How the Enterprise Act 2002 Changed UK Insolvency Law

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 ...