Clear, jargon-free guidance when your business needs stabilising — not panic.
When cash flow tightens, creditors circle, or pressure keeps you awake at night, it can feel like your business is collapsing faster than you can keep up. But here's the truth: you have more options than you think — and most directors don't know what they are.
Plain English explanations of every rescue option available
Legal and practical choices explained without confusion
Take the right steps before things get worse
We only offer down-to-earth, practical business advice from people who have experienced real-life situations. No corporate jargon. No hidden agendas. Just honest guidance when you need it most.
We represent your interests, not your creditors'
Advice from people who've been there themselves
Down-to-earth guidance without the corporate speak
"When your business is in trouble, you need someone in your corner — that's us."
Before jumping into formal insolvency processes, it's crucial to stabilise the business.
Priority payment strategy to ease immediate pressure
Maintain critical business operations while managing debt
Navigate HMRC negotiations safely and effectively
Honest assessment of recovery vs closure options
Actionable tactics to regain breathing space quickly
Most directors feel embarrassed — but seeking advice early is a sign of strength, not failure.
Every business faces challenges. The directors who succeed are the ones who recognize when they need outside perspective and act before it's too late.
The earlier you seek guidance, the more choices you have. Waiting limits your options and increases risk to your personal assets and future business opportunities.
Early intervention is key — problems rarely solve themselves
Contact us today for honest, judgment-free guidance on stabilising your business
Every business situation is unique. Here's a clear breakdown of the main options available to UK companies facing financial difficulties.
Structured payment plan with HMRC
What it does:
Gives you structured monthly payments over 6–24 months.
Good for:
Viable businesses with short-term cash issues.
If your core business is profitable but you're struggling with tax payments, a TTP can give you breathing space without formal insolvency proceedings.
A powerful rescue tool many directors have never heard of
Good for:
Businesses that can survive, but need creditor breathing room. If your underlying business is viable but debt is crushing you, a CVA could be the lifeline you need.
Did you know? Many successful UK companies have used CVAs to restructure debt and continue trading profitably.
Formal protection from immediate threats
Administration can lead to:
Administration is a more formal process that protects your business from immediate threats while an insolvency practitioner works to rescue or sell the business.
It provides a moratorium — a legal breathing space where creditors cannot take enforcement action against the company.
"Administration gave us the time we needed to restructure
and save 85% of our jobs."
— Manufacturing Director, Birmingham
When closure is the cleanest, safest route forward
When the business cannot realistically be saved, liquidation closes the company safely and legally.
Important to understand:
Liquidation isn't failure — sometimes it's simply the cleanest, safest route forward. It protects you from personal liability when done correctly and allows you to move forward without the weight of unmanageable debt.
Many directors who choose voluntary liquidation go on to start successful new ventures. It's about making the right decision at the right time.
Every business is different. Two companies with the same debt levels may need completely different solutions.
"They explained everything in plain English and helped me understand which option was genuinely best for my situation."
— Director, Leeds
No cost, no obligation consultation to understand your situation
We understand business challenges — you'll be treated with respect and dignity
No jargon, no confusion — just clear, straightforward guidance
Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who isn't emotionally involved
We bring clarity and structure when everything feels overwhelming
Sometimes the biggest relief comes from talking to someone who isn't emotionally involved — someone who can see clearly when you feel overwhelmed.
Many of our clients tell us that their first consultation gave them the clarity and hope they'd been missing for months.
We guide you through every step with care, clarity, and professional expertise
We start by understanding where you are right now — your debts, cash flow, creditor pressure, and business viability. This gives us the complete picture needed to recommend the right path forward.
We explain each rescue option available to you in plain English — what it involves, how long it takes, what it costs, and what the outcomes look like. No jargon, no confusion.
It's not just about the company — we help you understand how each option affects you as a director, including personal liability, future business opportunities, and your reputation.
We identify immediate actions you can take today to reduce creditor pressure and buy yourself breathing space while you consider longer-term solutions.
Whether your business can be saved or needs to close, we create a clear roadmap showing you exactly what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and who needs to be involved.
We never pressure you into decisions. You stay in control of every decision — we simply provide the information and guidance you need to choose confidently.
A single conversation could save your business — or at least give you the clarity you deserve.
When a UK business faces financial difficulties, understanding your business rescue options is critical. Whether you're dealing with cash flow problems, mounting creditor pressure, or HMRC debt, knowing what options are available can mean the difference between business recovery and unnecessary closure.
At Tenable Business Support, we specialise in helping UK directors navigate business financial distress with clear, practical guidance. Our approach focuses on explaining your options in plain English, without the jargon that often confuses business owners when they need clarity most.
Business rescue options are legal and practical procedures designed to help struggling companies either recover from financial difficulties or close down in an orderly manner. These options include:
Each option serves different circumstances and has specific advantages and requirements. The key is understanding which solution fits your business's unique situation.
Recognising the early warning signs that your business needs help is crucial. Consider exploring business rescue options if you're experiencing:
The earlier you seek advice, the more options remain available. Waiting until the last minute severely limits your choices and can expose directors to personal liability.
HMRC Time to Pay arrangements are informal agreements that allow businesses to spread tax arrears over an agreed period, typically 6-24 months. This option is suitable for businesses that are fundamentally viable but experiencing temporary cash flow issues.
Learn more about managing HMRC debt and securing Time to Pay arrangements.
A Company Voluntary Arrangement is a formal insolvency procedure that allows a company to come to a binding agreement with its creditors to pay back debts over time (typically 3-5 years). CVAs require approval from 75% of creditors by value.
Explore our comprehensive CVA guide for detailed information on this powerful rescue tool.
Administration is a formal insolvency procedure that places the company under the control of a licensed insolvency practitioner (administrator) to rescue the business as a going concern, achieve a better result for creditors than immediate liquidation, or realize property to make distributions to secured or preferential creditors.
Read our complete administration guide to understand when this option is appropriate.
When a business cannot be rescued, Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation provides a controlled, legal way to close the company. A licensed insolvency practitioner is appointed to realize assets, investigate director conduct, and distribute funds to creditors.
Understand the full CVL process and director implications in our detailed guide.
UK company directors have legal obligations when their business faces financial difficulties. Under the Companies Act 2006 and Insolvency Act 1986, directors must:
Failure to meet these obligations can result in director disqualification, misfeasance claims, or even personal liability for company debts.
Learn more about protecting yourself as a director during financial difficulties.
Selecting the appropriate rescue option depends on multiple factors:
Is the core business profitable? Can it generate enough cash to service reduced debts? If yes, CVA or Administration may work. If no, liquidation may be the most appropriate option.
HMRC-only debt may suit a Time to Pay arrangement. Multiple creditor debts typically require CVA or liquidation. Secured creditors may push for administration.
Immediate winding-up petition threat may require urgent administration. Less urgent situations allow time for CVA proposals or liquidation planning.
Consider employees, customers, suppliers, and personal guarantees. Some options protect jobs and relationships better than others.
Use our free Business Crisis Assessment Tool to understand which options might suit your situation.
Every day matters when your business is under pressure. Get expert guidance today.
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