Question 1

What is Just Settlements and who do you help?

Accepted Answer

Just Settlements is a UK business debt negotiation service. We negotiate full and final settlements on commercial liabilities owed by limited companies and limited liability partnerships — including debts to HMRC, banks, invoice-finance providers, suppliers and personal-guarantee holders. We do not provide personal or consumer debt advice.

Question 2

How to stop a winding-up petition

Accepted Answer

A winding-up petition can sometimes be stopped by paying the debt and costs, negotiating a settlement or payment arrangement, challenging a genuinely disputed debt, opposing the petition at the hearing, seeking an adjournment, or using a formal rescue process such as a CVA or administration. Directors should act immediately and obtain urgent advice from an insolvency solicitor and licensed insolvency practitioner. Just Settlements can assist with commercial negotiation but cannot provide legal advice or guarantee a petition will be withdrawn.

Question 3

How long does a winding-up petition take?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed timetable. A straightforward case may reach a first hearing within weeks; a defended or adjourned petition can take months. The key is to act as soon as a statutory demand or petition arrives.

Question 4

What is a Company Voluntary Arrangement?

Accepted Answer

A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is a formal insolvency procedure that allows a viable but insolvent limited company or LLP to propose an arrangement with its creditors. The directors usually remain in control while the company continues trading and pays an agreed proportion of its debts over a fixed period. A CVA can only be proposed and administered by a licensed insolvency practitioner. Just Settlements cannot administer a CVA, but we may help explore direct settlement negotiations before a formal process becomes necessary.

Question 5

How much of a debt can typically be settled?

Accepted Answer

Every case is different, but our track record shows negotiated settlements are commonly agreed at less than 50% of the original balance. Outcomes depend on the creditor, the age and type of debt, available funds, security and the wider commercial position. No specific reduction can be guaranteed.

Question 6

Do you charge upfront fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Our commercial negotiation service is results-based — you only pay when a settlement is agreed and the terms are acceptable to you. A short scoping call is free and confidential.

Question 7

Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?

Accepted Answer

No. Just Settlements is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our paid service is for incorporated companies and LLPs with commercial liabilities and does not cover personal credit. Free personal debt advice is available through MoneyHelper and other authorised organisations.

Question 8

Which creditors do you deal with?

Accepted Answer

We regularly negotiate with HMRC (VAT, PAYE, corporation tax), UK high-street banks, Bounce Back and CBILS lenders, invoice-finance and asset-finance providers, commercial landlords, trade suppliers and personal-guarantee holders.

Question 9

A winding up petition has been served — can you still help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided we are contacted quickly. A petition can be advertised in the Gazette seven business days after service, which typically causes banks to freeze company accounts. Where the debt is genuinely owed, most petitioners will consent to withdrawal on agreed commercial terms — we can negotiate those terms and coordinate with insolvency counsel where required.

Question 10

Is negotiated settlement the same as a CVA or liquidation?

Accepted Answer

No. A negotiated settlement is a commercial agreement with individual creditors and does not require a formal insolvency procedure. In the right circumstances it can be a viable alternative to a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), administration or liquidation, and it can also work alongside a formal procedure when advised.

Question 11

Will directors' personal guarantees be affected?

Accepted Answer

Personal guarantees are separate contracts between the guarantor and the creditor. We regularly negotiate personal-guarantee liabilities that arise in a commercial context — for example guarantees given to banks, invoice financers or commercial landlords — as part of the wider settlement.

Question 12

How long does a settlement take?

Accepted Answer

Straightforward matters can be agreed in a few weeks. More complex situations — multiple creditors, disputed balances, active enforcement — may take longer. Where a deadline exists (statutory demand, winding up hearing, enforcement date), we prioritise accordingly.

Question 13

Will creditor action stop while you negotiate?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Creditor action, interest, charges and legal deadlines may continue while an enquiry is being considered. Where appropriate we ask the creditor to pause action while proposals are reviewed, but no creditor is obliged to agree.

Question 14

Is my information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All enquiries are handled confidentially. We only share information with creditors when you have authorised us to negotiate on your behalf.

Question 15

How do I start?

Accepted Answer

Submit an enquiry through the form on our home page or call 0330 223 0113. We will review the position, confirm whether the matter falls within our commercial service and outline the likely approach before any engagement is agreed in writing.

Questions about UK business debt negotiation