Client Meeting Preparation Checklist

Key questions to ask before making a referral

These questions are intended to help identify signs of financial distress and determine whether specialist advice may be appropriate. They are not intended to replace legal, accounting or regulated financial advice.

Trading Position

Is the business continuing to trade normally?
Have there been any recent losses or cash flow pressures?
Has turnover fallen significantly during the last 6–12 months?
Have any major customers or contracts been lost?
Are there any seasonal factors or one-off events affecting performance?

Creditor Pressure

Are suppliers demanding payment or restricting credit?
Have any County Court Judgments (CCJs) or statutory demands been received?
Is HMRC pursuing unpaid liabilities or threatening enforcement action?
Have creditors threatened or commenced legal proceedings?

Cash Flow

Is the company able to meet payroll obligations?
Are VAT, PAYE or Corporation Tax liabilities overdue?
Is the business relying on director loans or external funding to continue trading?
Is there sufficient working capital for the next three months?

Finance and Security

Are there any bank facilities, asset finance or invoice finance arrangements in place?
Have lenders raised concerns or imposed restrictions?
Have any personal guarantees been given?

Directors and Shareholders

Are directors concerned about potential personal liability?
Are shareholders aligned on the future of the business?
Have restructuring or rescue options been considered?

Immediate Action Required?

Are employees, customers or key suppliers at risk?
Is there a pressing legal or financial deadline?
Would an urgent discussion with an insolvency practitioner be beneficial?

Conversation Reminder

Early advice often creates more options. Prompt referrals can help preserve value and improve outcomes for directors, creditors and stakeholders.

For more information about our referral and partnership schemes, or to discuss a client confidentially, contact Tom Fox, Head of Insolvency today. 
Call 01625 546 240 or 07814 434 697.

Download this client meeting preparation checklist as a pdf

See our document checklist before referring

See our referral email templates

What our clients tell us

Tom Fox was incredibly helpful as I prepared to liquidate a couple of companies - clear advice, a respectful approach to both myself as director and the creditors, and a reasonable fee structure vs many of the national IP's I spoke to whilst researching who to work with.

Mike S

I engaged Umbrella accountants to oversee a Members Voluntary Liquidation for the small consultancy business I've been running. The team talked me through the MVL process, steps and requirements. The paperwork involved was well explained and straightforward, with the initial disbursement of funds handled very quickly and professionally under tight deadlines.

Brendan N

I extend my appreciation of your professional efficiency in handling my company business and herewith say thank you.

Maxine R

Umbrella.UK Insolvency guided me as sole Director of my small limited company, and the shareholders, through every step of a Members Voluntary Liquidation in a very efficient manner. The steps required were clearly laid out and proactively managed by their licensed practitioner. From first meeting through to an interim distribution of funds to shareholders took only a few days in our case. Thereafter, Umbrella will be managing all of the downstream actions required to complete the process with HMRC and Companies House, through to the final discharge of the company.

Alex O

I'd just like to thank Tom for your help with the closure of my company. You have been highly efficient and very professional throughout. Thank you.

Tony D

First of all, I would like to say a BIG Thank You for all of your assistance over the past year. I would not be in the positive state of recovery without Umbrella Insolvency. Your care and assistance at the application stage last summer, along with the advice throughout the year, has been great. I would not hesitate to tell anyone in my negative situation where to turn to.

Mr TM

Before I came to Umbrella.UK Insolvency I was in a bad place mentally due to debt because I believed I would be in my current situation for a long time to come. Umbrella.UK Insolvency walked me through my options and helped me pick the best one. I am genuinely amazed at what they managed to do for me and can now afford to live comfortably, and without the constant worry of debt looming over me.

I engaged Tom to arrange an IVA for me after I ran into financial difficulties as a result of the closure of my company. He introduced me to Sarah and both of them as a team worked tirelessly through Lockdown to get the best outcome for me and my family. Both Sarah and Tom were patient, thorough and incredibly compassionate for our situation. They attained the best outcome for us and I couldn't speak more highly of them. Thank you to you both, Amazing work.

Thank you very much for your assistance in a successful proposal. We are ever so grateful as this is a chance to transform our lives; or rather you have given us a second chance to have our lives in order. Thank you for your patience and perseverance throughout that you showed.

Thank you so much for your help with my IVA. As an ex-company Director my life took a downward spiral when creditors from my liquidated company called upon my personal guarantees. I had been treading water for months, ran up credit card debts and borrowed from family. When a creditor instigated bankruptcy proceedings against me I thought I was going to lose my house. I contacted Umbrella.UK Insolvency who stopped all the phone calls and threatening letters. Umbrella.UK Insolvency explained things in a way I could understand. They negotiated with creditors and my IVA went through, now I can sleep at night again and I kept my home. Thomas Fox was extremely knowledgeable and I truly thank him and his team.

Paul G

Following a personal recommendation, we appointed Umbrella.UK Insolvency to handle the voluntary liquidation of our business (MVL). Tom and his team were excellent, keeping us well informed throughout and working effectively with the company's accountants to ensure all documentation was produced and filed on time. I have since recommended Umbrella.UK to friends looking for similar services and I have no hesitation in recommending them more widely.

Kevin B

I engaged Umbrella .UK Insolvency to oversee a Members Voluntary Liquidation for the small consultancy business I've been running. The team talked me through the MVL process, steps and requirements. The paperwork involved was well explained and straightforward, with the initial disbursement of funds handled very quickly and professionally under tight deadlines.

Brendan N

Thank you to Tom Fox at Umbrella Insolvency for helping me close my limited company after being forced to close it due to IR35 issues. Tom clearly has a lot of experience doing MVLs to help limited contractors like myself caught by IR35. I was surprised by how much money I was actually left with. Very impressed, thank you!

David G

I had the pleasure of working with Umbrella.UK for an insolvency matter. Their compassionate approach, coupled with their expertise, helped me find the right solution for my company's financial difficulties. I highly recommend their services.

M Harris

Umbrella.UK's team of insolvency practitioners demonstrated exceptional knowledge and professionalism throughout our engagement. Their ability to provide clear solutions and communicate complex matters made the CVL insolvency process much more manageable.

Emma D

As a director facing company financial difficulties during covid, I was overwhelmed and unsure about the next steps. Umbrella.UK stepped in and guided me through the options for helping my business recover with patience and expertise. I cannot thank them enough for their exceptional service and my company is in a much healthier situation.

Mark T

I am extremely grateful to Umbrella.UK for their prompt and effective insolvency assistance. Their deep understanding of the insolvency process and dedication to helping struggling businesses saved us from a dire situation. Thank you!

S Johnson

Tom Fox at Umbrella.UK provided invaluable guidance and support during a challenging time for our business. Their team of experts helped us navigate through insolvency with professionalism and efficiency. Highly recommended.

John S

Client Meeting Preparation Checklist

Key questions to ask before making a referral

Trading Position

Creditor Pressure

Cash Flow

Finance and Security

Directors and Shareholders

Immediate Action Required?

Conversation Reminder

What our clients tell us

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