Updates

Rising Insolvency Rates Exceed Financial Crisis Levels – What This Means for Businesses

In a concerning turn of events, the number of UK companies facing insolvency has now surpassed levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis. Recent figures highlight that over 25,000 businesses entered insolvency in the last year alone, representing a sharp increase driven by economic factors such as high interest rates, inflation, and ongoing market volatility. This marks a critical period for companies struggling to navigate the challenging financial landscape. Many businesses, particularly in sectors like construction, retail, and hospitality, have been hit hardest. The combination of decreased consumer spending, increased borrowing costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions has created a [...]

2024-09-30T08:34:52+00:00September 19th, 2024|Advice, Updates|

Understanding Misfeasance in Company Insolvency

When a business faces insolvency, those overseeing the company’s liquidation or administration hold the power to scrutinise the conduct of its directors. Misfeasance, a term denoting wrongdoing by a company officer, can lead to significant penalties if proven. Defining Misfeasance in Insolvency Under the Insolvency Act 1986, misfeasance is identified when an officer of a company, or someone involved in its promotion, formation, or management, has: Misapplied, retained, or become accountable for company money or property; or Committed any misfeasance or breached any fiduciary or other duty in relation to the company. This broad definition is designed to capture various [...]

2024-09-02T21:12:54+00:00September 4th, 2024|Directors, Updates|

Vital Support for Employees Affected by Business Insolvencies

The Insolvency Service’s Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) has been a crucial lifeline for employees impacted by company failures. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the RPS processed 85,592 claims, disbursing £494 million from National Insurance contributions to individuals facing financial hardship due to insolvency. The RPS ensures rapid processing of claims, averaging 10 days, and covers unpaid wages, holiday pay, and statutory notice pay. Remarkable cases include £53.7 million paid within 24 hours to nearly 10,000 former employees of Wilko. The service also issued protective awards to employees not consulted before redundancy, totalling over £3.5 million to former staff of Debenhams [...]

2024-09-02T20:53:31+00:00September 2nd, 2024|Updates|

DMC Recovery Celebrates Landmark Court of Appeal Victory

We at DMC Recovery are immensely proud to have been involved in a significant legal victory that reinforces the integrity of the insolvency process in the UK. On 5 August 2024, the Court of Appeal handed down a landmark judgment in the case of Re JDK Construction Limited (in liquidation), Keegan v Bland and Mayo [2024] EWCA Civ 934. This decision marks a pivotal moment for insolvency practitioners, particularly concerning the reliance on a company’s register of members during voluntary liquidation. Our team, represented by the distinguished Louis Doyle KC and Douglas Cochran, successfully defended the respondent liquidators in this [...]

2024-08-29T06:34:21+00:00August 28th, 2024|Company news, Updates|

Potential Tax Rises in the First Budget of the New UK Labour Government

The announcement of potential tax rises from the new UK Labour Government, less than a month after taking office, has stirred a mix of concerns and expectations among financial professionals. While not entirely surprising, this development is set to impact various sectors significantly. A New Chancellor's Dilemma Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressed the House of Commons, revealing a staggering £22 billion "black hole" in the public finances, attributed to unfunded pledges by the previous government. Reeves highlighted the gravity of the fiscal situation, stressing the need for immediate action to stabilise the economy. She committed to presenting full fiscal plans and [...]

2024-08-26T21:46:26+00:00August 21st, 2024|Updates|

Save Consultants Wound Up in the Public Interest

Save Consultants, a Manchester-based company that presented itself as an alternative solution to formal insolvency proceedings, was ordered to be wound up in the public interest on 2 July. This decision followed a thorough investigation by the Insolvency Service, which revealed that the firm was operating as an unlicensed insolvency practitioner. The Official Receiver has now been appointed as the liquidator of the company. The Services Provided by Save Consultants Save Consultants offered a brokerage service aimed at assisting directors in financial distress. The company claimed to help directors sell their interests in struggling companies, ostensibly allowing them to walk [...]

2024-08-21T21:45:50+00:00August 14th, 2024|Directors, Updates|

All Change at Downing Street

As widely predicted, the  Labour Party has won the UK General Election after a notably short campaign period. The victory, while exhilarating for Labour supporters, raises several questions about the feasibility of the ambitious promises made during the campaign. Will the new government be able to deliver on its commitments, or were these pledges merely election hot air? A Campaign of Bold Promises The Labour Party's campaign was marked by a series of bold promises aimed at addressing long-standing issues within the UK. These included significant investments in the NHS, substantial increases in funding for education, ambitious climate action plans, [...]

2024-07-23T06:38:50+00:00July 6th, 2024|Updates|

Taking the Leap: Starting a Business and Avoiding Pitfalls

As insolvency practitioners, we see a lot of passion and drive from people starting businesses. It's an exciting time, but it's crucial to be aware of the challenges alongside the potential rewards. So, before you take the leap, here are some key considerations: Is there a market for your idea? Conduct thorough market research. Is there a gap in the market, or are you entering a crowded field? Who are your competitors, and what makes your offering unique? Do you have a solid business plan? This isn't just a document for lenders; it's your roadmap to success. It should outline [...]

2024-07-01T13:15:07+00:00June 30th, 2024|Advice, Directors, Updates|

Five Top Tips for a More Sustainable Office

As we navigate through the challenges of insolvency, it's essential to consider not only our financial health but also our environmental impact. Sustainable practices in the office can lead to significant cost savings while promoting a greener planet. Here are five top tips for creating a more sustainable office: 1.Embrace Digital Transformation Go Paperless: Reducing paper usage is one of the most effective ways to save money and be environmentally friendly. Implement digital documentation and communication systems to minimise the need for printing. Use cloud storage, digital signatures, and online collaboration tools to streamline workflows. Automate Processes:  Invest in software [...]

2024-06-24T23:28:19+00:00June 25th, 2024|Updates|

Men’s Health Month: Taking Charge of Your Well-Being

June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the specific challenges men face in staying healthy. While societal expectations are changing, men are still statistically less likely to prioritise preventive care and open up about health concerns. This silence can have serious consequences. Not only on your health but also on your business. Physical Health Concerns: Men are more prone to certain health issues, including heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes. Often, these conditions can be identified and managed early through regular checkups and exercise. However, a reluctance to visit the doctor can lead to delayed diagnoses [...]

2024-06-24T23:08:39+00:00June 20th, 2024|Directors, Updates|
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