LEXLAW Solicitors & Barristers
Growing scrutiny of regulatory oversight has reignited claims that small businesses were exposed to hidden liabilities through complex lending structures, raising significant legal questions around misrepresentation, regulatory accountability, and SME redress.
Unpaid invoices and bad debts cost UK businesses billions each year. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains every stage of commercial debt recovery in England and Wales, from pre-action letters and court proceedings to statutory demands, winding-up petitions, and judgment enforcement, with relevant case law and practical strategic advice.
When a creditor serves a winding‑up petition, the company faces immediate risk of frozen bank accounts, compulsory liquidation and director investigation. This 2026 guide explains the UK winding‑up petition procedure step‑by‑step, from petition issue and London Gazette advertisement through to court hearings, potential rescue strategies and the consequences of a winding‑up order for directors and stakeholders.
Thousands of UK businesses were mis-sold complex interest rate hedging products (IRHPs) by major banks between 2001 and 2012. While the FCA’s formal review scheme has closed, significant routes to redress remain open in 2026, particularly for victims of hidden swaps, LIBOR manipulation, and professional negligence. This article explains who can still claim, why time is critical, and what a specialist solicitor can recover for you.
Our client, Dr Elizabeth Donald represented by Jaron Dosanjh, told The Times that MFS’s collapse had been a “nightmare” in regards to her personal portfolio. Barclays, Santander and Wells Fargo are some of the institutions thought to be caught up in the Mayfair lender’s collapse — but what about individuals? Article by James Hurley, Assistant Business Editor, The Times
When a company defaults, directors who have signed personal guarantees may face direct personal enforcement. This guide explains how personal guarantees operate under UK law, when liability arises, how creditors pursue guarantors, and what legal options may be available to protect personal assets.
Sections 235 and 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 impose powerful duties on company directors, officers, employees, and even third parties to co-operate with insolvency office-holders such as liquidators and administrators. Failure to assist properly during liquidation, administration, or bankruptcy can result in personal sanctions, court orders, fines, and even director disqualification.
We are the leading firm representing Directors and Companies facing HMRC Security Notices and we regularly succeed on behalf of clients. Here, our counsel successfully fought HMRC Security Notices that sought to impose over £215,000 in personal liability for VAT and PAYE debts. The case is a landmark victory against HMRC Notices of Requirement to give Security.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 gives UK authorities wide powers to freeze and recover assets without a criminal conviction. This guide explains how POCA affects directors and businesses, common enforcement tools, legal defences, and steps to protect corporate and personal assets.
Personal Liability Notices (PLNs) are a powerful HMRC enforcement mechanism that can make company directors and officers personally liable for unpaid corporate tax debts, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, VAT, and CIS. In 2026, PLNs are increasingly used in insolvency and enforcement scenarios, placing directors’ personal assets and professional futures at direct risk.