What is Company Administration?
Navigating the complexities of financial distress can be a daunting task for any business owner.
Amidst the sea of insolvency options, “What is company administration?” emerges as a crucial question. Company administration is an effective way to keep your business afloat.
But how can it provide much-needed relief to your struggling company?
In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the concept and process of company administration, offering you a clear roadmap to navigate through these challenging financial waters.
Understanding Company Administration
Company administration is a formal insolvency process designed to protect and rescue financially distressed businesses.
Its primary goal is to serve the interests of the company’s creditors by either reviving the business or maximising the returns from the company’s assets.
In essence, the administration process is like a surgical intervention for ailing companies, with a licensed insolvency practitioner acting as the surgeon wielding the scalpel.
The Role of Insolvency Practitioner
The licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) is the key player in the administration process, assuming responsibility for the company’s management.
Their mission is twofold: to liquidate the company’s assets at the most advantageous price and evaluate the causes of the company’s insolvency.
Above all, the insolvency practitioner must strive for the highest possible return for the creditors.
Upon the appointment of administrators, a statutory moratorium is immediately instated, protecting the company from any legal proceedings during the administration process.
This moratorium serves as a shield, allowing the insolvency practitioner to focus on salvaging the business without the looming threat of legal action.
Criteria for Entering Administration
For a company to enter administration, it must meet specific criteria. This option is primarily reserved for companies experiencing financial distress with the potential for recovery.
Directors or company shareholders can initiate the administration proceedings, although, in exceptional circumstances, creditors meeting a bank may initiate the process through the courts.
A company can only enter administration if it is insolvent or likely to become insolvent unless initiated by a Qualifying Floating Charge Holder (QFCH).
Company Administration vs. Liquidation
At first glance, company administration and liquidation might seem like similar processes. However, they are fundamentally different in their objectives and outcomes.
The administration aims to salvage the company or its underlying business, acting as a financial rehabilitation program.
On the other hand, liquidation is the procedure of dissolving the company by disposing of its assets to reimburse creditors and shareholders.
In some cases, if assets remain to be realised and creditors still need to be paid after administration, the company can be placed into liquidation, with the administrator appointed as Liquidator.
In this sense, administration can be seen as a precursor to liquidation, helping businesses in financial trouble to exhaust all possible avenues of recovery before closing their doors for good.
Key Steps in the Administration Process
The administration process can be likened to a carefully orchestrated dance, with the insolvency practitioner taking the lead and guiding the company through a series of well-defined steps.
These steps may vary depending on the specific context and situation, but they generally involve the appointment of an insolvency practitioner as an administrator, who assumes control of the company’s affairs and its assets and seeks to restructure the company’s business, to either revive it or maximise returns for creditors.
Throughout this intricate dance, the insolvency practitioner will conduct a thorough inventory of the company’s assets, ensuring that creditors are paid without bias.
From initial decision procedure to appointment to implementation, the administration process is designed to provide a clear and structured path to business recovery or asset maximisation.
Appointment and Moratorium
The appointment of an administrator is a crucial step in the administration process. Company directors or shareholders must provide formal notification of their intention to appoint administrators to any Qualifying Floating Charge Holder (QFCH).
Upon receipt of a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators (NOITA), the QFCH has five business days to either consent to the appointment of the company affairs proposed administrators or seek to appoint alternative administrators.
The moratorium comes into play upon the filing of a notice of appointment or NOITA, providing a protective barrier for the company against potential legal action during the administration process.
This legal shield enables the insolvency practitioner to focus on reviving the business without the constant threat of lawsuits or other legal proceedings.
Communication and Proposals
Transparent communication is the backbone of any successful administration process. The administrator, as the conductor of this intricate symphony, must obtain information regarding the company’s creditors and inform them of their appointment.
They are also obligated to keep creditors informed of the progress of the administration process.
Within a timeframe of eight weeks, the administrator must present a comprehensive and detailed proposal to all creditors, showcasing the activities completed to date and any ongoing strategies.
This proposal serves as a blueprint intended strategy for the company’s future, providing a clear path towards recovery or asset maximisation.
Progress Reporting and Administration Period End
Administrators are required to provide creditors with regular updates on the progress of the administration and must file reports with Companies House if the process exceeds six months.
This ensures that all stakeholders remain well-informed and have the opportunity to voice any concerns or suggestions throughout the process.
The duration of the administration process varies, typically taking anywhere from a few hours to two weeks or more.
Creditors or the court have to grant their approval before the administration period can be extended by an extra 12 months.
This extension will be put in place to strengthen the viability of a business. In some cases, if the administrator has fulfilled their legal obligations and achieved the desired outcome, the process can be concluded prior to the 12-month auto-expiry.
Options During and After Administration
Just as a skilled sailor navigates through stormy seas, the administration process offers a variety of options to chart the course towards financial recovery or asset maximization.
Some of these options include sale as a going concern, pre-pack administration, and Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).
If the administration is unsuccessful, the company may proceed to liquidation or be dissolved if the secured and/or preferential creditors have been paid, but none of the outstanding payments to the other creditors.
Each option has its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks, requiring a careful analysis of the company’s financial situation and the potential benefits and risks for all stakeholders involved.
The insolvency practitioner plays a pivotal role in guiding the company through these options and selecting the most appropriate course of action.
Pre-Pack Administration
Pre-pack administration is a process wherein a company is sold as a pre-packaged deal prior to the appointment of administrators.
This swift and efficient process is akin to a well-choreographed dance, allowing the whole business asset to change hands seamlessly without losing momentum.
The purpose of pre-pack administration is to expedite the sale upon the appointment of the administrator, optimising the value of goodwill and minimising the loss of customers and trade.
The pre-pack sale shields the company brand, the business itself, and all corporate assets before the former company is liquidated during the administration procedure.
This strategic move can preserve the essence of the business, ensuring that it continues to thrive under new ownership.
Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)
A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is a legally binding agreement between a company and its creditors that allows the company to come out of administration and continue operations by repaying creditors over an agreed period of time.
Think of a CVA as a financial life raft, providing a struggling company with the means to stay afloat while working towards financial stability.
The administrator, in collaboration with the directors, formulates a plan for the CVA, which is then presented to the creditors for consideration. If accepted, the directors regain control of the company and continue its operations.
This process, which typically takes several weeks, offers a valuable lifeline for companies seeking to emerge from administration and resume their business activities.
Costs and Payment Orders in Administration
Like any significant undertaking, the administration process comes with its own set of costs. These costs can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the business, and in some cases, the business may possess sufficient sellable assets to cover the costs.
It is essential for all stakeholders to be aware of the potential costs and weigh them against the potential benefits of embarking on the administration journey.
The Insolvency Act of 1986 prescribes a specific order of payment for creditors during the administration process.
This well-defined hierarchy ensures that each level of creditors is paid the amount owed to them, with any remaining funds distributed to the next level of creditors.
This structured payment order provides a clear roadmap for the distribution of funds owed money to, ensuring that all creditors are treated fairly and equitably.
Trading During Administration
Trading during administration is a delicate balance, allowing a company to continue operating and selling goods or services while in administration.
This option, referred to as a “trading administration order,” is typically employed when the administrator believes the business is still viable, and its recovery is probable.
The decision to trade during administration is influenced by factors such as the potential advantage to creditors, the possibility of a successful turnaround, and the expense of trading during administration.
These factors must be carefully considered by the insolvency practitioner, who must weigh the benefits and risks of ongoing trade before making a final decision.
The Impact of Administration on Stakeholders
Entering administration can have far-reaching consequences for various stakeholders, including company directors, employees, and creditors.
For directors, the administration can offer relief, especially if they have provided personal guarantees or worry about their decisions prior to insolvency being questioned.
However, it is crucial for directors to seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to acting responsibly and safeguarding creditors.
Employees, on the other hand, may experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the administration process.
They are not automatically dismissed and may potentially transfer to the buyer in a pre-pack scenario.
The administrator has 14 days to make a decision regarding the retention or redundancy of staff, leaving employees in a state of uncertainty during this period.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Company Administration
Company administration, like any other insolvency solution, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, the administration provides a safeguard against potential legal action and helps preserve the company’s value.
However, there are also drawbacks to consider, such as the costs associated with the process and the potential adverse effects on stakeholders.
Ultimately, company administration can be a viable option for businesses facing financial difficulties.
However, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before embarking on this financial journey.
It is crucial for all parties involved to have a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks, as well as the impact on stakeholders, before diving into the choppy waters of administration.
Creditors’ Role in the Administration Process
Creditors are the lifeblood of the administration process, as any decision made on the future of the company directly affects them.
The administrator is responsible for looking out for the best interests of all creditors. They will work together to come up with a plan either to restructure the business or to sell it to an outside party.
Creditors play a crucial role in the decision-making process, as they are consulted and asked to vote on any proposals put forward by the administrator.
Their approval is necessary for creditor approval of any plan of action to be implemented. As active participants in the administration process, creditors hold a significant influence on the outcomes and the future of the company.
Summary
In conclusion, company administration is a powerful tool in the arsenal of insolvency solutions, offering businesses a structured path towards financial recovery or asset maximisation.
From understanding the role of insolvency practitioners to weighing the pros and cons of administration, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the process and its impact on stakeholders.
As you navigate the turbulent waters of financial distress, remember that company administration is just one option among many.
By carefully considering the advantages, disadvantages, and potential outcomes, you can make well-informed decisions that best serve the interests of your company’s employees and its stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by company administration?
Company administration is a legally-mandated financial process aimed at restoring the financial stability of businesses by reorganising and restructuring their debts.
A professional insolvency practitioner is appointed to help manage the company’s finances and create a plan to restore its solvency.
This organised system of business rescue is designed to protect struggling businesses and help them get back on their feet.
What do company administrators do?
Company Administrators are an integral part of any business, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
They are responsible for managing day-to-day activities, setting goals, overseeing teams, making decisions, and maintaining overall company performance.
By offering effective administrative support, they play a key role in the success of their organisation.
Do I get paid if a company goes into administration?
Unfortunately, if a company enters administration, employee wages may not be paid due to a lack of funds.
However, if funds are available and the administrator approves, employees may receive their wages as normal during the administration period.
What is the process of company administration?
Company Administration is a critical process that involves appointing an Insolvency Practitioner as Administrator to assess the viability of a business and take steps to improve it.
This could include restructuring the organisation, turning it into a profitable company or selling it to preserve value and employment.