When a company enters voluntary liquidation, directors find themselves in challenging territory. Your responsibilities change while you work with the insolvency practitioner to help close the company.

You may also find yourself investigated during this process to see if any of your actions left creditors worse off.

We’ll explain the role and responsibilities of directors in much more detail below, as well as the potential consequences of any wrongdoing.

What Does Liquidation Mean for a Director?

Liquidation means a director’s role comes to an end. During this process, the director’s responsibility is to cooperate with the Official Receiver or appointed liquidator, provide necessary company information, and ensure compliance with legal obligations, with the ultimate aim of fulfilling creditors’ claims and legally discharging the company’s liabilities.

  1. Directors may be subject to legal actions or disqualification, particularly if their actions are found detrimental to creditors or shareholders.
  2. Directors have a duty to cooperate with the liquidator and provide accurate financial records and information.
  3. If wrongful trading or misconduct is identified, directors could be personally liable to contribute to the company’s assets.

We’ll cover these implications in more detail below

What Happens to Control of the Company?

Control of the company passes to either the Official Receiver or a liquidator during liquidation. Directors lose their decision-making powers and must cooperate with the appointed authority, providing necessary information and assistance for the liquidation process.

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Can a Director be Made Personally Liable for Debts in a Liquidation?

In liquidation, directors are generally not personally liable for the company’s debts unless they have given personal guarantees or there is evidence of wrongful or fraudulent trading.

Specific circumstances where personal liability may occur include:

  • Wrongful Trading: Directors continue trading when insolvent liquidation seems unavoidable.
  • Personal Guarantees: Directors providing personal guarantees for loans or credit facilities.
  • Fraudulent Trading: Directors knowingly involved in business intending to defraud creditors.
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duties: Misusing company funds or assets leading to debts.

It is important to note that the liability is not automatic and usually requires a legal process, where the conduct of the director is thoroughly examined. Directors facing potential personal liability should seek legal advice to understand their position and the possible defences they may have.

What Information Do I Need to Provide to the Liquidator?

As a director, you are required to provide comprehensive information to the liquidator, including financial records, company accounts, contracts, and details of assets and liabilities. This information is crucial for the liquidator to effectively manage the liquidation process.

Can I Be a Director of Another Company in the Future?

Directors can generally become directors of other companies in the future unless they’ve been disqualified due to misconduct in the liquidated company (misfeasance). Disqualification depends on specific circumstances and legal findings.

Are There Any Personal Financial Implications for Me?

Personal financial implications for a director during liquidation are typically limited. However, if the company’s assets don’t cover the insolvency practitioner’s fees, directors might need to contribute towards the liquidation costs. Additionally, personal liability may arise in cases of wrongful conduct, such as personal guarantees or statutory offences.

What is the Director’s Role During the Liquidation Process?

During liquidation, a director’s role shifts to providing full cooperation with the insolvency practitioner. This includes supplying company records, financial information, and assisting in asset realisation. Directors no longer manage company affairs.

Will the Liquidation Process Affect My Reputation?

Typically, a company’s liquidation shouldn’t negatively impact a director’s reputation unless it involves notable financial mismanagement.

Can a Director Be Investigated if a Company Goes into Liquidation?

Investigations into the actions of directors during the period leading up to insolvency are not only common but also a legal requirement in the liquidation process. Both Official Receivers and insolvency practitioners have a statutory duty to investigate the actions and conduct of directors to ensure that the best interests of creditors are prioritised.

If the Official Receiver is involved, they may require directors to attend an interview, where they must provide a detailed statement of the company’s affairs, including financial accounts, activities, and decisions that may have led to insolvency. The aim is to ascertain whether any misconduct or negligence occurred that adversely affected the company’s creditors.

Insolvency practitioners appointed to manage the liquidation process have a similar responsibility to conduct thorough investigations. They must examine various aspects, such as:

  • Assessing whether the directors engaged in wrongful or fraudulent trading.
  • Scrutinising overdrawn director accounts and personal guarantees.
  • Investigating potential preferences or undervalued transactions that might have favoured specific creditors at the expense of others.

Directors must approach these investigations with utmost transparency and cooperation. Comprehensive preparation, including the provision of all relevant documents and truthful engagement with investigators, is essential.

» MORE Read our full article on Directors Personal Liability

Are There Any Potential Legal Consequences for Me as a Director?

Legal consequences for directors in the event of serious misconduct or negligence during liquidation can include:

  • Disqualification: Directors can be disqualified from holding directorships for a specified period.
  • Personal Liability: In cases of wrongful or fraudulent trading, directors might be held personally liable for company debts.
  • Legal Proceedings: Directors could face legal proceedings, leading to fines or compensation orders.
  • Criminal Charges: In extreme cases, such as fraudulent trading, criminal charges might be brought against directors.

These consequences depend on the severity and nature of the misconduct.

Can a Director of a Liquidated Company Be Sued?

Yes, directors of a liquidated company can be sued, particularly in cases involving misfeasance, wrongful trading, fraudulent trading, or if they’ve provided personal guarantees for company debts. Additionally, they may face legal challenges for negligence, breach of contract, or other civil wrongs. These circumstances often arise from actions that breach their responsibilities or legal obligations during their tenure as directors.

Can a Director Resign During Liquidation?

Resignation as a director during liquidation is a possibility, but it doesn’t absolve the individual of their obligations to the liquidator. If the director signed a personal guarantee and the company lacks funds for loan repayment, the responsibility remains with the director.

It’s imperative to understand that leaving the company does not mean leaving behind the liabilities tied to it. Ensuring proper removal from any personal guarantees prior to liquidation is a prudent step. This section aims to delineate the procedural aspects of resigning as a director during liquidation, outlining the continuation of specific obligations and the importance of handling personal guarantees appropriately.

How to Protect yourself as a Director during Insolvency

There are a number of things that directors can do to protect themselves from the risk of being sued after liquidation, including:

  • Seek legal advice: Directors should seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor to understand their duties and obligations and to assess their potential personal risks.
  • Gather evidence: Directors should keep comprehensive records of all their decisions and actions, as this can help to defend them against any allegations of misconduct.
  • Act ethically: Directors should act in a responsible and ethical manner at all times, both before and during liquidation. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest and acting in the best interests of the company’s creditors.