In times of recession, it can be hard for businesses to make sure that they are making enough money to pay all their creditors. With less money coming in, and more going out, debts can soon begin to pile up. Once a business’s liabilities exceed its assets, it becomes insolvent, and action needs to be taken to ensure creditors are paid, and the business survives. One of the preferred options might be a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

For many companies, there are a number of benefits to choosing a Company Voluntary Arrangement as the way to resolve their debt issues. This formal arrangement covers the amount of debt that is to be repaid and the length of time it will take to repay it, and can be the best solution for all parties, as long as terms of the Arrangement are adhered to.

A Company Voluntary Arrangement allows the company to keep trading, while it is protected from any further action by its creditors to recover the money they are owed. This is the case for as long as the business keeps to the terms of an agreed CVA. CVAs are less expensive, and make debt-repayment easier for a business to manage, than if the company went into Administration or Receivership. Creditors also prefer Company Voluntary Arrangement to possible Liquidation, as they are likely to get more of their money back, even though the business may actually be able to reduce the debt it owes by agreeing a CVA.

In order for a Company Voluntary Arrangement to be agreed, 75% of the business’s creditors need to be happy with the debt repayment proposal in the arrangement, which then means all of the company’s debts would then be covered by the arrangement. To ensure that creditors agree to a CVA, it is therefore important that a business puts forward as fair and honest a proposal as possible. It’s in the interest of the creditors and the company with the debts to make sure a CVA is agreed, and that it will work.

As an alternative to Receivership and Liquidation, Company Voluntary Arrangements are preferred by many creditors, who are likely to get more of their money back, as well as businesses in debt, because it gives them the protection and opportunity to trade out of their debt problems. If your business is affected by insolvency and you feel a CVA may be your best option, make sure you get advice from a professional as soon as possible. They will do everything they can to advise you on CVAs and the best way to make sure your business survives.