Property tax schemes and insolvency risk: When “too good to be true” tips the balance
At Antony Batty & Company, we are seeing increasing concern around aggressive property tax schemes marketed to landlords, particularly those operating through limited companies. These schemes promise significant tax savings but are now attracting scrutiny from HMRC. Although these arrangements often involve companies and trusts, HMRC’s tax assessments initially fall on the individual landlords themselves. […]
Insolvency predictions for 2026 show that Zombie Companies that have struggled the last few years are facing insolvency in larger numbers than ever
How can Insolvency Practitioners help Zombie firms in the UK? Many UK businesses are finding it hard to survive in early 2026. Rising interest rates, energy costs and wage pressures are squeezing margins across sectors. But the focus here is on a specific group: Zombie firms. This article explains what Zombie firms are, how many […]
Charity Insolvency: What happens in Administration and Insolvent Liquidations?
A local financial journalist asked us recently to provide him with some information on charity insolvency, as source material for an article he was writing on the subject. It is an area we have a great deal of experience in, so we were happy to oblige. This article is a more detailed version. Charities are […]
This was not a budget for business
Insolvency Practitioner Antony Batty & Company says the November 2025 budget will do little to protect businesses fighting the threat of closure. Antony Batty, Partner, said: “The National Insurance contribution (NIC) rate rise in April 2025 coupled with the increase in the National Living Wage has had a huge and ongoing impact on staff costs, […]
Don’t bin the tax letters
Why HMRC tax debt is a director’s blind spot – and a trigger for retrospective scrutiny When companies face cash flow pressure, it’s tempting to prioritise suppliers and defer tax. But as Nitin Joshi, Partner at Antony Batty & Company, explains, that’s a dangerous game. His message to directors: don’t ignore the brown envelopes. Here’s […]
When do Solicitors refer Clients to Insolvency Practitioners?
Solicitors don’t just refer clients to insolvency practitioners when a company is in financial distress. In fact, Antony Batty & Company regularly works with legal teams across multiple departments, often before insolvency becomes a threat. In this article, Jonathan James, Business Development Manager at Antony Batty & Company, Thames Valley explores two legal scenarios where […]
Love Bournemouth: Antony Batty & Company is proud to be here
At Antony Batty & Company, we are proud to have one of our five offices based in beautiful Bournemouth. This short video reel, below, celebrates Bournemouth’s rich history, vibrant present, and the spirit of innovation that continues to shape its future. It is a place we at Antony Batty Bournemouth are proud to call home. […]
Update: Insolvencies Hit 30-Year High in September 2025
Since the original publication of this article in April, the insolvency landscape has worsened significantly. September 2025 saw some 2,000 corporate insolvencies in England and Wales, the highest monthly figure in over 30 years. This sharp rise reflects the cumulative impact of rising labour costs, persistent inflation, and weakening consumer confidence. With the Autumn 2025 […]
How can mediation help struggling businesses?
In many areas of business, mediation is being used increasingly as an effective and more cost-effective tool for resolving disputes without the time and cost involved in taking the matter to Court. We are grateful to Carolyn Jones, who is an experienced accredited Civil, Commercial and Online Mediator and Insolvency Specialist, for this article, which […]
The Personal Financial Risk for Directors Is Increasing: What Do Directors Need to Know?
Why are Directors facing greater personal financial risk? In recent years, both HMRC and Companies House have been granted enhanced powers to pursue directors personally for company-related liabilities. These powers are no longer theoretical. They are being actively used, and directors – especially those of struggling or insolvent companies – are increasingly finding themselves exposed […]
