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Useful Links

British Chambers of Commerce	www.britishchambers.org.uk
Companies House	www.companieshouse.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs	www.hmrc.gov.uk
Association of Business Recovery Professionals	www.r3.org.co.uk
Insolvency Practitioners Association	www.insolvency-practitioners.org.uk
Insolvency Service	www.insolvency.gov.uk
Institute of Chartered Accountants	www.icaew.co.uk
Institute of Directors	www.iod.com
Land Registry	www.landreg.gov.uk
London Gazette	www.gazette.co.uk
The Law Society	www.lawsoc.org.uk
National Association of Citizens Bureaux	www.nacab.org.uk

Glossary

Sometimes, confusion can arise from some of the terms commonly used in Insolvency and Business Turnaround. The aim of this section, therefore, is to bring some clarity to the more commonly used words and phrases and to help guide you through what each of these means.

Administration

Administration is a process of insolvency that constructively preserves a company or achieves a better return for creditors than simply liquidating. During this process, a licenced insolvency practitioner is appointed as administrator on the petition of either the company, the directors or one or more creditors.

Administration Order

An order made in a county court to arrange and administer the payment of debts by an individual; or an order made by a court in respect of a company that appoints an administrator to take control of the company. A company can also be put into administration if a floating charge holder, or the directors or the company itself file the requisite notice at court.

Administrative Receiver

An IP appointed by the holder of a debenture that is secured by a floating charge that covers the whole or substantially the whole of the company’s assets. The IP’s task is to realise those assets on behalf of the debenture holder.

Administrative Receivership

The process where an insolvency practitioner is appointed by a debenture holder (lender) to realise a company’s assets and pay preferential creditors and the debenture holder’s debt. The right of a debenture holder to appoint an administrative receiver has been restricted by the Enterprise Act 2002.

Administrator

An IP appointed by the court under an administration order or by a floating charge holder or by the company or its directors filing the requisite notice at court.

AGM

An Annual General Meeting is where the directors share information about the past year and also give forecasts for the future. Shareholders of a company are allowed to discuss their opinions and can vote for any eligible changes which can be made such as auditors and directors.

Annulment

Cancellation.

Arrears

This is a term used when a debt has not been paid on time and the payments become overdue. If the debt is not paid then action may be taken against you to reclaim the money.

Assets

Anything that is owned by the individual or company which has a value either now or will have a value at some time in the future. Examples include vehicles, shares, money in the bank or in hand, property and book debts

Bankruptcy

This is an option a person may use if they do not pay their debts as and when they become due. They would lose control of their assets and would not be allowed to become a company director for the period of bankruptcy. Other occupations are also affected by bankruptcy and we recommend that you read your employment contract. Bankruptcy will also affect your credit rating.

Bankruptcy Order

A court order making an individual bankrupt.

Bankruptcy Restrictions Order or Undertaking

A bankruptcy restriction order or undertaking is where a restriction is made against an individual. This could result in bankruptcy restrictions continuing for a period of between 2 and 15 years.

BEIS – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Is a government department bringing together responsibilities for business, industrial strategy, science, innovation, energy, and climate change.

Book Debts

These are monies that are owed to an individual or company for goods supplied or services provided.

CCJ

A CCJ (county court judgment) is a court action where an individual or company have taken you to court for unpaid debts. The court will order you to pay the debt within a period of time; if you don’t then they will be entitled to take further action.

Charge

Security interest taken over property by a creditor to protect against non-payment of a debt (such as a mortgage).

Charging Order

This is an order made by the court giving the trustee in bankruptcy a charge on your interest in their home. This will continue after they are discharged from bankruptcy.

Companies House

All Limited companies and Plc’s are registered here. All information is stored and is available to the public. Companies House also incorporate and dissolve companies.

Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

An Act of Parliament about the disqualification of directors.

Compulsory Liquidation

Winding up of a company after a petition to the court, usually by a creditor.

Contributory

Every person liable to contribute to the assets of a company if it is wound up. In most cases, this means shareholders who have not paid for their shares in full.

Credit Rating

Banks and financial services use this as a tool. If you were to request a loan from them they would check your credit rating. A good rating may result in them lending more money. A low score may mean a lesser amount is offered or the request refused. The rating is assessed on whether there are any CCJ’s or any defaults on paying debts.

Creditors

This is anybody who is owed money. It can also be someone who will (or may) be owed money in the future due to some obligation that has already been entered into.

Creditors Petition (Bankruptcy)

A person can only be made bankrupt if the debt is unsecured and for a fixed sum that may appear unable to pay. Any individual owed more than £5,000 can petition to make you bankrupt.

CVA – Company Voluntary Arrangement

This route of a Company Voluntary Arrangement is usually taken by Directors who feel their company has a viable future and are willing to work hard to keep it alive. If this route is taken an arrangement is entered into with your creditors to repay a percentage of the sum owed to them over a period of time. Then the Directors will keep control of the Company and continue to trade as normal.

CVL – Creditors Voluntary Liquidation

The company will stop trading, all contracts will be terminated and all assets will be sold under a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation. The shareholders of the company will decide to liquidate the company and will enlist the services of an insolvency practitioner to complete all the necessary arrangements.

Debenture

A document in writing, usually under seal, issued as evidence of a debt or the granting of security for a loan of a fixed sum at interest (or both). The term is often used in relation to loans (usually from banks) secured by charges, including floating charges, over companies’ assets.

Debt Relief Orders (DROs)

Debt Relief Orders (DROs) are a way to deal with your debts if you owe less than £20,000, don’t have much spare income and don’t own your home.

Debtors

These are individuals or companies that owe money to a third party for goods or services provided.

Debts

These are monies that are owed to an individual or company for goods supplied or services provided.

Deemed Consent Procedure

Shareholders of a company nominate a liquidator who is automatically appointed unless creditors object.

Default Notice

This is issued by a creditor before the commencement of legal action. It will allow you seven days to pay the amount stated. If this is not settled, then the creditor can take court action.

Directors

Directors are responsible for the running, management and control of a company. The limited liability of a company ensures directors are protected from personal risk; they must, however, act professionally and correctly to ensure this protection.

Directors’ Disqualification

If a person is declared bankrupt or other insolvency offences have been committed it is illegal for that person to be the director or manager of a company and may be barred by the BEIS.

Dissolution

In order to commence dissolution proceedings, the company must not have been trading for at least three months. The company can then be dissolved. This will legally break up a company that no longer wishes to trade.

Distraint

This is used by landlords as a tool where there is unpaid rent. Where a landlord has agreed on a payment plan for rent and this is not adhered to they have various options and can instruct an agent to enter the property and remove goods or assets to cover the value of the debt. This can usually be carried out within one week of a missed payment. They do not need a court judgement to implement these actions.

Dividend

Any sum distributed to unsecured creditors in an insolvency.

Factoring

Financial institutions provide this service. Companies receive payment for their unpaid sales invoices and the financial institution assist in the collection of the debts. The factoring company takes a percentage of this debt as a fee.

Fixed Charge

A charge held over specific assets. The debtor cannot sell the assets without the consent of the secured creditor or repaying the amount secured by the charge.

Floating Charge

A charge held over general assets of a company. The assets may change (such as stock) and the company can use the assets without the consent of the secured creditor until the charge “crystallises” (becomes fixed). Crystallisation occurs on the appointment of an administrative receiver, on the presentation of a winding-up petition or as otherwise provided for in the document creating the charge.

Fraudulent Trading

Where trade continues without any means of repaying the debts and with the intention of defrauding creditors.

Gazette

The Gazette or London Gazette is the official newspaper of record which contains various statutory notices and advertisements in respect of companies registered in England and Wales. It is published daily. Notices are accessible via www.thegazette.co.uk

Going Concern

Where a company is trading and making a profit.

Guarantee

An agreement to pay a debt owed by a third party. It must be evidenced in writing for it to be enforceable.

HMRC – Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs

A government department who regulates and collects customs and duties for instance VAT and PAYE.

Income Payments Agreement

This is an agreement entered into with an individual’s trustee where the individual agrees to pay him or her part of their wages, salary or any other income. This would be for an agreed period of time.

Insolvency Practitioner

An insolvency practitioner is usually an accountant or solicitor who has trained and specialised in insolvency. They are authorised by the Secretary of State or other recognised professional bodies.

Insolvent

This is when a company or individual cannot afford to repay their debts as and when they are due, or whose liabilities are greater than their assets.

Interim Order

If a person is proposing to do an IVA they can apply for an interim order in court. This protects them against any legal action which may be taken against them by anyone they owe money to.

IVA – Individual Voluntary Arrangement

See Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

Joint and Several Liability

If one or more person enters into an agreement (such as a mortgage or rent agreement), then all those named on the agreement are liable for the full amount. An example of this would be a joint mortgage where the mortgage company can pursue either or both people named on the mortgage for any amounts outstanding.

Legal Charge

A form of security (eg a mortgage) to ensure payment of a debt.

Liabilities

Debts and obligations of the company or individual. An example of these would be bank loans, mortgages, credit cards or store cards.

Limited Company

A company with its own legal identity. This ensures the directors and shareholders are not liable for any of the company’s actions providing they are legal and proper.

Limited Liability

Owners of a company have their liability for the company’s debts limited. Their liability is limited to the paid-up value of the shares they own i.e. it is limited to the amount they agreed to pay for the shares when they purchased them.

Liquidation (Winding Up)

Applies to companies or partnerships. It involves the realisation and distribution of the assets and usually the closing down of the business. There are three types of liquidation – compulsory, creditors’ voluntary and members’ voluntary.

Liquidator

The Official Receiver or an Insolvency Practitioner appointed to administer the liquidation of a company or partnership.

Meeting by Correspondence

A meeting by correspondence entails a creditor returning a proxy or voting form by a given date and time.

Member (of a Company)

A person who has agreed to be, and is registered as, a member, such as a shareholder of a limited company.

Nominee

An IP who carries out the preparatory work for a voluntary arrangement, before its implementation.

Officer (of a Company)

A director, manager or secretary of a company.

Official Receiver

An officer of the court and civil servant employed by The Insolvency Service, who deals with bankruptcies and compulsory company liquidations.

Pension Fund

Contributions are paid and held to build up a fund to pay retirement pensions.

Person

An individual or a corporation.

Personal Guarantee

This is a letter written by someone guaranteeing the payment of money lent to a third party (maybe a limited company). So if the company defaults on the repayments then the lender will call on the personal guarantee to repay either part or all of the remaining debt.

Petition

A formal application made to a court.

PLC

A public company may offer to sell its shares to the public. A public company must satisfy Companies House that at least £50,000 worth of shares have been issued and that each share has been paid up to at least one-quarter of its face value.

Preferential Creditor

A creditor who is entitled to receive certain payments in priority to floating charge holders and other unsecured creditors. These creditors include occupational pension schemes and employees.

Proof of Debt

A statutory form completed by a creditor in a liquidation to state how much is claimed. The form is supplied by the Liquidator.

Provisional Liquidator

OR/IP appointed to preserve a company’s assets pending the hearing of a winding up petition.

Proxy

Instead of attending a meeting, a person can appoint someone to go and vote in their place – a ‘proxy’.

Proxy Form

Form that must be completed if a creditor wishes someone else to represent him or her at a creditors’ meeting and vote on his or her behalf.

Public Examination

When a company is being wound up or in bankruptcy proceedings, the Official Receiver may at any time apply to the court to question the company’s director(s) or any other person who has taken part in the promotion, formation or management of the company or the bankrupt.

Realise

Realising an asset means selling it or disposing of it to raise money, for example, to sell an insolvent’s assets and obtain the proceeds.

Receiver

The commonly used name for an administrative receiver. The term can also mean a person appointed by the court or with the power to receive the rents and profits of property. Receivers who are not administrative receivers do not need to be Insolvency Practitioners.

Receivership

A company in administrative receivership is often said to be “in receivership”.

Redundancy

Redundancy is a form of dismissal. It could be that the company is downsizing or closing a department or closing the whole company. As a consequence staff are then made redundant as there is no longer available employment.

Rescission

A procedure that cancels a winding-up order.

Release

The process by which the Official Receiver or an Insolvency Practitioner is discharged from the liabilities of office as trustee/liquidator or administrator.

Secretary of State

The Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Secured Creditor

A creditor who holds security such as a mortgage, over a person’s assets for money owed.

Shadow Director

A person who, without being formally appointed, gives instructions on which the directors of a company are accustomed to act.

Shareholders

Own stakes in Limited Companies. Shares can be purchased on the open market if it is a quoted PLC. They can vote on how a company is run and they earn a share of the profits as a dividend.

Statement of Affairs

A document, completed by a bankrupt, company officer or director(s), stating the assets and giving details of debts and creditors.

Sole Trader

The owner of a small business, usually with few, if any, employees.

Supervisor

An IP appointed to supervise the carrying out of a company or individual voluntary arrangement.

Trustee

The Trustee in Bankruptcy is either the Official Receiver or an Insolvency Practitioner and will take control of your assets. The Trustee’s main objective is to sell these assets and share the proceeds among the creditors.

Turnover

The money a company takes for its services before any expenditure is deducted. It is not the profit of the company.

UNCITRAL

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.

Unsecured Creditor

A creditor who does not hold security (such as a mortgage) for money owed. Some unsecured creditors may also be preferential creditors.

Validation Order

Order or a court to unfreeze its bank accounts or allow assets to be sold after they have been frozen by a Winding-up Petition. If a validation order is granted, any transactions from the bank account then become valid. A validation order can also be used if the company wishes to sell any assets or property.

VAT – Value Added Tax

A duty levied on goods and services which are liable for VAT. If you run a business you will usually have to register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds a level set by the Government.

Virtual Meeting

A virtual meeting may be a telephone conference call or through a video conference facility.

Voluntary Liquidation

A method of liquidation not involving the courts or the Official Receiver. There are 2 types of voluntary liquidation – members’ voluntary liquidation for solvent companies and creditors’ voluntary liquidation for insolvent companies.

Winding Up Order

A Court Order, usually based on a creditor’s petition, for the compulsory winding up or liquidation of a company or partnership.