• 0800 1804 933

Licensed IP vs Unregulated Adviser: What’s the Difference?

Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners help directors close limited companies with debt quickly, legally and with expert guidance every step of the way. Our in-house IPs are licensed. Speak to us today. 

Contact us for free and confidential advice

Licensed IP and Unregulated Advisers

When your business is struggling with financial difficulties, seeking professional advice is essential. However, not all advice is equal. Understanding the difference between a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) and an unregulated adviser can significantly impact your financial outcomes and personal liability.

What is a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner?

A Licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP) is a qualified professional, authorised and regulated to handle formal insolvency processes. Their role includes managing company liquidations, administrations, and voluntary arrangements, always adhering strictly to UK insolvency laws and ethical standards. Licensed IPs must pass rigorous professional exams and are regulated by recognised professional bodies such as ICAEW, IPA, or ICAS. See our Company Liquidation Guide. 

Risks of Using an Unregulated Adviser

Unregulated advisers are individuals or companies who offer insolvency advice without proper qualifications or regulatory oversight. These advisers often operate through lead generation websites, acting as middlemen, or directly as rogue firms.

Common risks associated with unregulated advisers include:

RiskExplanation
Hidden FeesAdvertise low fixed fees, but later add hidden or unexpected charges.
Misleading PromisesMake unrealistic promises about writing off debts or handling directors’ loan accounts without proper assessment.
Lack of RegulationNo protection from regulatory bodies, meaning fewer safeguards and higher risks of misconduct.
Poor CommunicationOften stop communicating effectively once fees are paid, leaving directors unsupported.
Legal ComplicationsProvide questionable advice potentially leading to further legal or financial complications, including personal liability.

Testimonials

Our clients praise our professionalism, reliability, and the exceptional support we provide during challenging times, helping thousands of company directors through insolvency, liquidation, and business debt solutions.

"We had the unpleasant, highly stressful experience of being the Directors of a business that was beyond help, despite our best efforts. Jon was absolutely brilliant, going way above and beyond. Not only was Jon a professional, knowledgeable person helping us go through the process of a liquidation, but he was also a safe pair of hands, and an empathetic voice to discuss even the tiniest detail with. He never rushed us, he used language that we understood and he was an excellent communicator. Jon made a very stressful, upsetting time feel manageable and in control."
Madeleine Cole
"It has become very unfortunate that the company has had to go into administration. Anderson Brookes have bee efficient, reactive to our needs and totally communicate every step of the way. The experience whilst personally been painful to have to make such a decision, the company dealing with these affairs have acted professionally and been responsive to our questions."
Derek Clarke
"Fantastic service and company from start to finish. Isabel Cross looked after my case she was very informative, professional, reassuring and reliable. I cannot thank you enough!"
Marianne YatesCEO
"From the first call I received from Anderson Brookes I was very impressed with how friendly and professional they were. I agreed to take them on to liquidate my company and very pleased with my decision. All done and dusted in very quick order."
Lynne BullCEO
"First Class Company, Friendly, Knowledgeable, Caring, Most Helpful And Give Great Peace Of Mind. They Took All The Worry And Weight Off My Shoulders And Gave Me Great Peace Of Mind To Let GoOf My Problem. Thank You Ever So Much Rebecca Marsden And Her Team.
Ray Gowrie
"Amazing company who conducted our liquidation very thoroughly and professionally, I was fortunate enough to have Jon Rudd as my case manager who helped me every step of the way. Highly recommended and a big thank you to you Jon!"
Lewis Beaumont
"With the help of Anderson Brookes I now have a massive weight of my shoulders. They were very helpful from start to finish."
Andrew Colley
"Great service. I wish I got in touch earlier. I'm finally getting some proper sleep. Thank you to Emmie and the team 🙏"
Vie Sidibe
"I used Anderson Brookes when I got into bother with my ltd company. After getting other prices and talking with different companies I felt happiest with these. Great service helped throughout and any questions I had (I had a lot) they were more than happy to answer and put my worries at ease. Top marks thank you to everyone that has helped"
Luke Singleton
"I was assisted every step of the way by Rebecca and her team. Eddy was very helpful through the entire process. I would highly recommend Anderson Brookes to anyone going through a similar situation to me."
James Cockney

Why Choose a Licensed IP?

Opting for a licensed insolvency practitioner provides critical advantages:

  • Regulatory Protection: IPs must comply with strict standards enforced by professional bodies, ensuring transparency and ethical conduct.

  • Qualified Advice: IPs have extensive knowledge and experience, providing tailored solutions based on your company’s specific circumstances.

  • Clear Communication: Licensed practitioners offer clear explanations throughout the insolvency process, ensuring you understand your options and responsibilities.

  • Protection from Personal Liability: IPs thoroughly assess risks like personal guarantees and directors’ loan accounts, offering realistic and reliable guidance. And making sure you benefit from redundancy claims, for example. 

Protect Yourself with Professional Advice

At Anderson Brookes, our Licensed Insolvency Practitioners provide trusted, regulated, and expert insolvency advice. We ensure that you are fully informed about your options, responsibilities, and any potential risks to personal assets.

For a confidential, no-obligation consultation, contact Anderson Brookes today:

Choosing regulated, professional advice protects you and your business from unnecessary risks, ensuring the best possible outcome during difficult financial circumstances.

Our Team

At Anderson Brookes, our experienced and approachable team works closely with company directors across the UK to provide practical, straightforward insolvency advice and support.

Get A Free Quote
Neil Batty

Managing Director

Rikki Burton

Licensed Insolvency Practitioner

Jasmine Baxter

Licensed Insolvency Practitioner

Rebecca Marden

Operations Manager

Mike Halliday

Senior Business Advisor

Ashley Jones

Insolvency Advice Manager

Warning Signs of an Unregulated Adviser

Before engaging with an adviser, look out for these red flags:

  • Promises that seem “too good to be true” about eliminating debts entirely.

  • Aggressive sales tactics pushing specific solutions, which seem to contradict with what you already know, or not considering your unique circumstances.

  • Lack of clear, detailed communication about insolvency processes and their implications.

  • No evidence of professional qualifications or membership of recognised regulatory bodies.

Closing a Limited Company with Debts?

Fast and Stress-Free Solutions.

Start closing your limited company today. Placed into liquidation within 8 days. We fully understand that timing is critical.

Worried about your Bounce Back Loan?

Need to close your limited company? Speak to an expert who’s helped thousands do the same – even with company debts or creditor pressure.

Stop Creditor Pressure

Getting constant calls from creditors? Closing your company through liquidation can give you the relief to move forward.

Directors: Avoid Risks When Winding Up Your Company

We guide you, simply, honestly. Let us handle everything.

Steven Kendall-Torry
Steven Kendall-Torry
Having to shut down your business is a very emotional and scary journey and although you think you’ve done everything correctly there’s always something you get wrong , small print , and rules one is unaware of which can surprise bite you on the bum and ruin your day ! We were fortunate to have Laura , Katie and the background Riki who considering they have a fairly thankless job to do they were always polite , very patient , and as helpful as they could be considering they generally were giving bad news which was rarely expected or welcome. Altogether they were good listeners and helpful we had to understand they still had to follow rules and a job to do and they managed the balancing act extremely well. Many thanks
Madeleine Cole
Madeleine Cole
We had the unpleasant, highly stressful experience of being the Directors of a business that was beyond help, despite our best efforts. Jon was absolutely brilliant, going way above and beyond. Not only was Jon a professional, knowledgeable person helping us go through the process of a liquidation, but he was also a safe pair of hands, and an empathetic voice to discuss even the tiniest detail with. He never rushed us, he used language that we understood and he was an excellent communicator. Jon made a very stressful, upsetting time feel manageable and in control.
Harvey J
Harvey J
Efficient and Professional Experience Two words to describe the experience: efficient and professional. No doubt you can appreciate that it’s a very stressful time for directors, but from my initial telephone conversation with Mike, and the decision to enter into a CVL, the process from start to finish was completed within two weeks. In addition to Mike, I would also like to mention the professionalism of the two other members of the AB team, Steve and Emmy. Worth mentioning as well that, where it was possible, the lines of communication were via WhatsApp which again massively improved and streamlined the whole process.
Derek Clarke
Derek Clarke
It has become very unfortunate that the company has had to go into administration. Anderson Brookes have bee efficient, reactive to our needs and totally communicate every step of the way. The experience whilst personally been painful to have to make such a decision, the company dealing with these affairs have acted professionally and been responsive to our questions.
Vie Sidibe
Vie Sidibe
Great service. I wish I got in touch earlier. I'm finally getting some proper sleep. Thank you to Emmie and the team 🙏
Andrew Colley
Andrew Colley
With the help of Anderson Brookes I now have a massive weight of my shoulders. They were very helpful from start to finish.
Lynne Bull
Lynne Bull
From the first call I received from Anderson Brookes I was very impressed with how friendly and professional they were. I agreed to take them on to liquidate my company and very pleased with my decision. All done and dusted in very quick order.
Ray Gowrie
Ray Gowrie
First Class Company,Friendly, Knowledgeable, Caring, Most Helpful And Give Great Peace Of Mind. They Took All The Worry And Weight Off My Shoulders And Gave Me Great Peace Of Mind To Let GoOf My Problem. thank You Ever So Much Rebecca Marsden And Her Team.
Andrew P
Andrew P
They are amazing in what they do, affordable fees compairing to other brookers, helped me with a LTD insolvency, i am over the moon with their services, would highly recommend. They are really knowledgable and straight forward.
Lewis Beaumont
Lewis Beaumont
Amazing company who conducted our liquidation very thoroughly and professionally, I was fortunate enough to have Jon Rudd as my case manager who helped me every step of the way. Highly recommended and a big thank you to you Jon!
Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet Singh
Mr Rikki Burton and team are very professional, efficient and patient. The work conducted was very smooth and the transition Was without any hiccups. They gave time to put evidences upfront to support the liquidation. Great communication and highly recommended.
Luke Singleton
Luke Singleton
I used Anderson Brookes when I got into bother with my ltd company. After getting other prices and talking with different companies I felt happiest with these. Great service helped throughout and any questions I had (I had a lot) they were more than happy to answer and put my worries at ease. Top marks thank you to everyone that has helped
James Cockney
James Cockney
I was assisted every step of the way by Rebecca and her team. Eddy was very helpful through the entire process. I would highly recommend Anderson Brookes to anyone going through a similar situation to me.

Contact us today

As licensed insolvency practitioners, we provide regulated business debt advice and support for company directors.