Self-Employed Debt
Anderson Brookes is one of the leading providers of independent debt advice to the UK’s 3.8 million, self-employed business owners. Over 90% of our existing clients are currently running small businesses. We fully understand the specific needs of self-employed people struggling with debts. Each of our Advisers have over 10 years experience in assisting self-employed people.
Unlike a Director of a Limited Company, a Self-Employed person does not have ‘limited liability’ in relation to their business debts. Legally, there is no distinction between business assets / liabilities and the self-employed person’s personal affairs. In the course of running their businesses, self-employed people often use personal credit to support their business finances. We commonly find that the business owner has built up high balances on credit cards and personal loans. Self-Employed people with debt problems need specialist help.
More About Self-Employed Debt
Yes. A sole-trader is simply a self-employed person. A self-employed person is in business for themselves, they are entitled to all the profits their business makes and they are personally liable for the business debts. A sole-trader works in exactly the same way.
Whether our client refers to themselves as a self-employed person or a sole-trader, the same debt solutions are available.
Yes. If we are instructed early enough, we are usually very successful in stopping bailiffs from removing assets. We have written a useful guide to the powers of bailiffs on this website; please visit our Help Guide section. Whilst the Help Guide is very useful, it is no substitute for specific personal advice. Please call us now and speak with a qualified Adviser.
In most cases, we are able to speak directly with the bailiff; once they understand your circumstances, they may allow us extra time to put a repayment plan together. If the bailiff is not receptive to our requests, we may be able to help you get a Court Order blocking bailiff enforcement action for around one month. This should give us all the time we need to put a formal repayment plan in place.
Yes. Providing debt advice to the Directors of limited companies is our specialist area. There are a wide range of debt solutions available to limited companies struggling with cash-flow problems. Our aim is make sure Directors understand all their options before taking any action.
See further guidance and CVL frequently asked questions.
No. In fact, most of the people that call us for advice do not need a formal insolvency procedure. Before recommending any specific debt solution, we will help you consider all the options available to you. This will include providing you with self-help guidance and advice on informal debt solutions.
As you would expect, in the event that you do need insolvency advice our Licensed Insolvency Practitioner will be able to act on your behalf. Unlike some of our competitors, we would not need to refer you to an external company having recommended an insolvency process.
Yes. Although we specialise in helping with small business debt problems, many of our clients are also suffering with personal debts (credit cards, loans, bank overdrafts etc). We will make sure our advice covers all your financial affairs.
In order to provide advice in relation to personal debts, firms must be licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Anderson Brookes Ltd is directly Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *Before taking advice from any individual or organisation, it is essential that you verify that they are authorised to provide regulated advice. If you have already spoken with an Adviser but are unsure of their status, please feel free to call us on 0800 1804 933 and we will explain how to properly check them out.
About Anderson Brookes
Yes. If we are instructed early enough, we are usually very successful in stopping bailiffs from removing assets. We have written a useful guide to the powers of bailiffs on this website; please visit our Help Guide section. Whilst the Help Guide is very useful, it is no substitute for specific personal advice. Please call us now and speak with a qualified Adviser.
In most cases, we are able to speak directly with the bailiff; once they understand your circumstances, they may allow us extra time to put a repayment plan together. If the bailiff is not receptive to our requests, we may be able to help you get a Court Order blocking bailiff enforcement action for around one month. This should give us all the time we need to put a formal repayment plan in place.
Before discussing your financial affairs, we believe that you should check the credentials of the individual or organisation you intend speaking with. We are no different:
Anderson Brookes Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority; our FCA registration number is 669796. You can confirm our details on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk
Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd is a firm of Insolvency Practitioners. Rikki Burton is licensed to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in the UK by the ICAEW.
Anderson Brookes Ltd and Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd are both registered at 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 2AX
Anderson Brookes Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd is a separate company. Rikki Burton is Licensed to act as an Insolvency Practitioner by the ICAEW.
Yes. Although we are based in Bolton, Lancashire, we deal with clients throughout the UK. Most of the work we do can be completed over the phone. You will not need to visit our offices; we can however, arrange to come and see you at your home or business if you prefer.
Yes. We offer a Free Consultation in all cases. We will ask questions to help us understand your circumstances and provide you with a specific recommendation. Should you decide to move forward with any recommendation we have made, we will confirm any costs involved in writing, before accepting your instructions. In some cases, there will be no charge made by Anderson Brookes for the services we provide.
No. You do not need to arrange an appointment, simply call us on 0800 1804 933 and we’ll be able to help. If you prefer, we can arrange to call you at a time convenient to you.
How We can Help
Sole Traders and Self-Employed business owners often find it difficult to get help with debt. Anderson Brookes specialise in providing advice to business owners with complicated financial problems.
One of the most popular debt solutions for Self-Employed people struggling with debt is a Self-Employed IVA. You can read about these by visiting our page on self-employed IVA’s or call us for immediate, specific advice.
For more information about our debt solutions contact us today.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“The service I received from Anderson Brookes was excellent. I’d already made the decision to cease trading but I didn’t know how to deal with my legal responsibilities as a Director. I went through the process of Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). Anderson Brookes helped me through every stage”.
“Neil helped me through the process of Liquidating my company. Although closing-down the company was quite stressful, it was surprisingly quick and Neil made sure I knew what to expect at each stage. I have recommended other business owners to Anderson Brookes and always received great feedback”.
“Why my company ran into cash-flow difficulties, I was introduced to Neil at Anderson Brookes. We discussed lots of different options but I decided to place the company into Liquidation. The problems are now behind me and I’ve been able to set up a brand new, debt-free company”.
“Anderson Brookes helped me arrange a Business IVA. I was a sole trader and my plumbing business had run into financial problems. I was able to repay my debts through a voluntary arrangement over 5-years. I’m pleased to say; the business has been trading very successfully now for the last few years”.
“Just thought I would let you know that business is going extremely well I have no credit commitments, new car, new van and 2 good holidays a year and I really do owe all of that to you. I really appreciate your help in turning my life around. I would hate to think about where I would be if I hadn’t met you”.
If a County Court Judgment (CCJ) has been registered against you or your business, you will usually have 28 days to pay the debt in full. If you are unable to do this, it is likely the CCJ will be Enforced by the Court; this could mean contact from Bailiffs. Read our CCJ Guide
If you have fallen behind with your payments to HMRC, you may qualify for a “Time to Pay Plan”. Although not well advertised, HMRC will sometimes allow business owners up to 12-months to repay Tax Arrears, including VAT, PAYE, Self-Assessment. HMRC Help Guide
“Can a Bailiff force entry into my home or business premises?” – This is one of the most common questions our Advisers are asked. The Good News is that new rules recently came into effect, giving more protection from unfair behaviour by Bailiffs. Read our Bailiff Help Guide
ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
ANDERSON BROOKES GROUP
Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd is a limited company registered in England and Wales; the company registration number is 10324159. Registered office, First Floor, Fairclough House, Church Street, Adlington, Chorley PR7 4EX. Rikki Burton ACA is licensed and regulated to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Our VAT Registration Number is 249 5912 70. Data Protection: our ICO registration reference number is ZA201949.
Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd operate a complaints procedure. In the first instance, please call 01204 255 051 or email info@andersonbrookes.co.uk to request a copy of the complaints process. If we are unable to deal with your complaint to your satisfaction, your complaint should be made to the Insolvency Complaints Gateway by visiting their website https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-insolvency-practitioner and completing and submitting their online form. Alternatively, you can print the form from their website and send it by post to The Insolvency Service, IP Complaints, 3rd Floor, 1 City Walk, Leeds, LS11 9DA or contact them by telephone on 0300 678 0015 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm).