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A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations

Honest Burgers Served a Winding Up Petition By HMRC Before Settlement

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Hospitality Winding Up Petition by HMRC or Other Creditor – What is the Procedure?

According to reports in the Times, the Honest Burger chain of restaurants was served a winding up petition by HMRC over an unpaid tax bill.  The company stated that it had been asking for a bit more time to pay the debt but talks had fallen through.  HMRC often allow companies a bit of extra time to pay taxes and this is usually called a Time to Pay arrangement.Honest Burger spokesperson said that they had been told that they would have at least 6 weeks before any action was taken by HMRC. They were somewhat surprised to find that HMRC filed a petition only a week later.  The issue now facing companies is that when a petition is filed at the court it is instantly available to various credit reference agencies.  This used not to be the case until after a petition was actually advertised which, to be fair, was usually a few weeks after it would have been served.This goes to show that HMRC are beginning to take more aggressive action against companies that they feel can afford to pay.  Honest Burgers had just raised £3m via crowdfund capital raise last month and perhaps HMRC felt that they needed to get paid.The reports did not reveal what the amounts were but a spokesman for Honest Burgers said.“If we could deliver burgers half as quickly as HMRC delivers petitions, our like-for-like sales growth would be even higher than the 20 per cent we are seeing now.”A spokesman for HMRC said: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and only file winding-up petitions once we’ve exhausted all other options, in order to protect taxpayers’ money.”This is all a bit embarrasing for the company that has grown significantly since its start in Brixton in 2011.  The company now employs 700 people across its 40 sites.  The company says it has now paid the outstanding tax and the petition has been withdrawn.Byron Burgers was another chain that has experienced financial problems and entered a CVA to try and cut costs. The chain had gone from 67 to just 9 now.  So perhaps HMRC were wary of Burger chains.HMRC will take into account companies that it feels are at greater risk of insolvency when prioritising the collection of taxes. 

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Honest Burgers Served a Winding Up Petition By HMRC Before Settlement
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Dot Dot Loans Goes Into Administration

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Finance and Funding News What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Dot Dot Loans owner the Morses Club and Shelby Finance has gone into administration with the loss of 101 jobs. 272 staff remain across the two firms whilst the administrators look for a rescue or sale.Ed Boyle and Rob Spence from Interpath Advisory have been appointed as joint administrators.The companies have been under financial stress since the Morses Club is now facing lots of customer redress claims for offering them unaffordable loans.In May 2023, the Morses Club entered into a Scheme of Arrangement which is a system of restructuring used for complex financial companies and trusts and is administered by lawyers.The administrators said; “However, despite management’s best efforts, Morses Club has been unable to complete the refinancing of its existing debt facilities and therefore, the directors took the decision to appoint administrators to the businesses.As a result of the insolvency of Morses Club, the scheme automatically terminates early – further information regarding the impact on customers who submitted a claim in the scheme is available on its website”Shortly prior to the appointment of the joint administrators, all new lending ceased, but the companies continue to collect outstanding loans from customers.Administrators said it was "important that customers continue to make payments on outstanding loans as they fall due, as not doing so is likely to impact their credit rating/profile and their ability to borrow".The joint administrators will be working with the employees affected by redundancy over the coming days to provide them with support.

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Dot Dot Loans Goes Into Administration
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What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Going into administration is when a company becomes insolvent and is put under the control of Licensed Insolvency Practitioners.  The directors and the secured lenders can appoint administrators through a court process in order to protect the company and their position as much as possible. Going Into Administration - A Simple Guide Administration is a very powerful process for gaining control when a company has serious cashflow problems, is insolvent and facing serious threats from creditors. The Court may appoint a licensed insolvency practitioner as administrator. This places a moratorium around the company and stops all legal actions.The administration must have a purpose and the Government encourages the use of company rescue mechanisms after administration. The 3 purposes (or objectives) of Administration Rescuing the company as a going concern. Company rescue as a going concern – this is usually a  company voluntary arrangement. The company enters protective administration and is then restructured before entering into a CVA. The CVA would set out proposals for repayment of debts to secured, preferential and unsecured creditors. When the company has its CVA approved by creditors, then the administration process comes to an end after 28 days. Achieving a better result for the company's creditors This is as a whole than would be likely if the company was to be wound up (liquidation) See the differences between Administration and Liquidation.  This better result is usually obtained by selling the BUSINESS as a going concern to one or more buyers. The company and the debts are “left behind”. The better result may include securing transfer or employees under TUPE, as well as selling goodwill, intellectual property and assets. Controlling and then selling property/debtors. This is called realising assets. Then the administrator makes a distribution to one or more secured or preferential creditors, in order of creditors priority. Usually the business ceases trading and employees are made redundant.Only if the first two options are deemed unattainable, can the administrator use this third option.Under the administration option, it is possible for the company and its directors (or a creditor like the bank) to apply to the court to put the company into administration through a streamlined process.However, the law requires that any finance provider (like a bank or lender), with the appropriate security, is contacted and the aims of the administration be discussed and approved. The finance provider must have a fixed and floating charge (usually under a debenture) and the charge holder will need to give permission for the process to go ahead. Five days clear notice is required.  Be aware, though, that a secured lender can appoint administrators over a company without notice if it thinks its money is at risk.  So communication with the secured lender is essential.  

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What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Wilko collapses into Administration

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

29 September 2023Sky News share today that after seeing some proposals from PwC, it is likely that unsecured creditors will receive between 4p and 8p in the pound, from the collapse of Wilko.According to the proposals, The Pension Protection Fund (£20m owed as a secured creditor), along with Barclays (£2.4m owed) and Hilco UK (£39.9m owed) are expected to be paid in full. The PPF is also owed monies as a unsecured creditor,13th September 2023The Range has purchased Wilko's brand and online assets for a total of £5m it is understood. An announcement is expected by the administrators later.  The Range was under pressure to buy the assets as it faced increased competition from online marketplace OnBuy.12th September 2023The owner of Poundland has agreed to take on the leases of dozens of Wilko shops.Pepco Group, which owns Poundland in the UK, is expected to convert up to 71 Wilko stores to the Poundland brand.11th September 2023Today we here the news that the rescue deal on the cards with HMV owner, Doug Putman, has collapsed. It is expected that now administrators of PwC will strike deals with The Range and Poundland's owner.The Range is likely to purchase Wilko's brand and online assets, whereas Poundland are in talks to buy 100 stores.5th September 2023B&M has bought 51 Wilko shops (locations not disclosed) for £13 million after the discount retailer collapsed into administration.The shops are set to be rebranded as B&M.  The retailer did not acquire Wilko’s brand name or any of its intellectual property. It said it would provide an update on the timing of the new B&M openings in November.Despite this arrangement with B&M, a further 1,332 jobs have been lost. Across 52 Wilko stores, 1,016 redundancies will take place, alongside a loss of 299 roles at two of its distribution centres and 17 at its digital operations department.Conversations with administrators continue.Sky News report more.31st August 2023The latest update to be heard on the situation with Wilko is that OnBuy, the online marketplace, has made a last minute rescue bid for the brand. As reported in the Retail Gazette, it is thought that OnBuy only want to continue trading through Wilko.com.Just earlier on today, it was revealed that a proposed £90m deal from private equity firm, M2 Capital, claiming to retain all employees' roles for two years, whilst it saved Wilko from collapse, had fallen through. The bidder was unable to file the relevant paperwork in time which meant the inability to provide proof of funding.Following this, redundancies will shortly commence, with:269 employees at the retailer's support centre (Worksop) to be made redundant from close of play 4th September 14 employees at Kin Limited to be made redundant from close of play 4th September - this is a subsidiary of Wilko For the two distribution stores in Worksop and Newport, redundancies expected to be announced from next weekJoint administrator Jane Steer said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce these redundancies. We’re incredibly grateful to these team members for the support and dedication they’ve shown to the company, particularly over the last few very difficult weeks. We will continue to do all that we can to support staff through this period of difficult upheaval, and to maximise their opportunities for a rapid return to work. Our priority is to ensure that all team members affected by redundancy are assisted in processing their claims with immediate effect. We will be circulating correspondence to all staff as soon as possible which will outline the support available to complete redundancy payment forms. Advice and assistance will also be available from Job Centre Plus and other agencies.''With this in mind, talks are underway still with HMV owner, Doug Putman and PwC.28th August 2023The latest on Wilko x Administration threat is that Doug Poutman, HMV owner, is in discussion with PwC about offering a finance offer for hundreds of Wilko stores. He seeks a £50m backing to do so. If this falls unsuccessful, a deal with Poundland is likely to go ahead.24th August 2023We hear an update today from the administrators of Wilko. They share that jobs are set to go and stores will close as no buyer has been found for the business as a whole. This being said, some parts of the group could be bought.In a statement, PwC said: "While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it's clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group. Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.''23rd August 2023Rumours share that Poundland owner,  Pepco Group is in talks with PwC to acquire around 100 Wilko stores. Alongside this, B&M European Value Retail are supposedly negotiating over 40-50 stores. There are then various other value retailers, like TOFS, of whom have lodged offers to acquire smaller parts of Wilko's 400 store strong chain.A more official announcement is expected tomorrow on at least some of the sale agreements.Even with such agreements, there still remains risk of some site closures and job losses.Let's see what is to come...18th August 2023The deadline for interested parties to put forward a rescue deal for Wilko has passed. Administrators weigh up rescue bids. In the meantime,  a secondary sale begins, with discounts on hundreds of products in store.It has been heard that B&M, Poundland, The Range and Home Bargains - all competitors of the homeware retailer, have had interest to submit an offer.Whilst PwC are working on this case, no redundancies have been made. Only time will continue to tell the chains future.14th August 2023Companies vying to buy Wilko have been given until Wednesday 16th August to make an offer for the homewares chain which fell into administration last week.10th August 2023High Street home wear retail chain, Wilko, has collapsed into administration appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as administrators. This leaves 12,000 jobs at risk, as well as the future of many of its 400 stores.With the appointment of PwC, it triggers administrators to run a further administration sale, to see if there are any last minute rescue offers. However, should this not be successful, the 93-year-old chain will close and have its assets sold - making Wilko the biggest casualty of the High Street this year.  If you are an employee, worried about what this means for you, read our guide.Further updates to follow.9th August 2023Wilko has suspended all home deliveries, suggesting a fall into administration is inevitable. Talks with buyers have been underway, but it is thought nothing much will come from them, with the latest updates.8th August 2023 The owner of the Laura Ashley brand, Gordon Brothers, is in talks about a potential rescue deal for Wilko. Insiders say the offer may involve Gordon Brothers providing funding to the retailer to implement a restructuring which would involve a key amount of stores closing and jobs lost.PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which is advising Wilkos', is understood to be seeking binding offers within days, with the company close to running out of cash. Should PwC be appointed as administrator, a further sale process will proceed before embarking on a liquidation of the retailers assets, if no rescue deal comes through.3rd August 2023News today is that Wilko is teetering on the brink of administration, with 12,000 jobs at risk.Despite offers from potential buyers, the needed liquidity to cover the cash pressures being faced, has not been met.Mark Jackson, CEO of Wilko announced the decision to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators. In the meantime, discussions will continue with interested parties in the hope of a late-coming rescue. Watch this space!  A notice of intent gives the company 10 days for a rescue deal to be agreed.  If nothing is forthcoming then it is likely that the company will go into formal administration with the loss of thousands of jobs.27th July 2023It has been reported that Hilco have put in another £5m into Wilko to help with the current cash flow problems.19th June 2023It has reported in the news that landlords of Wilko face the chance of no rental payments for at least the next three years, as a CVA is likely to launch in the next month. The restructuring arrangement looks to cut rents at 240 of its 400 stores, with no stores facing closure.One source close to the process told The Times, that the retailer will soon run out of funds and could collapse into administration if a CVA is not agreed.12th June 2023Wilko has brought in CBRE property advisors to open negotiations with landlords on rent reductions.According to the latest news, Wilko is exploring a Company Voluntary Arrangement, in order to renegotiate rents and potentially close some stores, as part of its cost-cutting plans.PwC advisors are said to have been approached, to look into the various restructuring options possible.Chief executive Mark Jackson remarked: “We’re in the early stages of the turnaround and, as is usual, the directors continue to explore all options for Wilko’s long-term future.”16th February 2023Wilko has announced plans to cut more than 400 jobs, including assistant store managers, retail supervisors, head office managers and call centre workers, in the troubled retailer’s latest effort to control costs.4th January 2023It has been reported that Hilco, the retail turnaround fund, has lent £40m to Wilko to secure its long term future.Wilko has said that it has received a £30m emergency loan to see it through the Christmas trading period. It has already sold its distribution centre for £48m and leased it back. Hopefully this will be enough.In a statement Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko CEO comments:“Our relationship with our lending partners is solid. The recent sale and leaseback of our distribution centre to DHL earlier this week unlocked £48m which has enabled us to repay our revolving credit facility in full. We’re taking this opportunity, now that the deal is done, to review how we manage our ongoing financing to best trade through the current retail environment while continuing to invest in our future.”Suppliers to Wilko have had their credit insurance withdrawn according to reports. If true, this is a big blow as that now means that suppliers will be reluctant to grant Wilko any credit, so putting serious strain on the retailers finances.Both Retail Week and Retail Gazette have reported that the restructuring advisors Teneo have been instructed by Wilko, the homewares store, to look at how it can turnaround its fortunes. Last month it announced that it was extending its payment terms to 60 days and that anyone due to be paid in September would be paid in November.These are indications that the company is struggling. So what options does the chain have? It has already closed down 15 stores but if it needs to close down many more, that might be subject to long leases, then a company voluntary arrangement is a good way to do this. High rents may not be the issue here but increased competition and a drop in trade as the cost of living crisis bites.

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Wilko collapses into Administration

Linder Myers Solicitors Served Winding Up Petition

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Update 1 August 2023Linder Myers cases are now being handed by Gordons.  You can contact Gordons LLP directly by calling 0113 227 0385 or emailing metamorph@gordonsllp.com.Hundreds of jobs could be at risk after HMRC issued a winding-up petition against law firm Linder Myers Solicitors.The 100-year-old firm, one of 14 legal brands run by Metamorph Group, has locations in Manchester, Chester, Lytham, York, and Shrewsbury.Three of these names—Linder Myers, Donnelly and Elliott Solicitors in Gosport, and SLC Solicitors in Telford—combine to form MLL Ltd, which was this week served with a petition for winding up.The group is “working hard and in collaboration with HMRC to resolve any outstanding matters in relation to our company MLL” a representative for the group told TheBusinessDesk.com.MLL is currently four months behind on its accounts for the year ending in June 2021.Donnelly and Elliott Solicitors, SLC Solicitors, and Linder Myers Solicitors were combined as part of a reorganisation, which resulted in a £2.1 million deficit for the 18 months ending in June 2020, according to MLL’s most recent filed accounts.The company had more than 300 employees and assets worth £4.5 million at the time, yet its financial statements also had a signed promise from Metamorph Group to offer help for at least a year if necessary.The company stated in the notes to the financial statements that “Covid-19 has had a mixed impact on the group, with some areas such as trusts and probate and family increase in demand for services throughout the period and in other areas, the courts slowing down has reduced our ability to complete cases.“Furlough was used to help manage the financial impact of this situation, which also enabled the retention of key skills and capacity within the business.”In a statement addressing the action taken by its creditor, Tony Stockdale, the founder, CEO and Chair of the group, said, “We are working to resolve matters with HMRC and we are very confident of a successful outcome”.He said the group had “a supportive group of shareholders and management team who remain committed to our strategy”.“That said, the action of HMRC was a shock to everyone. As a result we will be making a number of changes in the business to avoid a repetition.”

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Linder Myers Solicitors Served Winding Up Petition

Administration for major UK wedding dress retailer, David’s Bridal

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Just hours after its US owner filed for bankruptcy and David's Bridal UK has filed an intention to go into administration. Andy Pear and Milan Vuceljic of Moorfields Advisory have been put on standby to be  appointed as the administrators working on the case.Across the UK, David's Bridal has 100 employees across its four stores in Watford, London, Brimingham and Glasgow.The retailer, founded in America in 1950, has operated in the UK since 2013, specialising in wedding and occasion dresses and accessories - a name known for many to-be-brides!In a statement, David’s Bridal said: “David’s Bridal stores remain open, and the company intends to continue operating in the ordinary course, including by fulfilling all customer orders without disruption or delay.'' It said it “intends to continue exploring a sale of all or some of its assets”.This is not the first time the retailer has faced difficulty. In 2018 it had filed for bankruptcy. According to CEO of the American parent company, meaningful strides had been taken in recent years to meet customers needs and transform accordingly.“Our business continues to be challenged by the post-Covid environment and uncertain economic conditions, leading us to take this step to identify a buyer who can continue to operate our business going forward. We are determined to stay focused on our future, because we believe we have an important role in ensuring that every bride, no matter her budget, can have her perfect dress.”When analysing the recent history of the UK counterpart, it had warned of a “material uncertainty” about its ability to continue in its 2021 accounts, which were signed off by the board last December. This was because the US parent company had done a deal in November 2022 to create additional liquidity that was dependent on “continuing compliance” with the loan terms.The UK business’s most recent published accounts, for 2021, showed a £170,000 loss on revenues of £4.3m. It last recorded an annual profit in 2018.

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Administration for major UK wedding dress retailer, David’s Bridal

Making Employees Redundant

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

Do you need to make a member(s) of your staff redundant? When facing business debt problems, one of the key decisions to make as owner or directors is this: do some roles need to be made redundant to save costs. Is the business going to be smaller if you use a CVA, or sell it through administration for example.Here are some key things to take into consideration. If you fail to act appropriately and correctly redundant employees can make a claim against your company. You could also face tribunals and fines for not acting correctly.If you don’t think your company can afford to make redundancies then read this page for information on how you can do it at NIL COST What is redundancy? Redundancy is the act of an employee losing their job as the job or role they perform is no longer needed. So, when is redundancy necessary? Cost cutting reasonsFor example resizing the company, closing certain departments or branches, perhaps due to an insolvency event such as administration or a company voluntary arrangement. When there is no longer a need for the full time role In this case where a full time role may no longer be available but there may be a new part time role, then the employer must offer the part-time position to the current full-timer.If the employee refuses, usually because the part-time position is not as convenient or suitable as an alternative, then the employee must be paid redundancy pay.Full business closure, either temporary ( refurbishment) or permanent So, remember, it is vital to only proceed with redundancy when appropriate as it will impact the employees and your business significantly.A number of alternatives can always be looked into, if trying to cut costs; reducing overtime, freezing any increases to salary/wages, putting a halt on any further recruitment, terminating contracts of temporary or agency staff.When redundancies are compulsory, for example, when employees need to be let go to save business costs and avoid insolvency there are certain criteria you can use to ensure the staff you choose to make redundant is fair. Typically use;Standards of work produced Attendance and disciplinary records Length of employment/service (it is important to avoid age discrimination here) Skills, experience and appraisal data (be careful to avoid sex/disability discrimination)Some employees may self-select and volunteer to be made redundant (usually if they are close to retirement age anyway and their redundancy pay will be worthwhile). Be sure to use previously agreed redundancy procedures made with unions if applicable too.It is vital for you as an employer to…Keep the employee informed with what is happening. Consult the employee and give an honest explanation as to why they have been selected to be made redundant. There is a period of consultation based on the amount of employees being made redundant.For between 20 and 99 employees being made redundant at once, there is a minimum obligation of 30 days and no less, to consult with employees. For 100 or more this period extends to 90 days and for any less, no set amount is required.Look into all other options and discuss this with the employee; are there any alternative employment positions you can offer? Can they be transferred to a different department of the company? Or a different branch? Alternative employment positions must be of a similar nature.The three key aspects of making an employee redundant are;consultation selection offer alternatives.What rights do redundant employees have? When dismissed due to redundancy, employees are entitled redundancy pay, provide the following conditions apply:they are a actual employee of the company, not a subcontractor they have had at least two years of continuous service they have been dismissed for redundancy purposes only.The sum of redundancy pay they will receive depends on their age at dismissal, weekly gross salary and length of service completed. Please note the Government caps the amount at £700 a week, with the maximum statutory redundancy pay at c.£17000.Do also check the employment contract for the employee as they may have alternative conditions. For example, one month’s pay per year of service. If this is the case, the contract entitlement would be followed instead. In any situation, the highest amount is always paid, be it the contractual or statutory amount.Before a staff member can be made redundant, their notice period must be served and this must usually be paid for. You can have more than the statutory minimum, so long it is agreed, but not less. Currently the notice periods are, at least one weeks’ notice if employed between one month and 2 years, one weeks’ notice for each year if employed between 2 and 12 years and 12 weeks’ notice if employed for 12 years+. Be aware that in some situations the employee can be paid in lieu instead, depending on their employment contract entitlements. When employees serve their notice period, allow them paid time off to look for alternative employment.Any accrued, untaken holiday pay will need to be paid for. This is capped at £700 a week and at a maximum of six weeks. Although redundancy payments are tax-free up to £30,000, for holiday pay, both income tax and national insurance are applicable. More about employee rights when being made redundant can be found here.If your business or company cannot afford to make redundancies then your business or company is in effect insolvent. As such, you will need to act and take advice from specialist advisors such as KSA Group the owners of this webpage, who are licensed insolvency practitioners.If the business could be viable after costs such employee roles can be made or other costs can be cut, then a company voluntary arrangement might be the best way to rescue the situation. Any redundancy pay or lieu of notice post an insolvency event may be paid though the RPORedundancy Payments Service Insolvency Service redundancypaymentsonline@insolvency.gov.uk Telephone: 0330 331 0020 Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm Friday, 9am to 3pmSee the video below for more information

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Making Employees Redundant

Energy Suppliers That Have Gone Bust

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations Energy News What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

The collapse of Bulb energy has been in the headlines as it has emerged that the tax payer is going to have to bail out its customers at a cost of £6.5bn.  Chris O'Shea the CEO of Centrica has warned that other suppliers are technically insolvent and may fail this winter.21 February 2022Whoop Energy which was introduced as a “small, independent family-run company” supplied 262 customers – the majority of them were businesses.Xcel Power had 274 customer accounts, gas only and all non-domestic.10 January 2022Following on from the recent news of Together Energys' likely collapse, FRP Advisory are heard to have been lined up for the handling of the procedure. Administration is expected this week.05 January 2022Together Energy, of which has a 50% backing from Warrington Borough Council, is the latest energy supplier on brink of collapse.Without an emergency cash injection via a rescue deal, it will run out of funding this month.Close sources say that Alvarez & Marsal, was close to concluding its hunt for new funding for the business and that the prospect of a solvent deal was now remote.Sky News report more.01 December 2021Zog Energy is the latest energy firm to go into administration. The market regulator will appoint a new supplier for its 11,700 gas and electricity customers.25 November 2021Orbit Energy and Entice Energy are the latest energy suppliers who have collapsed following the surge in gas prices being seen at the moment.22 November 2021It has been confirmed that Bulb Energy is to enter "special administration" following the collapse of discussions with its secured creditor over a £50m loan. “We’ve decided to support Bulb being placed into special administration, which means it will continue to operate with no interruption of service or supply to members," said a Bulb spokesperson. "If you’re a Bulb member, please don’t worry as your energy supply is secure and all credit balances are protected.”Bulb is the first energy supplier to be placed into the Special Administrator Regime, where the government will take over and run its operations, through regulator Ofgem. Such a proces is only used when Ofgem struggle to find another supplier who can take over the collapsing suppliers customers.16 November 2021Neon Reef and Social Energy Supply have ceased trading, with 35,500 customers impacted.2 November 2021Another day and another four energy suppliers collapse; Omni Energy Limited, MA Energy Limited, Zebra Power Limited, and Ampoweruk Ltd become the latest to cease trading.Together, the companies supplied about 23,700 domestic and overseas customers.1 November 2021Bluegreen becomes the latest small energy provider to collapse, amid high gas prices putting a strain and leaving the company in an ''unsustainable situation''.The provider serves 5,900 customers, of which will be moved to another supplier - as stated by energy regulator, Ofgem.29 October 2021The Government has accelerated contingency plans for the collapse of Bulb, the seventh-biggest energy supplier in the UK. This could leave 1.7 million household customers at risk - it would be a big demise! Ministers and officials, as well as Ofgem, have warned the company could collapse as early as next week.Some interested parties are in talks, but others have pulled out in recent days. A solvent resuce is possible, but it is unlikely the supplier would then survive November, if they lack any new funding.Sky News reports more.18 October 2021British energy supplier GOTO Energy Ltd has ceased trading, regulator Ofgem said on Monday, becoming the 12th UK energy firm to go bust since the beginning of September as companies struggle with record wholesale energy prices.GOTO Energy supplied gas and electricity to around 22,000 domestic customers.13 October 2021According to BBC News, Pure Planet and Colorado Energy have added to the list of collapsed small energy firms.It is reported tonight that advisers of CNG Group are seeking offers for its commercial supply arm, which supplies more than 40,000 SME businesses. Bids are required by the end of the week.This comes as the energy supplier prepares to withdraw from the gas wholesale market, highlighting the worsening impact the energy sector crisis is having on those within.Sky News reported that sources said the group was working with legal and accounting advisers to prepare for an insolvency process, with an insolvency practitioner likely to be appointed next week.See more from Sky News here.12 October 2021It has been reported that energy regulator, Ofgem are expecting another wave of collapses from suppliers, amid the crisis the industry is facing.As shared by Sky News, it is understood that at least four suppliers were in talks with the regulator about entering its 'Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR)' system, which would result in adding to the amounts of households impacted by rapidly increasing wholsesale gas prices.11 October 2021As reported by Sky News,  Pure Planet, which is partially owned by BP, is in talks with government regulator Ofgem to initiate the Supplier of Last Resort (SLR) process and transfer its 250,000 clients to other providers.  Pure Planet was founded in 2017.29 September 2021Just a week later and three more energy suppliers have ceased trading; Igloo, Symbio Energy and ENSTROGA.Customers of the collapsed suppliers have been reassured that a new supplier will protect them, in due course.Sky News report on the issue.22 September 2021Not even 24 hours since the last news update and we have further to add!Now, Green, alongside Avro Energy, have ceased trading and fallen victim to the energy sector crisis. Together, these energy suppliers, serve over 800,000 customers.''Unprecedented market conditions and regulatory failings'' are to blame.More casulaties are expected.Whilst all this has been happening, is has been revealed that Igloo, a small player in the same sector, has called in advisers and stopped taking on new customers, hinting signs it could be next.  See below for some of the latest news.https://www.energy-review.co.uk/guides/which-energy-suppliers-are-going-bust/21 September 2021Green, a small UK energy supplier, lines up advisers, Alvarez & Marsal, to oversee a potential insolvency. Administration could happen within days. This is the latest, but by all means, not the last, energy firm to struggle. Right now, there is an energy crisis being faced. Ministers rule out any help and action to assist companies on the brink of collapse.The advisors are working with Green to arrange plans, using Ofgem’s (energy industry regulator) Supplier of Last Resort mechanism.Around 200 people are employed with the firm. Unless state support is received, the CEO, McGirr, warns that the company may fail within three months.State support is unlikely. There are talks of support in some ways for larger energy companies, including extensions to state-backed loans, to subsidise the cost of taking on lossmaking customers from insolvent rivals.Sky News reports more.

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Energy Suppliers That Have Gone Bust

Arcadia brand Outfit is to have its stores closed down by the end of the month

in A guide for redundant employees in administration or insolvency situations News Retail What Does Going Into Administration Mean?

19 January 2021Deloitte, administrators of Sir Philip Green's Arcadia empire announce its Outfit operation will close down by the end of the month, with more that 700 jobs lost.Outfit brings all of the tycoon's retail brands, including Topshop, under one roof.It has 21 sites, mainly in out-of-town shopping destinations.In regards to other brands, so far Evans is the only which has been sold - and this did not include its store network.Next and JD Sports are rumoured to be among the competing bidders for the brands, with Topshop the most valuable and others including Burton, Wallis and Dorothy Perkins.This being said, any deal is expected to result in the loss of some jobs as the new owners are unlikely to retain the group's entire estate of around 400 stores in the current market.21 December 2020It has been announced today that Evans' brand, commerce and wholesale business has been sold to City Chic Collective for £23 million.A deal is expected to be completed on December 23, which will lay out the terms of the sale of the brands' intellectual property, customer base and inventory, to City Chic. Evan's store network will not be purchased and administrators, Deloitte state stores will continue trading for now.Evans, plus-size clothing and footwear retailer is a part of Sir Philip Green's collapsed retail empire, Arcadia.City Chic Collective is listed on the Australian stock exchange and specialises in plus-size women's fashion. It operates mainly online in the US, Australia and New Zealand.Deloitte said that the process to find new owners for the other Arcadia brands i.e. Topshop, Topman and Dorothy Perkins, was ongoing and that there has been significant interest expressed for each.30 November 2020Arcadia Group collapses into administration. The collapse of Sir Philip Green's retail empire leaves 13,000 jobs hanging on a thread. It becomes just another corporate failure from COVID-19.The retail empire operates from 444 UK sites and 22 overseas. It also has an online arm.As of yet, no redundancies or store closures have been announced. The business will rather trade as normal, with stores ready to re-open ahead of the UK lockdown restrictions being lifted this week.Appointed administrators from Deloitte begin the search for a buyer for the business.27 November 2020It has been reported by Sky News that Arcadia Group is facing collapse within days.As soon as next week, administrators from Deloitte are thought likely to be appointed to Sir Phillip Green's retail empire.Arcadia Group owns Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins. 15,000 jobs are at risk.A retail industry figure said that the collapse of Arcadia is inevitable following unsuccessful talks with lenders about an emergency £30m loan.If insolvency is confirmed it is thought this will be a catalyst for creditors scrambling to get their hands on the companies assets, even its online operations!Sky News report more.14 November 2020It has been reported that Arcadia Group is in a race to secure £30m.Talks with a number of parties are underway, in hopes to get the funds needed to prop up the business after the second English lockdown halted its pre-Christmas trading plans.Without this financial backing, will Sir Philip's empire survive the coronavirus pandemic?27 July 2020The latest on the situation of Arcadia Group is that they are said to be on the verge of launching another restructure, after being battered by the coronavirus lockdown. If another restructure is launched, it would be the second for the retail giant in just over a year.According to The Sunday Times, the company recently put forward a cost-cutting plan to the Pensions Regulator. Though exact details are unknown, it is reported that Arcadia has a deficit of £727 million in its pension funds.The Retail Gazette report more.09 April 2020An update on the situation of Arcadia Group is that they are seeking £50 million worth of funding, approaching banks and hedge funds.The funding is to be for its distribution centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire, to help support the business through the coronavirus crisis.A potential lender, approached about the plan has said that the company indicated its interest in getting a deal agreed as soon as it can. Currently there is no further update as to if a deal has been reached or not.­06 April 2020Arcadia Group is rumoured to be facing a winding-up petition as it cancels orders to suppliers in a bid to stay afloat amid the coronavirus outbreak.According to a spokesperson for the company, no decisions have been made yet. But, the terms of a rescue plan which was agreed with creditors in June 2019, provided possibility of more store closures than the initially planned 22.Last week it was reported that court records showed Principle Systems, a subsidiary of marketing company Principle Global, filed a winding-up-petition against Sir Phillip Greens’ retail empire. This is likely to be resolved but indicates a bigger matter than Arcadia are joining other retailers in delaying payments to suppliers in order to conserve cash.  It is also likely that the petition wouldn't be heard for a long time anyhow with many hearings being pushed into the Summer.Principle Systems developed furniture and branding for the latest Ivy Park and Kate Moss collections in Topshop.It is also heard that Arcadia are likely to serve notice on landlords to walk away from many of its 550 stores this week.With the coronavirus pandemic hitting, there has been a dramatic fall in revenues for the business amongst other fashion retailers. Many retailers are scared that the once stores can re-open, the economic impact left with greatly reduce demand.Following the governments lockdown measures, all stores have been forced to shut temporarily. Its e-commerce arm continues, despite a small proportion of sales coming to the group this way, compared to rivals such as Next.Arcadia Group took further measures and cancelled orders with suppliers and changed payment terms on items already delivered, extending payment terms by 30 days.Last week, Arcadia Group made 14,5000 of its 16,000 total workforce furloughed, under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. This was for all store staff with the majority of it’s HQ employees to follow this week. Its senior leadership team and board will take salary cuts of between 25 and 50 per cent, whilst group chief executive Ian Grabiner has elected to receive no salary or benefits until the pandemic ends. With regards to fixed-term employment contracts, employees were told they would end early.The pandemic has worsened Arcadia’s problems after several years of decline and a delayed entrance to the online retail market.Background to Arcadia’s CVA:Last year, after weeks of bargaining with landlords, the group moved to paying monthly rent rather than quarterly, with large rent reductions imposed at many trading locations.The Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) it was under also included break clauses that allowed either the company or its landlords to break leases at certain intervals.  The agreement covered for 20 Topshop and Topman stores where the company could trigger a break clause within six months of the CVA and a further 19 where leases could be broken after a year. The locations included Westfield Stratford and provincial towns such as Doncaster.

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Arcadia brand Outfit is to have its stores closed down by the end of the month