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Thames Water’s Crisis Management: What Insolvency Preparation Can Teach Us

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Thames Water has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. With an estimated £4 billion debt burden and failed attempts to secure new funding, the UK’s largest water supplier has been teetering on the brink of insolvency. In a proactive move, the government has appointed insolvency specialists to prepare for the possibility of a Special Administration Regime: a rare and serious step designed to keep critical services running if the company collapses. While Thames Water’s challenges are unique in scale and public impact, the way the crisis is being handled offers valuable lessons for directors of all companies. At Simple Liquidation, we believe that understanding these principles could be the difference between a smooth transition and a chaotic collapse. The Scale of the Thames Water Problem Thames Water provides essential services to millions of homes and businesses. A sudden collapse would not only risk jobs and shareholder value but could also disrupt a vital public utility. T...
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Tax Policy Drives Entrepreneurial Liquidations

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If you’ve been following UK business news over the last year, you’ll know there’s been a remarkable rise in voluntary liquidations, the highest we’ve seen since the pandemic. While insolvency statistics often climb during periods of economic stress, this latest spike isn’t purely down to businesses struggling. This time, tax policy is a big part of the story. Specifically, changes to Capital Gains Tax reliefs have prompted many directors, especially those with profitable, solvent companies, to act sooner rather than later. Here at Simple Liquidation, we’ve been speaking to more entrepreneurs than ever who are keen to close down now, not because they have to, but because it makes financial sense to do so before new rules bite. The Link Between CGT Relief and Voluntary Liquidations Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell or dispose of certain assets, including shares in your own company. For years, UK entrepreneurs have been able to benefit from Business Asset Disposal Relief (previously...
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Location: Norwich, UK
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The Key Elements of a Business Continuity Plan in the UK

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If COVID, floods, cyberattacks, supplier meltdowns or the good old British weather have taught us anything, it’s this: things go pear-shaped. And when challenges do arise, it’s often the businesses without a clear plan that struggle the most. That’s where a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) becomes essential. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise—it’s your practical roadmap for staying operational when things go wrong. At Simple Liquidation, we’ve worked with companies that successfully navigated tough times thanks to smart preparation—and sadly, others that didn’t, simply because they didn’t have a plan in place. We’re here to help you understand what a solid UK Business Continuity Plan really involves—cutting through the jargon and focusing on what actually works. What Is a Business Continuity Plan? In plain English, a BCP is your game plan for when the worst happens. It outlines how your business will keep trading during unexpected disruption, whether that’s a power cut, cyber breach, s...
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Location: London, UK
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Step-by-Step Guide to Dissolving Your Limited Company in the UK

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Thinking of dissolving your limited company? Maybe the business isn’t quite cutting the mustard anymore, or you’re just ready to call it a day. Whatever your reason, you’ll need to go through the proper steps to shut up shop officially. At Simple Liquidation, we’ve helped hundreds of directors navigate this minefield, from solvent closures to sticky insolvent situations. We’re not some middleman flogging leads, we’re the real deal. Our licensed insolvency practitioners roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to help you sort it from A to Zed. So, let’s crack on. Here’s your no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to dissolving your limited company in the UK. Step 1: Decide if You’re Solvent or Insolvent Before anything else, you’ll need to figure out your company’s financial position. Is the business: Solvent – Can it pay off its debts in full? Insolvent –  Finding it difficult to keep up with bills, or feeling overwhelmed by HMRC correspondence? If your company’s solvent, you might be able...
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Location: London, UK
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How the Enterprise Act 2002 Changed UK Insolvency Law

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If you’re a company director, chances are you’ve heard whispers of the Enterprise Act 2002, but what’s it actually about, and why should you care? Well, this chunky bit of legislation turned UK insolvency law on its head and still shapes how businesses are handled when they hit rough seas. At Simple Liquidation, we work day in and day out with directors trying to navigate insolvency. Whether your business is facing cash flow crunches or you’re just looking to exit cleanly, understanding what the Enterprise Act changed will help you make more informed decisions. So, let’s break it down without the legal fluff. What Was the Deal Before the Enterprise Act 2002? Before this law came in, insolvency was a bit of a mess. The system heavily favoured secured lenders usually the big banks with very little consideration for smaller creditors, employees, or even the long-term survival of businesses. In particular, one of the major players in insolvency was the administrative receiver. These folks ...
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Location: London, UK
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Is Bankruptcy Right for Me? UK Rules Explained

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Let’s face it, no one wakes up and thinks, “Ooh, I fancy going bankrupt today.” But if you’re reading this, chances are you’re in a bit of a financial pickle and wondering if bankruptcy might just be the best way forward. Now, before you get bogged down in all the scary terms and legal waffle, let’s break it all down in plain English. No fluff, no faff, just straight-up facts. At Simple Liquidation, we help directors like you handle insolvency every day. Whether it’s liquidating a company that’s hit the skids or offering advice on personal debt issues like bankruptcy, we’ve seen it all before and know exactly how to help. What Exactly Is Bankruptcy in the UK? Bankruptcy is a legal process for individuals (not companies) who simply can’t pay their debts. If you’re completely skint, drowning in credit card bills, loans, tax arrears, and you’re getting nowhere fast, bankruptcy can give you a fresh start. It usually lasts for 12 months, after which most of your debts are wiped clean, givin...
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Location: United Kingdom
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MCE Insurance Enters Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation

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MCE Insurance, once one of the UK’s leading motorcycle insurers, has officially entered Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). This significant development has attracted considerable attention across the insurance and insolvency sectors. For policyholders, creditors, and industry observers, the move is a sad moment for a firm that had operated in the UK insurance market for nearly 50 years. In this blog, we’ll explore the key events that led to MCE Insurance’s CVL, the implications for creditors and customers, and what happens next. We’ll also discuss what a CVL involves and why this route may be the most suitable option for struggling businesses in today’s economic climate. Who was MCE Insurance? MCE Insurance was a Northamptonshire-based insurance broker, widely known for its focus on motorbike policies. Established in 1975, the company carved a niche for itself by sponsoring major motorcycle events and offering tailored cover for riders. For decades, MCE was a familiar name among b...
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Location: London, UK
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