If your company is struggling with pressure from creditors, overdue bills, or mounting tax arrears, but you believe the business is still viable, a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) might give you the breathing space to recover.

A CVA is a legally binding payment plan between your company and its creditors. It allows you to repay what you can afford, usually over 3 to 5 years, while continuing to trade.

I’m Nick, a Business Recovery and Insolvency consultant with over 30 years’ experience supporting directors through situations like this. I’ve helped hundreds of business owners avoid closure and find a path forward — and if a CVA is right for you, I’ll help you understand it, set it up, and move ahead with confidence.

How does a CVA work?

If your company is under pressure but still generating income, a CVA lets you repay what you can afford — often through one monthly payment — while continuing to trade and keeping control of the business.

Here’s how I guide you through it:

• We start with a conversation.
  A free, confidential chat where I listen, ask a few questions, and help you understand whether a CVA is the right move — or if there’s another option worth exploring.
• If you proceed, the process is set up for you.
  I’ll work with a licensed Insolvency Practitioner to draft a plan that’s realistic for your company, showing creditors what you can afford and how you’ll repay it.
• Creditors are asked to vote.
  Your creditors vote on the proposal — and if enough support it, the CVA goes ahead. From that point, everyone involved is legally bound by the plan, and the pressure stops. No more chasing letters, court threats or daily uncertainty — just one clear agreement to move forward.
• You make one monthly payment.
  This is based on the company’s cash flow, not what creditors want, but what the business can actually manage. You stay in control and continue to trade.
• At the end of the term, the remaining debt may be written off.
  If the business sticks to the arrangement, anything not repaid may be cleared at the end, giving you a clean break and a stronger company.

I’ll support you through the full process — and help make sure it’s realistic, fair, and achievable from the outset.

What can a CVA do for you?

If your business is under pressure but still has solid foundations, a reliable customer base, regular income, and the ability to trade, a CVA could help you steady things, manage debt more sustainably, and protect what you’ve built.

It’s a way of dealing with the pressure head-on, without closing the doors.

Here’s how it can help:

• It puts you back in control
  Instead of reacting to every demand, you follow one clear, affordable plan, giving structure to a situation that’s been unpredictable and draining.
• It pauses creditor action
  Once approved, a CVA stops most legal threats and creditor pressure. It creates space — so you can focus on running the business, not just defending it.
• It helps you retain trust
  Creditors, customers, and suppliers can see that you’re taking responsible steps to deal with the situation. A CVA can protect your reputation while offering a fair deal for everyone involved.
• It protects continuity
  You stay as director, the staff stay employed, and the company continues trading. That stability can be crucial for long-term recovery.
• It may reduce your debt
  At the end of the CVA, any remaining balance may be written off, giving the company a cleaner position going forward.

A CVA doesn’t suit every situation, but for a business with potential, it can be a powerful way to regain stability and move forward on firmer ground.

Questions directors often ask me about CVAs

Will creditors agree to it?
Often, yes — if the proposal is fair and realistic. It only goes ahead if enough creditors support it, but I’ll help you put together a plan that gives everyone confidence in the outcome.

Can I include HMRC?
Yes, absolutely. HMRC is often a major creditor in CVAs, and they’ll usually support a sensible plan, especially if it avoids the disruption of liquidation.

Do I stay in control of the company?
Yes. You remain as director and continue running the business. The Insolvency Practitioner helps oversee the plan, but they don’t take over — you stay in charge.

Will I still have to pay everything I owe?
Not always. A CVA is based on what the business can realistically afford. In many cases, some of the debt is written off at the end once you’ve completed the plan.

What happens if the CVA doesn’t work out?
If the company can’t keep up with the agreed payments, it may need to be reviewed, and in some cases, other options like liquidation could follow. If things get difficult during the CVA, you won’t be left trying to deal with it alone. I’ll stay involved and help you speak with the Insolvency Practitioner to look at your options.”

How much does a CVA cost?
Costs can vary depending on your company’s situation, the number of creditors involved, and the complexity of the proposal. In most cases, there’s an upfront fee to prepare and submit the CVA, and the rest is paid over time, as part of the arrangement.

I’ll always explain the fees clearly, without pressure, and help you understand what they would look like in your case. There’s no cost to speak with me and no obligation — just a chance to explore whether a CVA is the right fit.

What’s the first step?

A confidential, no-pressure conversation.

You don’t need to commit to anything, and you don’t need to figure this out on your own. I’ll help you understand what a CVA would mean in your situation, and whether it’s something worth pursuing.

Whatever happens, you’ll leave the call feeling clearer, more informed, and better able to make the right decision for you and your business.