Close a Company with a Bounce Back Loan
Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners help directors close limited companies with debt quickly, legally and with expert guidance every step of the way.
Free Bounce Back Loan Review
If your business took out a Bounce Back Loan (BBL) and now can’t repay it, you’re not alone. Thousands of directors are facing the same challenge. The scheme was designed to support businesses during the pandemic, but for many, recovery didn’t come quickly enough. If your company is now insolvent, it’s important to understand what your options are – and what protections exist for you as a director.
Can You Close a Company with an Outstanding Bounce Back Loan?
Yes, you can close a limited company with a Bounce Back Loan that hasn’t been repaid – but you can’t simply walk away or strike the company off. A Bounce Back Loan is classed as an unsecured debt of the business, and if the company is insolvent, it must be closed through a formal process like Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL).
The good news is that Bounce Back Loans were government-backed, which means the bank can claim on the government guarantee after the company is liquidated. You will not be personally liable for the debt – unless there has been misconduct.
What Happens to the Loan in a CVL?
In a CVL, a licensed insolvency practitioner will review your company’s finances, communicate with creditors, and manage the closure process. The Bounce Back Loan will be included in the company’s list of liabilities. As long as the funds were used correctly for the benefit of the business the debt is written off when the company is formally liquidated.
You won’t need to repay the loan personally unless:
You used the money for personal purchases
The funds were transferred to another company without fair value
There was any form of fraud or misrepresentation when applying for the loan
Sectors We Support
We support company directors in every sector, from construction firms and logistics companies to pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels, retailers and manufacturers. Our advice is always clear, confidential and shaped by real experience in your industry. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid tax, supplier pressure or falling income, our team understands the challenges and will guide you through the best next steps.
What If the Company Has No Assets?
Many companies that took out a BBL used the loan to cover rent, wages, or supplier bills. If nothing is left, that’s okay. A company with no assets can still go through liquidation. Directors may be eligible for redundancy pay if they meet the criteria, and this can help cover the cost of the CVL.
Get Expert Advice
If your company can’t repay a Bounce Back Loan and is struggling with other debts, it’s time to speak to a licensed insolvency practitioner. At Anderson Brookes, we’ve helped hundreds of directors in this exact situation.
We’ll talk through your options, explain the process clearly, and help you close the company properly – with dignity, legal protection, and no scare tactics.
Free Confidential Advice: 0800 1804 933
Email Our Team: advice@andersonbrookes.co.uk
Taking early advice is the best step you can take. There is a way forward.
Can I Strike Off a Company with a Bounce Back Loan?
No – striking off is not appropriate if your company still owes a Bounce Back Loan. Attempting to dissolve a company with outstanding debts is likely to be blocked by the lender, and it can lead to further investigation. In some cases, it may be seen as an attempt to avoid repaying the loan and could result in personal consequences.
Director Protection and Redundancy
The formal liquidation process helps protect you as a director. It shows that you’ve taken the right legal steps once the company became insolvent. If you’ve been on PAYE and worked for the company for at least two years, you may be able to claim director redundancy – something many directors overlook.
This payment can go towards the cost of liquidation or provide financial support while you start over.
Why Directors Choose Anderson Brookes
With more than 25 years’ experience and thousands of directors helped, we’re trusted by business owners across the UK. You can speak directly with an expert insolvency practitioner and we’ll help you understand your options clearly and quickly. We specialise in working with small and medium businesses and we understand your perspective and priorities.
Ready to
Move On?
If you’re ready to close your company, stop creditor pressure, or just want to understand your next steps, we’re here to talk.
Call us now on 0800 1804 933 or request a call back - we’re here to help.
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.