How Long Does Liquidation Take in the UK?
Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners help directors close limited companies with debt quickly, legally and with expert guidance every step of the way.
Free Consultation - Company Placed into Liquidation within 8 days
How Long Does Liquidation Take in the UK?
Anderson Brookes can place a company into liquidation within just 8 days. If you’re under pressure from creditors, facing legal threats, or want clarity fast – we can help. This initial step is the key.
Call 0800 1804 933 or email advice@andersonbrookes.co.uk for free, expert guidance.
The process, led by creditors through the court, can be much slower, up to 18 months or more in more complex cases and depending on how long it takes to:
Prepare and serve a winding-up petition
Wait for a court hearing (can take 6–10 weeks)
Appoint an Official Receiver or liquidator
Administer assets and complete investigations
Because directors lose control of the process, and creditor and court timelines are involved, it can be stressful and uncertain.
When your business is struggling, knowing how long the liquidation process might take can help reduce uncertainty and support informed decisions. While every case is different, here’s what to expect depending on the type of liquidation and your company’s circumstances.
Typical Liquidation Timeframes
| Type of Liquidation | Average Time to Completion |
|---|---|
| Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) | 6 to 12 months (can begin within 7–10 days of instruction) |
| Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) | 3 to 6 months (if tax clearance is smooth) |
| Compulsory Liquidation | 12 months or longer (often delayed due to court timelines) |
7 Key Steps to a CVL
Timeline for a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
A CVL is typically the quickest route to close an insolvent company in a controlled way. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
Day 1 – 3: Initial consultation and fact-find with an insolvency practitioner (IP).
Day 4 – 7: Drafting the Statement of Affairs (SOA), issuing notices to shareholders and creditors, and preparing for the decision date.
Day 8 – 10: Company enters liquidation. IP appointed formally. Creditors are notified.
Month 2 – 6: IP works through asset realisation, employee claims, and creditor distributions.
Month 6 – 12: Final reports prepared and submitted. Company struck off the Companies House register.
Anderson Brookes can place a company into liquidation within just 8 days from first instruction, thanks to our focused team, streamlined process, and experience supporting directors across sectors.
Timeline for a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
If your company is solvent and you’re closing for retirement, restructuring, or tax reasons, an MVL is often faster.
Day 1–5: Declaration of Solvency prepared and signed.
Day 6–10: Shareholder meeting to appoint a liquidator. Company enters MVL.
Month 2–4: Distribution of assets to shareholders.
Month 3–6: HMRC tax clearance. Final accounts submitted. Company dissolved.
Delays can occur if HMRC clearance is slow or if asset values are disputed. Your IP will advise on how to avoid delays.
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.
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
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.
What Can Delay Liquidation?
Missing or disorganised company records
Delays gathering creditor information
Disputes over director conduct or unpaid loans
Waiting for HMRC tax clearance (especially in MVLs)
Complex asset sales or lease transfers
Acting early, providing clear records, and appointing an experienced IP can reduce delays.
Fast-Track Support from Anderson Brookes
Anderson Brookes is one of the UK’s most responsive licensed insolvency firms. We can place a company into liquidation within just 8 days of first contact in most cases. Our clear, director-focused approach helps you:
Avoid unnecessary stress and delays
Get protection from creditor action quickly
Receive clear, plain-English advice throughout
Call 0800 1804 933 or email advice@andersonbrookes.co.uk for a free, confidential consultation.
