The Key Signs of Financial Distress

We always say taking early action is vital, but directors must know what to look for

Before looking at the different options available for resolving financial distress and looming insolvency, it’s important to understand what financial distress is and how to spot the key signs. Only then can early and correct action be taken. With the winding down of Government backed Covid-19 support now in full swing, it is very likely that the signs of financial distress, which have been damped down for many months, could rapidly come to the fore for many companies. We are grateful to the R3 Association of Business Recovery Professionals for this useful article & guide.

What is financial distress?

Financial distress is where a company cannot generate sufficient revenues or income, making it unable to meet its expenses and other financial obligations. It is the first step on the road to insolvency. Many business owners and directors whose companies are facing financial difficulty may simply not be aware of the fact, or indeed the scale, of their company’s issues. Or, if they are, they might be reluctant to admit it, and instead start putting key business expenses on personal credit cards or running up debts to the company through a director’s loan account for example, in the hope that things will improve.

Spotting the signs of financial distress at an early stage is vital

Spotting the signs of financial distress at an early stage can prevent financial problems from becoming unmanageable and may mean that more options are available to resolve a company’s financial situation. Members of the insolvency and restructuring profession can help directors and owners do just that.

Lengthening of Creditor days is one of the first signs of financial distress

One of the first signs of financial distress is where a company is lengthening its creditor days (i.e., the number of days it takes to pay suppliers from the date the payment is due). This is often a sign of cashflow issues and may indicate that the company will become increasingly less able to pay its debts as they fall due.

Other signs that a business doesn’t have sufficient cash or working capital to pay debts as they fall due include:

If you have concerns with any of your clients about any of these triggers, please speak to one of our team in any of our offices

Much of our work is referred to us by our contacts in the accountancy profession, and our first aim is to see if we can save a business through restructuring by using Administrations or Company Voluntary Arrangements. R3 figures show that around 40% of businesses are saves when an Insolvency Practitioner is appointed.

We also have our own Insolvency and Restructuring Free Guide that you cn download,

Contact us or call us on any of the numbers below for help and advice on insolvency, restructuring and recovery.

Also, K&W Recovery, trading as Antony Batty and Company, Thames Valley: