Directors often contact an Insolvency Practitioner for advice on their limited company at a moment of financial pressure, uncertainty and worry. This article explains exactly what to expect when you speak to us, the steps we take to understand your company’s position, and the options we may discuss, including CVLs, CVAs, Administration and MVLs (if you are looking for a solvent liquidation). It also uses real Google Reviews from directors, trustees and business owners to show how our team supports clients through each process, and why so many people are recommended or referred to Antony Batty and Company when their company needs help.
Directors usually contact an Insolvency Practitioner at a stressful moment. Cash flow has tightened. Creditors are pressing. HMRC may be involved. Staff are worried. The pressure is personal as well as financial.
At Antony Batty and Company, we specialise in helping directors of limited companies understand their position and the options available. The first conversation is calm, confidential and focused on clarity. Many directors tell us that the relief often begins as soon as they speak to us.
As one director put it:
- “I can highly recommend Antony Batty & Co, their service levels and responsiveness are first class and they were a huge help to me when I needed advice and support.” Damon Smith
What to expect on the first call
The first call is often the hardest step for a director to take. Our role is to listen, understand the situation and explain the options clearly. There is no judgement and no pressure. You will speak to an experienced Licensed Insolvency Practitioner or one of our senior managers who deal with these issues every day.
Directors often tell us that the call brings immediate reassurance:
- “When I had to wind down Dorset Homebrew it was an incredibly unsettling time and I had a lot of worries about the financial implications of my actions. The team at Antony Batty did an amazing job of taking all the worries away and where always there at the end of the email or phone to help with any questions.” Steen Stones
How we assess your company’s position
To give accurate advice, we need to understand the company’s financial position. This includes liabilities, assets, HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, staff costs, contracts and any personal guarantees.
This assessment is usually straightforward – although each case is different – and always handled sensitively. Directors often expect it to be difficult, but our experienced team guides them through the process step by step.
- “Antony’s team got us through the process from shareholder and creditor approval to final agreed disbursements in about 10 weeks, having previously taken control of the required Court documentation and communications with the creditors. Their fees were surprisingly modest and they were always available, helpful and supportive.” Martin Groak
The options we may discuss
Every company is different. Once we understand your position, we explain the procedures that may be appropriate. For limited companies, these are usually:
- Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
- Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)
- Administration
- Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) for solvent companies
Below is what directors say about our work for each process
Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
A CVL is used when a company cannot pay its debts. Directors choose to place the company into liquidation and the Liquidator takes control, as required by law. We handle the statutory steps, creditor communication, staff matters and HMRC engagement.
Directors often comment on the support they receive from us:
- “After obtaining other quotes, it was clear that Antony Batty & Co. was the best choice by far for our Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). Nitin Joshi, partner, and the team supported us every step of the way, especially during such a difficult and uncertain time for our small business. While the situation was obviously challenging, their team made the process as manageable as possible. We are incredibly grateful for their professionalism and the ease they brought to a tough situation.” Brixton Cycles Limited
Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)
A CVA allows a company to continue trading while restructuring its debts over an agreed period of time. Directors remain in control of the day to day running of the business. The Insolvency Practitioner acts as Nominee and then Supervisor, ensuring the company complies with the terms of the arrangement.
Directors value the expertise and clarity we bring:
- “It has been a pleasure working with Antony Batty & Co on our CVA, and especially John Baalham. Their expertise and painstaking efforts on our behalf were fundamental to the successful completion of the process.” Richard Horwood, Electric Guitar PLC
- “The Antony Batty team got us through the CVA process, which allowed the company to restructure its debts with a minimum of fuss, making a clear break with the legacy debt burden and the problems of the past.” Cogenpower
- “Hugh Jesseman and John Baalham brought a calming influence to a process that can be stressful….in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.” Be Military Fit
- “The CVA was undertaken quickly and they helped both us and our creditors understand the process and the legal aspects. This arrangement in the medium term will benefit creditors and other stakeholders including the company’s staff who have retained their jobs.” Advanced Water & Waste Limited
Administration
Administration is used to protect a company while a plan is developed. Control passes to the Administrator, who manages the company’s affairs, assets and strategy. It is often used where it is considered there is a chance that at least a part of an insolvent business can be saved or salvaged.
Directors frequently comment on the support they receive from us:
- “Never in my 42-year career in travel and tourism did I ever think I would need the services of an Insolvency Practitioner, but Covid-19 came along and after a battle to continue to trade it became apparent that the situation with Covid-19 was not going to improve anytime soon. The whole journey was made so much smoother and less painful by the caring nature of everyone involved. Antony Batty & Co took away the angst and stress, ensuring staff received their redundancy payments and supporting me through one of the hardest times in my life.” Coach company director
- “While administration is never an easy process, it is often a necessary part of restructuring a company. I appreciated Antony Batty’s guidance through this particularly complex and stressful period for Iconic Labs plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.” Brad Taylor
- “If you need to go into Administration/liquidation speak to Antony Batty first. His firm and all the members of his team did (in the stressful situation) a marvellous job. he thinks outside the box and will overcome/resolve any problems that stand in his way with panache and a smile.” Benedict MacDonald
Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
An MVL is used when a solvent company is being closed, often for retirement or restructuring purposes. It is a solvent liquidation and usually we can make the first distribution of the funds and assets of the company held to you more or less immediately upon appointment after signing a Deed of Indemnity., depending on the complexity involved.
Directors and trustees highlight the clarity and professionalism we bring to the process:
- “They were very efficient and responsive and made what I believed would be a rather cumbersome MVL process very straightforward and easy. I would very highly recommend the team at Antony Batty and Company!” Masako Limited
- “This was a complex restructuring involving an MVL, of a family business, J E Strutt (London) and we had no hesitation in recommending Antony Batty & Co. as Liquidator for their experience and detailed knowledge of S110 solvent liquidations, which helped deliver a successful outcome for the client.” J E Strutt (London)
- “They talked the trustees through each step of the process clearly and dealt with everything exceptionally efficiently. I’d have no hesitation in recommending their services.” Join in Trust Limited
- “The MVL was fully explained to me and they led me through the process. What I had expected to be complicated for me, was in fact all handled by them, with Sharan always at hand to answer any questions along the way. I was really pleased with how smoothly the liquidation went and how they were pro-active in hastening HMRC, where necessary, to bring it to a prompt and satisfactory conclusion.” Marine 123 Limited
Why Directors Choose Antony Batty and Company
Across all procedures, directors consistently highlighted the same themes in testimonials for our work:
- Clear explanations
- Calm, supportive guidance
- Responsiveness
- Professionalism
- Technical expertise
- Handling everything that needs to be done
- Making difficult situations manageable
These reviews show the difference it makes when directors speak to a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner who understands the pressures they face – personal as well as financial.
What Happens Next
After the initial call, we explain the options available for your limited company. The next steps depend on the procedure that is right for your situation.
- In a CVL or Administration, control of the company passes to the Insolvency Practitioner, as required by law.
- In a CVA, the company continues to trade under the control of its directors, with the Insolvency Practitioner acting as Supervisor.
- In an MVL, we handle the statutory process and distributions to shareholders.
In all cases, we guide you through every step and deal with the statutory requirements, creditor communication, HMRC engagement and staff matters.
Talk to us if your Limited Company is facing insolvency
If your limited company is facing financial pressure, the sooner you speak to an Insolvency Practitioner, the more options you have. Our team is here to help. Take a look at some more of our case studies.
FAQs on Insolvency Procedures
What is the difference between a CVL and a CVA?
A CVL closes an insolvent company and the Liquidator takes control. A CVA allows the company to continue trading while restructuring its debts, with directors remaining in control of day to day operations.
Can a company continue trading during a CVA?
Yes. Directors remain in control of trading, with the Insolvency Practitioner supervising the arrangement.
How long does a CVL take?
Most CVLs progress quickly once the company enters liquidation. Timescales vary depending on assets, creditors and investigations.
Is an MVL only for solvent companies?
Yes. An MVL is used when a company can pay all its debts in full, usually for retirement or restructuring.
When should a director seek advice?
As soon as the company is struggling to pay its debts. Early advice gives directors more options.
