Insolvency & Restructuring Lawyers

At KaurMaxwell, our restructuring and insolvency solicitors combine swift legal insight with commercial pragmatism to support businesses, directors, lenders, and insolvency practitioners during financial distress. Whether your situation involves restructuring complex debt, defending director disqualification, or formal insolvency proceedings, we provide practical, strategic solutions tailored to your objectives.

Our Approach to Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency Matters

Practical, commercially focused, and legally robust. We:

• Prioritise early diagnosis of distress to maximise recovery options
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to reduce litigation risk
• Tailor restructuring strategies to your business objectives
• Navigate both domestic and cross-border issues with clarity



We aim to guide businesses and individuals through uncertain times with minimal disruption and strategic insight.

Why Choose KaurMaxwell as Restructuring and Insolvency Solicitors?

Experienced Restructuring & Insolvency Team

Our team combines deep legal knowledge with real-world commercial insight to deliver bespoke solutions.

Transparent and Practical Commercial Advice

We offer clear advice so you can make informed decisions quickly and confidently.

Proven Track Record in Dispute Resolution

Our history of successful outcomes speaks to our capabilities in even the most complex financial matters.

Ethical & Responsible Legal Support

As a B Corp certified firm, we deliver services with transparency, empathy, and social purpose.

Multi-Sector Expertise

We advise across a range of industries, giving us insights that apply to your unique business challenges.

• Civil litigation
• Commercial litigation
• Property law
• Employment law
• Insolvency and restructuring law

Our Insolvency & Restructuring Services Include

When businesses and individuals face financial difficulty, the decisions made in the early stages can be the difference between recovery and irreversible damage. At KaurMaxwell, our insolvency and restructuring team provides specialist advice across the full spectrum of corporate and personal insolvency combining deep technical expertise with practical, commercial judgment.

We act for directors, businesses, lenders, creditors, insolvency practitioners and individuals, bringing the same commitment to every matter: protecting your interests, finding the best available outcome, and guiding you through one of the most challenging situations you will face.

Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring

Administrations and Pre-Pack Sales

Administration can provide vital breathing space for a distressed business. We advise directors, administrators and stakeholders on all aspects of the administration process, including pre-packaged sales, where the business and assets are sold immediately upon appointment, ensuring transactions are properly structured, commercially sound and compliant with the relevant regulations.

Business Restructuring Advisory Services

Not every financially distressed business needs a formal insolvency process. We work closely with directors and management teams to assess all available options, develop restructuring strategies and implement solutions that preserve value, protect jobs and position the business for a sustainable future.

Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs)

A CVA can offer a lifeline to a viable business burdened by unmanageable debt, allowing it to reach a binding agreement with creditors while continuing to trade. We advise on the suitability of a CVA, assist in proposal preparation and represent clients throughout the process.

Debt Restructuring and Refinancing

When existing debt facilities are no longer sustainable, we advise businesses on restructuring their liabilities, whether through negotiated amendments, new financing arrangements, or a combination of both, helping to stabilise operations and restore financial viability.

Distressed Business Sales and Acquisitions

Acquiring or disposing of a distressed business or its assets presents unique legal and commercial complexities. We act for buyers and sellers in distressed transactions, providing expert guidance on structuring, due diligence, risk allocation and execution at pace.

Schemes of Arrangement

Schemes of arrangement are a powerful tool for complex restructurings involving multiple creditor classes. We advise on the design, negotiation and implementation of schemes, drawing on our experience in contentious and non-contentious insolvency to anticipate and manage potential challenges.

Insolvency Liquidations

Whether compulsory or creditors' voluntary, we advise directors, shareholders, creditors and officeholders on all aspects of the liquidation process, from the initial decision through to dissolution, ensuring obligations are met and interests are protected throughout.

Advice for Lenders, Creditors & Insolvency Practitioners

Advice for Lenders and Creditors

When a borrower or counterparty becomes insolvent, swift and expert advice is essential. We act for secured and unsecured lenders and creditors, advising on rights and remedies, proof of debt, creditors' committee representation and strategy for maximising recoveries.

Security Review and Enforcement Advice

We advise lenders and secured creditors on the validity and priority of their security, and on the most effective enforcement strategies, whether through fixed charge receivers, LPA receivers, or other routes, to protect and recover their position.

Debt and Asset Recovery

We pursue debt and asset recovery across a wide range of insolvency contexts, including antecedent transaction claims, preference claims, transactions at an undervalue and misfeasance proceedings, working to maximise returns for clients.

Contentious Insolvency Advice for Insolvency Practitioners

Insolvency practitioners face an increasingly litigious environment. We advise officeholders on the full range of contentious matters arising in insolvency, from antecedent transaction challenges and misfeasance claims to disputes with creditors, directors and third parties, providing robust, strategic support throughout.

Non-Contentious Insolvency Advice for Insolvency Practitioners

We support insolvency practitioners on the day-to-day legal issues that arise in appointments, including technical compliance, asset realisation, dealing with complex asset structures and navigating novel legal issues, providing reliable, specialist counsel to help appointments run smoothly.

Personal Insolvency

Personal Insolvency Advisory Services

Financial difficulty is deeply personal, and the right advice at the right time makes all the difference. We advise individuals facing insolvency on all available options, including bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and debt relief orders, explaining the implications clearly and helping clients make informed decisions about their future.

Personal Bankruptcy Petitions and Annulments

We act for both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, advising on the presentation of petitions, defending against petitions and, where appropriate ,making applications to annul bankruptcy orders. Annulment can offer a vital route back for individuals who have been wrongly made bankrupt or who have since remedied their position.

Property Insolvency

Insolvency involving property assets raises distinct legal issues, from charging orders and forced sale applications to the treatment of beneficial interests and family home protections. We advise trustees in bankruptcy, officeholders, secured creditors and individuals on the full range of property-related insolvency matters.

Statutory Demand Advice and Setting Aside Applications

A statutory demand is often the precursor to winding-up or bankruptcy proceedings and should never be ignored. We advise recipients on their options and, where grounds exist, make urgent applications to set aside a statutory demand protecting individuals and businesses from the consequences of proceedings being issued.

Directors Disqualification Defence

Facing a directors disqualification investigation or proceeding is one of the most serious challenges a business person can encounter. A disqualification order can prevent you from acting as a director or being involved in the management of a company for up to 15 years — with potentially devastating consequences for your career, reputation and livelihood.

At KaurMaxwell, we provide expert, specialist defence for directors at every stage of the disqualification process, from the earliest investigation through to contested hearings and appeals.

How We Can Help

Early-Stage Investigation & Insolvency Service Negotiations Many disqualification cases can be resolved — or significantly mitigated — before proceedings ever reach court. We engage directly with the Insolvency Service on your behalf, challenging the factual basis of allegations, presenting mitigating evidence, and negotiating undertakings where appropriate to achieve the best possible outcome with minimum disruption to your life and business.

Defending Disqualification Proceedings Where proceedings are issued, we mount a rigorous defence. We scrutinise the evidence relied upon by the Secretary of State, identify weaknesses in the case against you, and present compelling counter-arguments — whether the allegations relate to wrongful trading, failure to keep proper accounting records, breach of fiduciary duty, or any other ground of alleged unfit conduct.

Applications for Leave to Act (Section 17 CDDA 1986) Even if you are disqualified, you may be able to obtain permission from the court to continue acting as a director of specific companies. These applications require careful preparation, a persuasive case on necessity, and a thorough understanding of how courts balance risk against the legitimate needs of business. We have direct, leading-case experience in this highly specialised area.

Appeals If you have received an adverse decision at first instance, we advise on the merits of an appeal and represent you in the higher courts where prospects justify it.

A Track Record That Speaks for Itself

Rwamba v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy [2020] EWHC 2778 (Ch)

This case illustrates the depth of expertise KaurMaxwell brings to directors' disqualification work.

Mandeep acted for Mr R in what LexisNexis described as a ground-breaking directors disqualification case heard before Mr Justice Miles in the Chancery Division of the High Court. Mr R had been disqualified on two separate occasions — the second arising from a breach of conditions attached to an earlier grant of leave to act — and had twice been refused permission to act as a director by the ICC Judge.

Mandeep advised Mr R through a successful appeal to the High Court. Mr Justice Miles held that the lower court had erred by placing excessive weight on deterrence solely because the disqualification arose from a breach of a prior permission order. The Judge granted leave to act, subject to conditions, having found that Mr Rwamba's earlier conduct did not involve dishonesty and that there was no material risk of future breach.

The judgment is now a leading authority on section 17 CDDA 1986 applications — and the first reported case in which permission was granted to a director applying for leave under a previous leave order. Mandeep subsequently co-authored the LexisNexis case commentary on the judgment.

This is the level of expertise and commitment we bring to every directors disqualification matter we handle.

Why Choose KaurMaxwell?

• Specialist expertise in directors disqualification law, including the full range of CDDA 1986 proceedings
• Direct experience in High Court appeals and landmark reported cases
• A track record of successfully negotiating with the Insolvency Service
• Practical, commercial advice focused on protecting your ability to continue in business
• Recognised expertise — with published legal commentary at the highest levels

If you are under investigation or have been served with disqualification proceedings, time is critical. Contact us today for a confidential discussion about how we can help.

Debt and Asset Recovery

We pursue debts, recover assets, and initiate court proceedings where needed to protect creditors’ interests.

Insolvency Liquidation

We handle all aspects of compulsory and voluntary liquidation procedures.

Personal Insolvency Advisory Services

We advise individuals on bankruptcy, IVAs, and debt restructuring plans.

Property Insolvency

We assist with recovery, disposal, and litigation concerning distressed property assets.

Advice for Lenders & Creditors

We act for creditors to protect and enforce their rights throughout the insolvency process.

Plus:

• Administrations and pre-pack sales
• Company voluntary arrangements (CVAs)
• Debt restructuring and refinancing
• Distressed business sales and acquisitions
• Personal bankruptcy petitions and annulments
• Schemes of arrangement
• Security review and enforcement advice
• Statutory demand advice and setting aside applications

Our Process

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
2. Financial Analysis and Contingency Planning
3. Negotiation with Stakeholders
4. Implementation of Restructuring or Insolvency Options
5. Litigation and Enforcement (if needed)

Who We Represent

Insolvency Practitioners

We advise liquidators, administrators, and trustees on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Business Directors

We guide directors through their duties and potential risks during company insolvency.

Creditors and Lenders

We protect creditor interests, recover assets, and enforce rights through court or negotiation.

Companies and Stakeholders Facing Insolvency

We assess restructuring opportunities or manage formal insolvency proceedings.

What Is Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Law?

Corporate restructuring focuses on reorganising a company’s finances and operations to avoid insolvency. Insolvency, on the other hand, deals with entities unable to meet their debts and may lead to liquidation or administration. Both processes are legally complex and carry significant financial implications

What Are the Types of Insolvency Procedures?

• Liquidation: Company assets are sold and distributed to creditors.
• Pre-Pack Administration: A business sale is arranged prior to administration for continuity.
• Administration: The company is protected from creditors while plans are made to rescue or restructure.
• Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs): Formal agreement between company and creditors.
• Bankruptcy and IVAs: Personal insolvency options for individuals.

Directors' Duties During Insolvency

When insolvency is likely or ongoing, directors must:

• Prioritise the interests of creditors
• Avoid wrongful trading
• Maintain accurate records
• Seek professional advice promptly

Failing to comply may lead to personal liability or disqualification.

Role of the Insolvency Service

The Insolvency Service is a government body that investigates misconduct and enforces insolvency law. It supports directors, creditors, and practitioners by overseeing disqualifications, investigating fraud, and maintaining insolvency registers.

Can Creditors Force Insolvency?

Yes. Creditors may issue a statutory demand or file a winding-up petition if debts are unpaid. Prompt legal advice is essential to respond effectively.

How Can Restructuring Save a Business?

Restructuring helps:

• Avoid insolvency through negotiation
• Improve operational efficiency
• Rebuild stakeholder trust
• Unlock new sources of finance or investment

Our lawyers tailor solutions that aim for recovery while managing legal risk.

Fees and Costs for Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Lawyers 

The cost of insolvency and restructuring advice depends on the nature and complexity of your matter. We are committed to transparent communication about fees and will explain costs clearly from the outset — so you can make informed decisions at every stage.

How We Work With You

We typically work in two stages:

Stage 1:Initial Discovery & Assessment (from £1,000–£5,000)

Before committing to a full engagement, we offer an initial discovery phase. This allows us to properly understand your situation, assess the options available to you and provide clear, early-stage advice on the best path forward. This stage is designed to give you real value quickly — and to make sure we are the right fit for your matter — before any significant costs are incurred.

Stage 2 — Full Matter Engagement

For corporate insolvency and restructuring matters, we typically act on matters with a value of £10,000 or above. The fee for full engagement will depend on the complexity, urgency and scope of your matter, and we will always agree a clear fee structure with you before proceeding.

Fee Arrangements

We understand that financial difficulty often means that cost certainty matters more than ever. That is why we offer a range of fee arrangements to suit your circumstances:

• Hourly rates — transparent, partner-led billing where you pay for the time spent on your matter
• Fixed fees — where the scope of work allows, we will agree a fixed fee so you know exactly what you will pay
• Conditional fee arrangements (CFAs) — in appropriate cases, we can discuss conditional fee arrangements, aligning our interests with yours and reducing upfront cost

We will always discuss the most suitable fee arrangement for your matter at the outset, and we will not surprise you with unexpected costs.

Is Your Matter Right for Us?

We handle corporate insolvency and restructuring matters with a minimum value of £10,000. If you are unsure whether your matter meets this threshold, contact us — our initial discovery phase is designed to help you understand your position quickly and cost-effectively, whatever the scale of your situation.

For a confidential discussion about your matter and our fees, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between restructuring and insolvency?

Restructuring helps businesses recover from distress without formal insolvency, while insolvency addresses cases where debts cannot be paid and may lead to administration or liquidation.

How can KaurMaxwell’s restructuring team help my business?

We work closely with you to understand your challenges, review financials, and build tailored legal solutions to resolve debt or insolvency risks.

What are the risks of corporate debt restructuring?

Restructuring may cause disputes with creditors or investors. We manage stakeholder expectations and protect your legal position.

What should I do if I receive a winding-up petition?

Act immediately. Contact us for urgent advice—we can negotiate with creditors, challenge petitions, or help restructure debt.

Can insolvency lead to liquidation?

Yes. If debts remain unpaid or rescue isn't viable, liquidation may follow. We’ll assess your options and defend your position.

Can I handle insolvency procedures without a solicitor?

While possible, insolvency law is complex. Legal advice ensures you follow the right steps, minimise risk, and understand all outcomes.