Received a winding-up petition or a statutory demand? The clock is already running. Our legal and accounting team acts fast to restrain advertising, challenge disputed debts, and negotiate settlements that keep your company trading.
A winding-up petition is a formal court application to close — or liquidate — your company. It is most commonly brought by a creditor you owe £750 or more, though HMRC, former employees, landlords and trade creditors can all present one.
If the petition succeeds, the company can be compulsorily liquidated, directors can be investigated for their conduct, and the business effectively stops trading. The threat is serious, but a petition is not the end of the road — most can be defended, settled or withdrawn with the right action at the right time.
The single biggest mistake directors make is waiting. Deadlines in petition proceedings are short and strictly enforced, and once a petition is advertised in The London Gazette, your bank is likely to freeze your accounts.
Time limits in petition proceedings are measured in days, not weeks. Get early advice and you keep every option open — including restraining advertisement.
Call for urgent helpPetition proceedings run to a strict timetable. These are the key stages where action can still change the outcome.
Apply to the court to restrain advertisement of the petition. This is the most important early step — once a petition is advertised, banks usually freeze accounts.
File and serve your evidence in opposition, including a witness statement setting out why the debt is disputed or why the petition should not proceed.
Negotiate with the petitioner to settle, agree a payment plan, or withdraw the petition — often the fastest way to remove the threat entirely.
The petition becomes public record. Banks commonly freeze company accounts at this point, so acting before advertisement is critical.
Time limits vary between courts and cases and are strictly enforced. Always take advice immediately on receiving any petition, statutory demand or court document.
If you recognise any of the following, you may already be facing a winding-up petition.
Every step you need to challenge or settle a winding-up petition, under one roof.
Immediate action within hours of receiving your petition. We assess the debt, identify grounds to dispute it, and set out your options the same day.
Urgent applications to the court to stop the petition being advertised in The London Gazette — protecting your bank accounts and credit standing.
Direct negotiation with petitioners and HMRC to agree payment plans, settle disputed amounts, or secure a full withdrawal of the petition.
Preparing and filing evidence in opposition — including witness statements that set out why the debt is disputed or why the petition should not proceed.
Full support throughout the hearing, working alongside specialist insolvency solicitors and legal executives to present your case to the court.
Clear advice on directors' duties and personal exposure, plus support with wrongful trading, misfeasance and personal guarantee concerns.
Solicitor/Legal Exec: £295/hr · Case Manager: £175/hr
Free initial consultation. Same-day response available for urgent petitions.
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