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 were typically appointed by banks when a business defaulted on its loans, and their main job was to claw back as much money as possible for the bank. That’s it. If the business was saved in the process, well, that was just a bonus. Needless to say, it didn’t always lead to fair outcomes. And many felt the system was more about closing the book than saving the business.

Simple Liquidation, we’ve been helping directors deal with the aftermath (and the opportunities) created by the Enterprise Act for over 30 years. Whether you’re looking at Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL), a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL), or even weighing up administration or pre-pack options, we can talk you through the pros and cons in plain English. Unlike some brokers or middlemen, we’re fully licensed insolvency practitioners with a team that includes Jamie Playford and Alex Dunton, both authorised by the Insolvency Practitioners Association and ICAEW. We’re not just about paperwork, we’re about people. Directors, business owners, partners, real humans who’ve taken a risk, built something, and need help figuring out what to do next.


Enterprise Act 2002 Changed UK Insolvency Law

Location: London, UK

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