Forbes Burton

Can I Close a Limited Company with Debts and Start Again?

Chris Leadley — Thu, 28 May 2026 09:38:30 +0000

In short: Yes, the same director/owner can close a company with debts and start another business, providing that certain steps have been undertaken. The company in debt must be closed via a creditors’ voluntary liquidation, dissolution, or compulsory liquidation. There are restrictions in place for the new company, including rules around the naming of any […]

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War Zone to Shoe Zone: How the Iran War Hurts the UK High Street

Robbie Meechan — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:42:18 +0000

Considering the life-or-death nature of any war, it seems somewhat gauche to lament the Iran War’s impact on UK shopping. However, there’s no denying that certain businesses have found the consequences of the Middle Eastern conflict difficult to contend with. Chief among the issues facing UK companies is the resultant hike in crude oil prices. […]

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Claire’s Accessories to Reopen After Folding

Robbie Meechan — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:48:32 +0000

In an unexpected turn of events, it seems that failed jewellery firm, Claire’s, is set to return to UK high streets mere weeks after collapsing into administration. The well-known accessory shop closed all 154 of its stores and laid 1,300 staff off after a buyer wasn’t found to take on the ailing business. Owners, Modella […]

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Business Exit Strategies

Chris Leadley — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:59:53 +0000

No matter how well your company is doing, it’s always worth having some business exit strategies in place. Whether it be a long-term strategy that ensures you can eventually extract the most value possible from your company, or a contingency plan in case things don’t go to script, a business exit strategy should be something […]

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How to Manage Small Business Finances

Chris Leadley — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:33:56 +0000

In short: Be strict with invoices to avoid cash flow problems. Some industries, such as construction, are vulnerable to late payments when starting new projects is so costly. Consider opening an extra business account to siphon off 20% for each job into. VAT bills are then automatically accounted for. Have reserves in place for global […]

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How Recent AI Breakthroughs Threaten UK SMEs

Robbie Meechan — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:26:08 +0000

Traditionally the preserve of large corporations, cybersecurity isn’t something that smaller businesses have ever really needed to worry about that much. That could be set to change soon, however, as UK Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall recently warned that British businesses of all sizes are now under threat. Advances in AI have now intensified the risk […]

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How to Close a Franchise Business

Robbie Meechan — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:11:28 +0000

In short: There are several differences between the closure of an independent and franchise business. Most arise from the inclusion of a franchise agreement, which can differ greatly between franchises. Franchise model exit costs include early termination fees, projected lost royalties, admin fees and delivery costs of returning the franchisor’s assets. Business closure specialists can […]

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What Went Wrong for Gentleman’s Relish?

Robbie Meechan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:12:46 +0000

While hardly a household staple (indeed, many are still be unfamiliar with it) the discontinuation of Gentleman’s Relish has shaken those that enjoyed its piquant and savoury taste. The anchovy paste with strong fishy smell and unassuming white packaging has been on grocery store shelves for the last 180 years, so its quiet shuffle off […]

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Director Jailed for Bounce Back Loan Fraud

Robbie Meechan — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:40:05 +0000

A Manchester businessman has been jailed for two years and four months after fraudulently claiming more than he was entitled to in Bounce Back Loans. Matloob Hussain received £150,000 by falsifying figures relating to his companies during the pandemic. As well as a sole-tradership, Hussein was director of Eccles-based Dynasty Group Ltd, a clothing wholesaler, […]

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What Went Wrong for Car Park Giants, NCP?

Robbie Meechan — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:08:04 +0000

There were more than a few surprised faces when UK car park giant, NCP announced that it was entering administration recently. Car parks have routinely been held up in the past as a superb way to raise income from land in and around town centres. In fact, as businesses go, it seems almost as passive […]

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