
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HMRC arrears
Assess overdue PAYE, National Insurance and other tax debts before enforcement pressure increases.
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VAT debts
Build a clear position from returns, amounts due and the company’s ability to keep future VAT current.
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Corporation Tax debts
Consider the company’s current resources, other creditors and whether a repayment route is realistic.
When to ask for help
Do not wait for every figure to be final.
Directors often call while the position is still moving. Bring the information you have and the team can help identify what needs checking next.
Talk through the position- HMRC or suppliers are chasing overdue balancesDemand letters, missed arrangements or threatened enforcement need prompt attention.
- Payroll or essential bills are becoming difficultCash pressure can narrow the practical options if it is left unresolved.
- A Bounce Back Loan or director loan account is causing concernGet the records together and understand the questions before taking money out or paying selected creditors.
- A petition, judgment or winding up threat has arrivedDeadlines matter. Seek specialist advice as soon as the document is received.
Private browser tool
Get a clearer first view of the company debt.
Add the main balances you know. The calculator totals them, deducts readily available company cash or assets and shows how long the remaining amount would take to repay at the monthly figure entered.
Your figures stay on this device.The calculator runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent or saved.
This is an information tool, not an insolvency assessment or financial advice. It does not include interest, penalties, security, guarantees, contingent claims or future cash flow.
Justin BarkerDirector
“Our focus is on you, the director, not your creditors.”
We listen first. Then we explain the practical options, the likely personal implications and the steps that can move the situation forward.
Why directors choose 1st Business Rescue
- Straightforward, honest advice
- More than liquidation considered
- Experienced, approachable team
- Hundreds of directors helped
- Confidential and professional
What clients say
Real people. Real results.
★★★★★
“Shane gave me some top class free advice regarding handling my business debt. He is very supportive, friendly and kind. Thank you so much.”
★★★★★
“Genuinely, I only have good things to say about my experience dealing with 1st Business Rescue, namely Justin and Shane. Like most people, it can feel quite daunting having to pick up the phone to a company that provides this sort of service. However, from the outset, they have been incredibly reassuring and transparent throughout the process, which has made all the difference between worrying and not worrying. They have been there to guide me every step of the way, explaining everything clearly without any complicated technical or legal jargon. This has made what could otherwise be a very stressful situation much easier to understand and navigate.”
★★★★★
“Justin and the team went above and beyond in my opinion for what was a very worrying and really stressful time for me. He held my hand through it all as I was mentally in a mess. Every step of the liquidation process was explained to me in a simple to understand manner. I cannot praise Justin enough for his professionalism and compassion in dealing with my case.”
A simple process, from first call to a clear plan.
- 1
Initial consultation
Explain the situation privately and without judgement.
- 2
Understand your options
See the viable routes and their implications in plain English.
- 3
Choose the right plan
Decide what is appropriate for the company and for you.
- 4
Move forward
Get practical support through the agreed next steps.
Helpful resources for company directors
Plain English guides to help you understand the options.
Get confidential advice today.
Speak to an experienced adviser for a free, no obligation first conversation.
- No obligation
- Confidential
- UK based specialists
Manchester and London officesHelping company directors across the UK