Director First Podcast with Chris Worden

Hosted by Chris Worden

Business

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Episodes

389

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Director First Podcast: Empowering UK Business Owners Hosted by experts who’ve guided countless directors through the toughest times, this podcast breaks down everything you need to know about insolvency, company restructuring, and director responsibilities—without the jargon. Each episode, we tackle real issues facing UK business owners, from dealing with HMRC pressure to navigating liquidation and bouncing back stronger. Plus, we invite top entrepreneurs, insolvency professionals, and financial experts to share their stories and strategies for surviving and thriving when business gets tough

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60 recent

June 15, 202629 min

How To Close A Ltd Company Using Liquidation

For many directors, liquidation feels like the end of the road.In reality, when handled correctly, liquidation can be a structured process that protects directors, deals with company debts properly, and creates an opportunity for a genuine fresh start.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains how creditor's voluntary liquidation (CVL) works, the common mistakes directors make during insolvency, and what steps you should take before closing an insolvent company.Discover:• The two key tests that determine whether a company is insolvent• How to decide whether your business can be rescued or whether liquidation is the best option• Why delaying action can increase risks for both directors and creditors• The importance of seeking professional advice before making major decisions• Common director mistakes that create personal liability after liquidation• How overdrawn director's loan accounts can survive company closure• Why personal guarantees remain enforceable after liquidation• The hidden risks that many directors only discover after appointing a liquidator• What insolvency practitioners look for during their investigations• The documents and information required to begin a liquidation• How creditor's voluntary liquidation (CVL) actually works from start to finish• Why honesty and preparation can make the process significantly smoother• The legal way directors can buy business assets back after liquidation• The difference between a legitimate business rescue and unlawful phoenix activity• How directors can preserve valuable assets, equipment, and customer relationships• What happens after a liquidator is appointed• Why many directors experience relief once the process is properly underwayIf your company is struggling with HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, cash flow difficulties, mounting debt, or insolvency concerns, this video will help you understand your options and make informed decisions about the future of your business.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

June 12, 202615 min

HMRC Is After You In 2026

Most company directors still believe that a limited company fully protects them from personal liability.That assumption could be a costly mistake.In this video, Chris Worden reveals how HMRC's powers have expanded in recent years and why directors need to understand the growing risks around unpaid tax, insolvency, and personal liability.Learn:• How HMRC's approach to company tax debt collection has changed• Why limited liability may not provide the protection many directors assume it does• The growing focus on abusive phoenix companies and repeated insolvencies• How HMRC and the Insolvency Service work together to investigate directors• What a Joint and Several Liability Notice (JSL) is and how it could affect you personally• The situations where directors can become personally liable for company tax debts• Why repeated company failures can attract increased scrutiny from HMRC• The importance of handling insolvency correctly when attempting a business rescue• How Crown Preference changed the order in which creditors get paid• Why VAT, PAYE, and National Insurance arrears now receive special treatment• Common misconceptions directors have about tax debts and insolvency• The risks of ignoring warning signs until it's too late• Why understanding your true financial position is critical before making major decisions• The simple step every director should take to identify potential risks before they escalateIf your business is facing HMRC pressure, tax arrears, cash flow difficulties, creditor demands, or concerns about insolvency, this video explains the key rules you need to understand and the practical actions you can take to protect yourself and your company.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

June 8, 202621 min

How To Fix Your Struggling Business

Most directors think the solution to a struggling business is simple: work harder, win more sales, and keep pushing forward.The reality is often very different.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains the key mistakes directors make when trying to rescue a struggling business — mistakes that can drain cash, increase losses, damage creditor relationships, and push an otherwise viable company closer to insolvency.Discover:• Why many directors try to solve the wrong problem and waste months heading in the wrong direction• The importance of understanding your numbers before making major decisions• How to identify whether you have a cash flow problem or a profitability problem• Why the cure for one can make the other significantly worse• The hidden dangers of borrowing money to support an unprofitable business• Why chasing more sales can sometimes accelerate business failure• How poor pricing and weak margins quietly destroy otherwise busy companies• The difference between costs that drain cash and costs that generate revenue• Why cutting marketing, sales, or key staff can make a struggling business decline faster• Practical ways to reduce costs without damaging future growth• How early communication with creditors can create breathing space and prevent enforcement action• Why honesty and realistic repayment proposals often produce better outcomes• The common mistake of hiding from creditors until it's too late• When a business can be fixed and when restructuring may be the better option• The single most important question every struggling director must answer honestly• Why asking difficult questions early gives you more options and greater control over the outcomeIf your company is struggling with cash flow problems, declining profits, creditor pressure, HMRC arrears, mounting debt, or the risk of insolvency, this video will help you understand what is really causing the problem and the practical steps you can take to improve your position.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

June 5, 202619 min

4 Things You Should Never Say To HMRC

4 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY TO HMRC – PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM COSTLY HMRC MISTAKESUnlock the 4 most damaging things UK directors say to HMRC that can ruin your chances of getting help and even put your personal assets at risk!In this must-watch video, we break down the critical mistakes directors make when talking to HMRC about company tax debts. From promises you can’t keep, to confessions that cause more harm than good, discover why your words matter more than you think.Are you unknowingly sabotaging your own negotiations? Learn how one wrong sentence can trigger enforcement or even make you personally liable. We reveal exactly what NOT to say, and what you should do instead to stay in control, protect your reputation, and secure the time you need to save your company.Whether you’re facing VAT, PAYE, or corporation tax debt, this video is packed with insider advice from thousands of real director experiences. Save yourself from HMRC disaster—watch now to avoid the classic traps!Book now for a free business insolvency consultationCall 08000862766

June 3, 202625 min

Problems You Are Going To Face If Your Company Is Insolvent

Most directors assume that once their company enters insolvency, the worst is over.The reality is often very different.In this essential guide, Chris Worden explains the hidden risks that many directors only discover after insolvency begins — risks that can lead to personal liability, director disqualification, bankruptcy, and even the loss of personal assets.Discover:• Why your legal duties change the moment your company becomes insolvent• How personal guarantees can suddenly become personal debts• The truth about overdrawn Director’s Loan Accounts and why they are one of the biggest threats directors face• How innocent withdrawals from your company can create serious personal liabilities• What insolvency practitioners look for when investigating directors• Why certain payments to family members, suppliers, or creditors can be reversed• The dangers of preference payments and transactions at undervalue• How personal guarantees can often be negotiated and settled• What options may be available if you owe money through a Director’s Loan Account• How insolvency practitioners assess settlements and bankruptcy outcomes• Why acting early gives you more control over the outcome• What happens when HMRC or another creditor issues a winding up petition• The risks of waiting too long before seeking professional advice• How directors can better protect themselves, their finances, and their futureIf your company is struggling with HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, cash flow issues, personal guarantees, Director’s Loan Accounts, or the possibility of liquidation, this video will help you understand the risks and the practical steps you can take before it's too late.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

May 26, 202623 min

The 2 BIG Problems UK business owners face AFTER Insolvency

Most directors think insolvency is the end of the road.But what if the biggest threats to your personal finances only appear after your company enters insolvency?In this eye-opening video, Chris Worden reveals the two hidden dangers that catch directors off guard and explains how they can put personal assets — including your family home — at risk.Learn:• What an overdrawn Director’s Loan Account is and why it can become a personal debt after insolvency• How insolvency practitioners assess and recover Director’s Loan Accounts• Why many directors unknowingly create massive personal liabilities through dividends• The warning signs that your Director’s Loan Account could become a serious problem• How personal guarantees can transform business debt into personal debt• Why borrowing money during financial distress can make your situation far worse• The truth about personal guarantee insurance and its limitations• How insolvency practitioners evaluate settlements and bankruptcy outcomes• Practical steps to assess your personal risk before entering insolvency• Strategies that may help protect your home and negotiate better outcomes• Why understanding your financial position before appointing an insolvency practitioner is critical• How early advice can give directors more options and reduce long-term stressIf you're worried about HMRC debt, cash flow problems, personal guarantees, Director’s Loan Accounts, or the possibility of liquidation, this video could help you avoid costly mistakes and better protect your future.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

May 22, 202615 min

Two Business Owners, Same Debt One Loses Everything, One Saves Their Home!

One Director Lost His Business and Home. The Other Said Insolvency Was the Best Decision He Ever Made.Most directors assume insolvency means the end.But what if the difference between losing everything and getting a fresh start comes down to a few critical decisions made before it's too late?In this powerful real-world case study, Chris Worden shares the stories of two construction company directors who faced the same financial pressures, mounting HMRC debt, and severe cash flow problems — yet experienced completely different outcomes.Learn:• Why signing personal guarantees without proper financial oversight can put your family home at risk• The dangerous consequences of borrowing based on hope rather than evidence• What happens when directors ignore HMRC letters, phone calls, and enforcement action• How a Time to Pay arrangement can provide breathing room without taking on more personal liability• The warning signs that indicate a business may already be insolvent• Why taking additional debt during financial distress can make a bad situation far worse• How pre-pack business rescue strategies can help preserve value and create a fresh start• The risks of making preference payments after insolvency• Why early insolvency advice gives directors more options and better outcomes• How one director legally bought his business back and rebuilt successfully after liquidationIf your business is struggling with HMRC debt, cash flow pressures, supplier demands, or you're concerned about liquidation, this video could help you avoid mistakes that cost directors thousands of pounds every year.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

May 18, 202623 min

How To Use Business Insolvency Like The 1%

6 SECRETS ONLY THE TOP 1% OF UK DIRECTORS KNOW ABOUT CLOSING A LIMITED COMPANYAre you making the same mistakes as most UK directors when shutting down your LTD company? In this must-watch video, uncover the 6-step system the top 1% use to avoid personal risk and costly disasters during business insolvency.We reveal how successful directors:Use real-time financial data to make smart decisionsProtect their family home from personal guaranteesAvoid dangerous creditor preferencesStay a step ahead of insolvency practitionersHandle overdrawn director’s loan accounts the right wayAvoid the “too good to be true” traps that catch everyone else outWhether your business is struggling or you see risks on the horizon, don't let ignorance cost you your assets or reputation. Get actionable advice based on years of supporting thousands of directors across the UK.Ready to safeguard your future? Click now to discover insider strategies that could save you thousands!Book your FREE business insolvency consultation:Call 08000862766

May 15, 202619 min

Latest Tax Rules by HMRC that will Catch You!

HMRC ENFORCEMENT 2026: THE NEW RULES EVERY UK DIRECTOR MUST KNOWAre you a UK director struggling with HMRC debt? This video reveals the NEW rules for 2026 and how HMRC’s aggressive tactics could put your business—and even your home—at risk.We break down:Why “silence” from HMRC is now your biggest danger signHow winding up petitions are being issued for smaller debts, faster than everThe hidden risks behind Controlled Goods Agreements and how they could destroy your business overnightThe trap of personal guarantees and how one mistake could cost you everythingDon't risk your company or personal assets. Stay ahead of HMRC’s new collection strategies—watch now to protect yourself before it’s too late!Book your FREE business insolvency check now:Call 08000862766

May 8, 202614 min

4 HMRC Red Flags That Trigger Tax Investigation on Directors

4 RED FLAGS HMRC IS WATCHING – Protect Your UK Business & Family Home in 2026!Are you a UK business owner worried about HMRC red flags? One simple mistake could put your business, assets, and even your family home at risk – especially with new enforcement changes coming in 2026!In this eye-opening video, discover the FOUR key HMRC warning signs every UK director must watch out for. From aggressive enforcement agents to winding-up petitions and personal guarantees, we break down the real-life risks facing business owners today.Learn how to:Spot early HMRC enforcement and what to do immediatelyAvoid losing your valuable business assets to auctionStop your company’s tax debt from becoming a personal nightmareTake practical steps to protect yourself, your livelihood, and your homeDon’t let these red flags catch you off guard – stay a step ahead and keep your company safe. Watch now for expert insights, practical tips, and peace of mind.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766