Facts are stubborn things, but statistics, according to Mark Twain, are pliable. While the author of Tom Sawyer likely wasn’t thinking about the annual UK insolvency statistics, they certainly illustrate his point. The Telegraph uses the 2024 statistics, released Tuesday, to criticise Rachel Reeves, suggesting that an increase in compulsory liquidations in 2024 is a direct result of the October budget. Given that the financial impact of the budget will not be felt directly by businesses until April 2025, this is very much a case of putting the cart before the horse.

Running a business involves taking risks in order to continue to scale new grounds. Sometimes, these risks may not be successful, leading to debts. Even without risks, debts may be incurred as a result of not being able to generate profits due to the changing market trends. Thus, loss in business and falling into debts are a common and universal factor in the business world.

The legal landscape in the field of restructuring and insolvency is evolving, driven by legislative measures and judicial practice.

In 2025, the following developments can help you navigate complex financial landscapes, protect assets, and make informed decisions to address financial challenges ensuring survival or orderly dissolution when facing financial distress.

Key developments in 2024

2024 has seen one of the most significant insolvency cases in recent years. In June, Justice Leech handed down his judgment on the claim brought by the liquidators of BHS against certain of its former directors for wrongful trading and misfeasance. This judgment is likely to have important consequences for the D&O market.

It was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time that the directors of a company had been found guilty of the novel claim of 'misfeasant trading'.

The question of whether it is competent for the court to order a retrospective administration order has been the subject of much debate before the English courts. However, until now, there have been no reported Scottish decisions dealing with the point.

Restructuring Plans (RPs)

2024 was a year of firsts for RPs, and as case law in this area continues to evolve, there is little doubt that this will carry through into 2025.

It would be remiss not to expect to see more RPs in 2025. News of Thames Water's restructuring is "splashed" all over the press and Speciality Steel's plan might see the first "cram up" of creditors, but there seems a long way to go to get creditors onside.

Recording an assignment or other transactions, such as mergers, before the UAE Trade Mark Office (‘TMO’) shall involve specific legal requirements and formalities, including submitting a legalised Deed of Assignment (‘DOA’) signed by both the assignor and assignee and/or a merger certificate. However, many trade mark owners faced some complications in presenting such documents which could arise from companies restructuring, insolvency and/or voluntarily winding up of legal entities.

Introduction

Recent legislative reform in the water sector has expanded the special administration regime and there are further changes on the horizon

Next month marks the hotly anticipated sanction hearing for the Thames Water restructuring plan. We take this opportunity to look back at the key legislative changes made last year, as well as those earmarked for the future.

2024 legislative changes

New legislation was introduced last year to amend the special administration regime for the water sector.

The key changes to the existing regime were as follows:

At-a-glance cases provided by Gatehouse Chambers’ Insolvency Team, featuring: