Debt Talk: Small businesses & insolvency (March 2023)

During the cost of living crisis, the need for insolvency advice has been far greater than in the previous years as shown by Government’s data due to a rise in high inflation and change in consumer behaviour. In 2022 there has been a 56% increase in the number of companies going insolvent compared to 2021. In this episode of the Debt Talk podcast, Ripon Ray explored the financial challenges faced by small businesses and the inevitable advice needed from insolvency practitioners to save them.

Robert Tame ran a catering business. During the financial crisis, his business began to have a cash flow problem. But not every part of his business was struggling; so he had to prioritise his profit-making part of the business and make the inevitable decision to make his staff redundant. He was able to pull through due to meticulous financial planning and advice from an insolvency practitioner. He later sold his company with profit to a global company.

Anita Pickersgill spoke about how small businesses need to be clear with their terms and conditions. When a small business faces a financial challenge, directors of the business are also responsible if they do not take reasonable care and skill and seek advice if they are not sure about their business. It is crucial that small business owners act prudently.

Kate Ellis explained the types of insolvency options there are for businesses when it comes to insolvency: voluntary and compulsory. She emphasised the importance of getting advice early. Creditors can be sympathetic to your cash flow problems but it is essential that you let your creditors know sooner rather than later.

You can also find the top tips they offered to Debt Talk Listeners on running a small business, how to address cash flow problems and ways to deal with your creditors.

The next podcast will explore: ‘Funeral and debt’ during the cost of living crisis.

If you want to share your experience or expertise on the Debt Talk podcast, you can get in touch with Your Doctor Debt, Ripon Ray: ripon.ray@yourdoctordebt.com

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