When a company hits financial difficulty, the pressure can feel insurmountable.
Staff salaries, supplier demands, rent, utilities, and loan repayments don’t pause just because your cash flow does. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there is a way through — and it begins with understanding your options. That’s where business recovery services come in.
Read on to learn more about business rescue and recovery with McAlister & Co, and to discover how our expert team can help you navigate the unchartered territory of financial difficulty so you can turn things around and take back control.
What Are Business Recovery Services?
In simple terms, business recovery services are professional solutions designed to help struggling companies stabilise their finances, restructure operations, and return to profitability.
These services are typically delivered by licensed insolvency practitioners or business rescue experts and may include financial planning, negotiations with creditors, legal restructuring options, and where necessary, formal insolvency procedures.
The goal is always to rescue the business where possible, and to provide clarity and control even in the most difficult circumstances.
Signs Your Business Might Need Recovery Support
Recognising the warning signs of financial distress is the first step to turning things around. Here are a few red flags:
- Consistently poor cash flow
- Struggling to pay staff or suppliers
- Rising levels of debt
- Legal notices or pressure from creditors
- Maxed-out overdrafts or credit facilities
- Directors covering business expenses personally
Different Types of Business Recovery Services
At McAlister & Co, we understand that every business is unique. That’s why we offer a range of tailored recovery solutions, each designed to provide the right level of support depending on your circumstances:
1. Business Turnaround Support
If your company is facing short-term challenges - such as late payments, reduced demand, or rising costs - our turnaround specialists can help identify root causes, cut unnecessary costs, improve cash flow, and implement a plan to get back on track.
2. Cash Flow Management and Forecasting
Understanding your company’s cash position is crucial. We can help you assess where money is being lost, chase overdue payments, and create cash flow forecasts so you can make informed decisions moving forward.
3. Time to Pay (TTP) Arrangements with HMRC
If your business is struggling to pay its tax bill, we can negotiate with HMRC on your behalf to set up a formal Time to Pay agreement. This spreads your tax liabilities over affordable instalments and prevents legal action.
4. Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs)
A company voluntary arrangement (CVA) allows a company to ring-fence its debts and enter into a legally binding repayment plan with creditors, while continuing to trade. This can be an effective way to avoid liquidation and protect jobs.
5. Pre-Pack Administration
Where a business is no longer viable in its current structure but has a viable future, pre-pack administration enables directors to sell the business and its assets to a new company - often preserving operations and safeguarding employment.
6. Formal Insolvency Procedures
In cases where recovery isn't possible, we provide expert guidance on liquidation and administration to ensure directors meet their legal obligations and creditors receive the best possible return.
How Can These Services Help Your Business?
The earlier you seek professional support, the more options you’ll have. Business recovery services aren’t just about closing companies - they’re about saving them.
Our approach is built on empathy and expertise. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you take decisive steps - whether that’s negotiating with HMRC, restructuring your debt, or creating a long-term recovery plan.
As one of the UK’s leading business recovery firms, at McAlister & Co, we specialise in helping businesses navigate financial difficulty. Our team is supportive, approachable, and solution-focused - with decades of experience guiding companies back from the brink.
You’re not alone, and there’s always a path forward. So, if your company is facing financial difficulty and you’re wondering “what are business recovery services?” don’t wait.