Article reviewed January 2026
Directors often misunderstand Section 216 Insolvency Act 1986 and the serious consequences that follow if the rules are breached. This article explains what Section 216 is, when it applies, what the penalties are, and the limited exceptions available.
Key points at a glance
• Section 216 restricts the reuse of a company name after insolvent liquidation
• The restriction applies personally to directors and shadow directors
• Breach is a criminal offence and can lead to fines, imprisonment, and personal liability
• Only three narrow exceptions exist
• Professional advice is essential because the rules are technical and time sensitive
A Reminder of the rules about reusing a Company Name
A director, or a shadow director, of a company before a company goes into insolvent liquidation may be bound by Section 216 Insolvency Act, 1986, which could govern his/her involvement with companies that have the same or a similar name within a set period of time following the liquidation. Directors need to be aware of these laws, because breaking them is a criminal office that can result in a custodial sentence, a fine, or both. In this article, Hugh Jesseman, one of our Insolvency Practitioners looks in more detail at Section 216.
What is Section 216 Insolvency Act?
Section 216 of the Insolvency Act 1986 restricts the re-use of a name previously used by a company that has gone into liquidation. The restriction applies personally to a director or shadow director of the liquidated company. A name which cannot be used is known as a “prohibited name”.
The restriction also applies to companies which have been wound up and placed in liquidation as an exit route from Administration.
A prohibited name is one by which the liquidated company was known or which the company used as a trading name at any time in the 12 months immediately before liquidation. A name which is similar to the prohibited name will also be caught by this provision.
The restriction applies to any person who was, or acted as, a director (including shadow directors) at any time during the 12 months immediately before the winding-up. For five years from the date of liquidation that person is not permitted to be a director or take part in the promotion, formation, or management of a company using a prohibited name. The prohibition extends to the reuse of the prohibited name by a business partnership or a sole trader.
What are the penalties for breaching section 216?
It is a criminal offence to contravene section 216. The penalties are a possible fine or even a term of imprisonment. Furthermore, a director who trades using a prohibited name may be personally liable for any debts incurred by the successor company, as detailed in Section 217 of the Insolvency Act. It is also an offence to assist somebody in managing a business which trades under a prohibited name.
As Hugh Jesseman comments:
“Directors of companies in financial difficulties, and possibly heading for liquidation, need to be aware of Section 216 Insolvency Act and the serious consequences of contravention. Ignorance is no defence.
Directors often ask us when does Section 216 apply? If the answer is yes to the following 3 questions, then Section 216 applies, and the director should take advice:
- Has the person involved been a director or a shadow director of a company?
- Was that company liquidated?
- Was the person involved the director or the shadow director in the period of 12 months before the company’s liquidation?”
(See our article for some advice to directors, (especially of small companies) who have gone through a liquidation, on how they can avoid a repeat liquidation if they start again with a new company.)
Why does Section 216 Insolvency Act exist?
The legislation was introduced to stop the practice of ‘Phoenixism’ where directors would be able to liquidate their companies, and in so doing, avoid paying their creditors, before starting a new company with the same or similar name in the same or similar line of business.
What are the three exceptions to Section 216?
There are three exceptions to section 216.
- Sale of substantially all assets by an insolvency practitioner. Where substantially all the assets of the business are sold by insolvency practitioners, for example, a Liquidator or an Administrator and the purchasing company gives notice in a specified form to all the creditors of the insolvent company. This procedure is complex with many pitfalls and legal advice should be taken and is unlikely to be applicable to a company which goes into liquidation without previously being in administration.
- Court permission. Where the Court grants permission for the director to reuse the name. This application should be made within seven days of the date of liquidation, although in certain circumstances it can be made at a later date. Legal advice must be taken before making such an application.
- Existing use. Where a person is a director of another company that has already used a prohibited name continuously for twelve months up to the date of liquidation provided that the company has not been dormant.
How can our Insolvency Practitioners help?
As Licensed Insolvency Practitioners, we have a great deal of experience in dealing with situations where Section 216 might apply and helping directors find an appropriate solution that falls within the exceptions as detailed above.
The use of these exclusions is not straightforward, nor is it easy to get court permission or obtain a prior arrangement with the liquidator.
The third exemption, which covers ‘Existing Use’ is the most likely to be used, but it needs to be implemented carefully to ensure the requirements are met, which include:
- Drafting and publication of the notice,
- Communicating the notice to creditors
- Consideration of when the director of the liquidated company can become a director of the new company.
If you have concerns regarding any of these issues regarding Section 216, please contact our expert team of Insolvency Practitioners and administrators on the numbers below and we can arrange a free initial consultation without obligation.
Also, K&W Recovery, trading as Antony Batty and Company, Thames Valley:
What is the best solution to the problem of re-using a company name?
Of course the best way to solve this issue is not to reach the point where a business becomes insolvent. This only happens when the assets and liabilities fall out of balance, which most often occurs when business debts just get too high. Take a look at our insolvency and restructuring guide, which features a section on recognising the early warning signs of insolvency.
Restructuring and Insolvency
The only way to avoid a winding up order or be forced into a formal insolvency process, is not to get to the point where you are unable to pay your debts and liabilities.
Debt Solutions that stop your company being liquidated
One route is debt restructuring, which can provide the breathing space required to allow the business to continue trading.
But this is just one of the ways that an insolvency practitioner can help company directors avoid the consequences of insolvency and liquidation, which can include personal liability and even director disqualification, for example. Take a look at our article on the 4 sins that directors must avoid when a company is insolvent.
If you are at all worried about your business finances, contact us today and let us make sure your company stays away from having to get involved with the intricacies of insolvency law.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Section 216 Insolvency Act apply?
When a person was a director or shadow director in the 12 months before liquidation and the new business uses the same or a similar name.
What is a prohibited name?
Any name used by the liquidated company in the 12 months before liquidation, including trading names, and any name that is similar.
What are the penalties for breaching Section 216 Insolvency Act?
A criminal offence, possible imprisonment, fines, and personal liability for the debts of the successor company.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Asset sale with notice, court permission, or existing use for at least 12 months before liquidation. All of these are difficult and require expert advice.
About the Author
Hugh Jesseman, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, Antony Batty and Company
Expert Insolvency Advice
Our team advises directors nationwide on Section 216 compliance and all aspects of corporate insolvency.
