In navigating the intricate landscape of business finance, recognising early warning signs of financial distress is paramount for proactive management. The following five tests serve as crucial indicators, signalling potential challenges that require swift attention. From overdue payments and legal entanglements to cash flow struggles and balance sheet examinations, these markers provide a comprehensive overview of a company’s financial health.

Timely recognition and remedial actions based on these tests can often prevent further complications and foster a healthier financial trajectory for businesses of all sizes.

Overdue Payments and Legal Notices

  • The business has either received a Statutory Demand or County Court Judgement.
  • HMRC is actively pursuing payment without any existing or broken time-to-pay agreements.
  • The company is constantly firefighting with creditors due to delayed payments

Cash Flow Struggles

  • Suppliers are demanding cash on delivery, indicating cash flow challenges.
  • Wages day becomes a crisis day with concerns about meeting payroll obligations.
  • Monthly worries about funding payroll, leading to falling behind on PAYE and/or pension contributions.
  • Directors are unable to pay themselves from the business.

Balance Sheet Examination

  • Assess whether the company has a negative balance sheet where liabilities exceed assets.
  • Negative balance sheets may indicate insufficient working capital or improper fund withdrawals by shareholders.

Maximum Borrowing and Personal Guarantees

  • The business is operating at the limit of its overdraft and lending facilities.
  • Lenders may require personal guarantees if additional funds are sought, pushing the business to its financial limits.

Lack of Management Information Systems

  • Even small businesses require effective financial management systems.
  • Absence of systems to measure transaction profitability, considering fixed and variable costs.
  • Inability to control debtors and safeguard against bad debts.
  • Lack of control over cash, including missing cash flow forecasts and bank reconciliations.

Addressing financial issues promptly is crucial, akin to treating ailments. Seeking help early can prevent irreversible damage, as it is never too soon to seek assistance, but it can be too late if delayed.

Email us at info@dmcrecovery.co.uk or call us on 0161 474 0920 for advice.