Our Approach
Honest, Regulated and Straightforward Advice
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The Insolvency & Liquidation Process - The Anderson Brookes Approach
At Anderson Brookes, we believe every director deserves clear, honest advice they can trust. Whether you’re facing pressure from creditors or just unsure what to do next, our job is to listen, explain your options in plain English, and help you take the next step without pressure or judgment.
We offer free, confidential consultations so you can understand your position and make informed decisions before taking any formal action. In many cases, this early advice helps clients avoid further risk, protect themselves legally and gain clarity during what is often a very difficult time.
Regulated Advice from Licensed Insolvency Experts
All formal insolvency work is carried out by licensed practitioners who are authorised and regulated in the UK. This includes appointments such as liquidations, voluntary arrangements, and administrations. We are regulated by recognised professional bodies including the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Our team meets strict professional standards and follows the Insolvency Act 1986, giving you confidence that your case is handled lawfully and correctly from start to finish.
You will not be speaking to a call handler or referral agent. From day one, you will deal directly with an experienced adviser or licensed practitioner who knows what they are doing and can give you real answers.
Informal Support That Gives You Time and Control
Not everyone who contacts us needs to enter liquidation. In fact, many directors we speak to are simply looking for clarity. That is why we offer informal guidance at no cost, helping you understand your financial position, your responsibilities as a director, and the safest steps forward.
We will help you spot early warning signs of financial distress, explain your legal duties when trading becomes uncertain, and talk through the risks of delay. This may include advice on stopping further credit, dealing with HMRC, or reviewing trading activity to avoid personal liability.
The earlier you speak to us, the more options you are likely to have.
Clear Process. Fast Action. Full Support.
If you choose to proceed with a formal insolvency process such as a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL), we will take care of the legal paperwork, contact your creditors, and guide you through the process. Most cases are placed into liquidation within eight working days.
You will have a named case manager who keeps in touch, answers questions, and makes sure nothing is missed. We also check if you are eligible for redundancy pay, which can often help cover the cost of closing the business.
There are no hidden fees, no upselling, and no unnecessary delays. Just straightforward, practical support when it matters most.

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.
CVL Approach - 7 Steps

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.
Built Around What You Need, Not What We Want to Sell
We are not here to push you into a solution. If we think there is a better or more affordable way to deal with your company’s debt, we will say so. Many of our clients come to us after speaking to unregulated firms or receiving confusing advice elsewhere. We help them cut through the noise and get back on track.
Our role is to help you understand your legal options, manage the process correctly, and protect your position as a company director.
Why Our Clients Trust Us
Directors choose Anderson Brookes because we offer a service that is built on trust, not pressure. They value our:
Free, no-obligation initial advice
Clear explanations with no jargon
Fast, regulated support when a company needs to close
Affordable and transparent pricing
Personal, human approach throughout
We work with clients across all sectors and throughout the UK. Whether you are running a small company or a larger business with complex debts, we are ready to help you understand your options and make a plan.

Speak to Us Today
If your business is struggling or you are not sure what to do next, the best thing you can do is ask. We are here to help you understand your position and take action in a way that is right for you.
There is no cost for speaking to us and no pressure to proceed. We are here to guide you, not to sell you something.
Call 0800 1804 933
Email advice@andersonbrookes.co.uk
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.
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.

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
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a company in England or Wales? These are your limited company business debt, liquidation and insolvency questions answered.
Can I liquidate the company myself?
No. Only a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner can place a company into liquidation.
What are the advantages of liquidation?
Placing the company into liquidation will stop debt enforcement, including bailiff action. The directors are usually in control of the process and can choose the liquidator. In most cases, it can be completed within two weeks without needing to attend any formal meetings. Company debts are usually written off unless they are personally guaranteed. Directors who act responsibly can show they handled the company’s financial affairs properly.
Is liquidation the same as dissolving the company?
No. Only a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner can liquidate a company. A director can apply to dissolve a company through Companies House, but only if certain conditions are met. If the company is insolvent, it may be a criminal offence to apply for strike-off. Always take professional advice before doing this. If you think you might qualify for dissolution, call us and we’ll explain the process. See our Licensed vs Unregulated page.
What is compulsory liquidation?
This happens when a creditor applies to court to wind up a company due to non-payment of a debt over £750. If the court agrees, the company is placed into compulsory liquidation. This often leads to more problems for directors, who may find it harder to defend against accusations such as wrongful trading. It is usually better to start the process voluntarily. See Strike Off vs Voluntary Liquidation for more details.
How much will it cost to liquidate my company?
It depends on your situation. In most cases, the directors do not pay the costs personally. The liquidation is paid for using company assets. We are a small practice based in Bolton with low overheads, so we offer some of the most competitive fees in the UK. All costs will be confirmed in writing before we proceed. You may also be interested in CVL Costs.
What is a phoenix company?
This is a new limited company that starts after an old one has gone into liquidation. It allows the business to carry on with the profitable parts of the original company. There are strict rules about reusing a company name, so it’s important to get advice before going ahead. For further detail and more simple explanations of insolvency and liquidation terms see our Glossary.
What is a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)?
An MVL is used when a company is still solvent and can repay all its debts. It may be the right option if directors want to retire or step away from the business. MVLs can offer tax benefits, but they must be handled by a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. See all types of liquidations.
What is wrongful trading?
If a company is insolvent and directors carry on trading, they may be accused of wrongful trading. A director could be held personally liable if they knew, or should have known, that the company couldn’t avoid liquidation and did not act to reduce losses. Acting early helps reduce this risk.
Do you only offer formal insolvency advice?
No. Many businesses contact us who do not need formal insolvency procedures. We help explore all the options, including self-help and informal solutions. If formal action is needed, our Licensed Insolvency Practitioner can act for you directly.