Director First Podcast with Chris Worden

Hosted by Chris Worden

Business

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Episodes

402

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 17, 202619 min

Big Insolvency Mistake - Fees You Dont Know Ask About

When you're preparing to put a limited company into liquidation, the headline insolvency fee is only part of the real cost. Directors can face additional costs from overdrawn Director's Loan Accounts and buying company assets back after liquidation. In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains the hidden costs directors need to understand before appointing an insolvency practitioner, how settlements can be negotiated, and why preparing your position before signing anything can make a significant difference. Discover: • Why the headline liquidation fee isn't necessarily the total cost • What the typical insolvency practitioner fee actually covers • The difference between the cost of entering liquidation and your total personal exposure • How an overdrawn Director's Loan Account can become a personal liability • Where to find your Director's Loan Account in your accounting records • Why an overdrawn DLA may sometimes be settled for less than its full balance • How your income, assets, and ability to repay can affect a potential settlement • Why some Director's Loan Accounts may be difficult or uneconomic to recover • How negotiations with an insolvency practitioner can affect the final settlement • Why bankruptcy recovery costs can influence settlement negotiations • What happens when you want to buy company assets back after liquidation • How vans, equipment, stock, customer databases, and other assets can be valued • Why assets must be purchased at a fair market value • The importance of getting an independent valuation before liquidation • The difference between an in-situ value and an ex-situ value • Why the cheapest insolvency practitioner fee doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest overall outcome • How payment terms for assets can sometimes be negotiated • The hidden costs directors should identify before choosing an insolvency practitioner • How preparation can help you understand your potential personal exposure before liquidation • Why directors should understand their DLA and asset position before signing liquidation documents • A real-life example showing how preparation reduced a director's potential costs significantly • Why acting early doesn't mean delaying the insolvency process when the company has no realistic prospect of recovery If your company is considering liquidation, has an overdrawn Director's Loan Account, company assets you want to buy back, HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, or serious cash flow problems, this video explains the costs you need to understand before appointing an insolvency practitioner and why preparation can make a major difference. Book now for a free business insolvency check Call 08000862766

August 10, 202616 min

7 Secret Mistakes HMRC Are Looking 2026!

HMRC doesn't treat every director the same way. The level of attention your business receives can depend on how HMRC's systems assess your overall risk, not simply how much tax you owe.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains the key warning signs that can increase HMRC's attention, how its Connect system uses data to identify potential risks, and what directors can do to improve their position before enforcement escalates.Discover:• How HMRC's Connect system gathers and analyses information about businesses• Why HMRC's attention isn't always based on the amount of tax you owe• How information from Companies House, Land Registry, DVLA, banks, and digital platforms can be cross-referenced• How data mismatches can trigger HMRC scrutiny and nudge letters• Why late or missing tax returns can significantly increase your risk• How unpaid tax combined with a lack of engagement can raise concerns• Why staying silent with HMRC can be more damaging than simply owing money• How previous insolvencies involving unpaid HMRC debts can affect future businesses• What the Phoenix Task Force looks for when investigating repeat insolvency patterns• How Joint and Several Liability Notices can create personal liability for directors• Why consistently ignoring HMRC letters and phone calls can lead to faster escalation• What it means when HMRC starts asking more detailed questions about your business• Why enforcement officers may become involved sooner when your risk increases• How HMRC's approach can change once your business receives greater scrutiny• Why a higher level of HMRC attention can reduce the time available to respond• How directors can reduce their risk by getting all outstanding returns filed• Why proactive engagement with HMRC can improve your position• How a realistic Time to Pay Arrangement can demonstrate that you're actively dealing with your tax debt• Why data mismatches and nudge letters should be addressed rather than ignored• How HMRC's assessment of your risk can change based on your actions• The four practical steps directors can take to improve their position with HMRCIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, late tax returns, VAT or PAYE liabilities, nudge letters, compliance checks, creditor pressure, or the risk of enforcement action, this video explains what can increase HMRC's attention and what you can do to get your situation back under control.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

August 3, 202627 min

Everything you MUST know about Liquidation 2026!

Many directors believe liquidation is the worst possible outcome for their company—but in many cases, delaying the decision causes far more damage. Understanding when voluntary liquidation becomes the right option can protect both your business and your personal position.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory liquidation, when directors should act, what happens once a liquidator is appointed, and how personal guarantees and Director's Loan Accounts are handled after liquidation.Discover:• What liquidation actually means for a limited company• The difference between voluntary and compulsory liquidation• Why acting early gives directors more control over the process• How choosing your own insolvency practitioner can improve the outcome• What happens to company assets during liquidation• How employees and redundancy claims are handled• When a business has reached the point where liquidation should be considered• The legal insolvency tests every director should understand• Why continuing to trade can increase personal risk• How wrongful trading can affect directors after insolvency• What an insolvency practitioner actually does once appointed• How creditor communication changes after liquidation begins• How company assets are valued and sold• When business assets can be purchased back through the correct legal process• What happens during a director conduct review• How personal guarantees are triggered after liquidation• Why personal guarantees can often be negotiated into affordable repayment plans• How overdrawn Director's Loan Accounts are recovered• Why Director's Loan Account settlements are often negotiated rather than paid in full• How planning ahead can reduce personal exposure and help protect your home and financesIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, personal guarantees, an overdrawn Director's Loan Account, or the risk of insolvency, this video explains what happens during liquidation, what to expect from the process, and how early action can lead to a far better outcome.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

July 27, 202617 min

HMRC Can Empty Your Business Bank Account

HMRC now has more powers than ever to recover unpaid tax, and many directors don't realise just how quickly enforcement action can escalate. From enforcement officers visiting your premises to money being taken directly from your business bank account, understanding these powers could help you avoid serious financial consequences.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains the different ways HMRC recovers unpaid tax, why many directors are caught by surprise, and the practical steps you can take to stop enforcement before it reaches the most damaging stage.Discover:• How HMRC recovers unpaid tax from limited companies• What happens when HMRC enforcement officers visit your business• How Controlled Goods Agreements put business assets at risk• Why signing HMRC paperwork without advice can have serious consequences• How HMRC can seize and sell business assets to recover tax debts• What Direct Recovery of Debts (DRD) is and how it works• When HMRC can take money directly from your business bank account• The safeguards HMRC must follow before using DRD powers• Why ignoring HMRC letters can remove important legal protections• How interest and penalties increase your tax debt every day• Why unpaid VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax can quickly become much larger debts• How HMRC enforcement has become faster and more aggressive• What happens when HMRC issues a Winding Up Petition• Why frozen bank accounts can bring a business to a standstill• How suppliers and customers are affected when a petition becomes public• Why waiting for the court hearing is often a costly mistake• How a Time to Pay Arrangement can stop HMRC enforcement• What HMRC expects before agreeing to a repayment plan• The practical steps directors should take before enforcement escalates• Why engaging with HMRC early can protect your business and preserve more optionsIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, VAT debt, PAYE liabilities, Corporation Tax debt, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, enforcement action, or the risk of a Winding Up Petition, this video explains how HMRC recovers unpaid tax and what you can do to stop the situation from becoming significantly worse.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

July 20, 202627 min

Can HMRC shut down your company?

If your limited company owes HMRC money, one of the biggest questions you'll have is whether HMRC can actually shut your business down. The answer is yes—but it rarely happens without warning. HMRC follows a clear escalation process, and understanding where you are on that journey could make the difference between saving your business and being forced into compulsory liquidation. In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains how HMRC escalates unpaid tax debts, what happens at each stage of the process, and the actions directors can take to protect their business before it's too late. Discover: •⁠ ⁠Whether HMRC can force your limited company into liquidation •⁠ ⁠The six-stage HMRC enforcement ladder every director should understand •⁠ ⁠What HMRC letters, phone calls, and enforcement visits actually mean •⁠ ⁠When business assets become at risk through a Controlled Goods Agreement •⁠ ⁠What happens when HMRC issues a Winding Up Petition •⁠ ⁠Why the publication of a petition can cause immediate damage to your business •⁠ ⁠How frozen bank accounts can disrupt trading overnight •⁠ ⁠Why suppliers and customers often react once a petition becomes public •⁠ ⁠The warning signs that HMRC enforcement is becoming more serious •⁠ ⁠How a Time to Pay Arrangement can stop HMRC's escalation process •⁠ ⁠What HMRC expects before agreeing to a payment plan •⁠ ⁠Why realistic cash flow forecasts are essential during negotiations •⁠ ⁠How to present a business case that improves your chances of success •⁠ ⁠What options remain after a Winding Up Petition has been served •⁠ ⁠How Validation Orders can allow a company to continue trading •⁠ ⁠Why voluntary liquidation often provides better outcomes than compulsory liquidation •⁠ ⁠How choosing your own insolvency practitioner can make a significant difference •⁠ ⁠The impact compulsory liquidation can have on directors, staff, and company assets •⁠ ⁠Why acting early preserves more options and reduces personal risk •⁠ ⁠The common mistakes that cause directors to lose control of the situation If your company is facing HMRC arrears, VAT debt, PAYE liabilities, Corporation Tax debt, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, a Winding Up Petition, or the risk of compulsory liquidation, this video explains the options available at every stage and why early action can dramatically improve the outcome. Book now for a free business insolvency check Call 08000862766

July 13, 202617 min

When should you consider insolvency?

Many directors believe insolvency only begins when a liquidator is appointed—but the reality is that your company can become insolvent long before any formal process begins. Understanding the warning signs early could protect your business, your finances, and your future.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains what insolvency really means, the legal tests every director should understand, the warning signs most businesses ignore, and why acting early gives you far more options than waiting until it's too late.Discover:• What insolvency actually means under UK law• The two legal insolvency tests every director should know• How to identify whether your company is already insolvent• Why your legal duties change the moment insolvency occurs• The common warning signs directors often overlook• How unpaid HMRC liabilities can signal serious financial trouble• Why juggling creditors is a major indicator of cash flow insolvency• How supplier pressure, overdue taxes, and mounting debts affect your business• The risks of continuing to trade while insolvent• Why delaying action can reduce your available options• The difference between insolvency as a financial state and a formal process• How early professional advice can protect directors from unnecessary risk• What business rescue options may still be available• How administration can provide breathing space from creditor action• How insolvency procedures can deal with overwhelming company debt• What pre-pack administrations and pre-pack liquidations involve• How viable parts of a business may be preserved through restructuring• Why personal guarantees don't always mean the worst-case outcome• The hidden cost of waiting until enforcement action begins• Real-life examples showing how early action creates better outcomes for directorsIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, unpaid VAT or PAYE, mounting debt, personal guarantees, or the risk of insolvency, this video explains how to recognise the warning signs early and make informed decisions before your options begin to disappear.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

July 6, 202620 min

How to Deal With A Overdrawn Director's Loan Account?

Most directors don't realise they have an overdrawn Director's Loan Account until their company is facing insolvency—and by then, it can become a serious personal financial problem.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains what an overdrawn Director's Loan Account is, why it matters during insolvency, and how directors can reduce their personal risk before it's too late.Discover:• What a Director's Loan Account (DLA) is and how it works• How directors accidentally create an overdrawn loan account• Why taking money outside payroll and dividends can create personal liability• How illegal dividends can increase your Director's Loan Account balance• How to check whether your Director's Loan Account is overdrawn• Where to find your Director's Loan Account in your accounting records• Why accurate bookkeeping and management accounts are essential• What happens to an overdrawn Director's Loan Account during liquidation• Why insolvency practitioners pursue directors personally for repayment• How an overdrawn Director's Loan Account is treated as a company asset• Why many directors are caught completely by surprise after liquidation• How insolvency practitioners decide whether to negotiate a settlement• Why bankruptcy isn't always the best outcome for creditors• How realistic settlement offers can sometimes reduce the amount repayable• Real-life examples of negotiating Director's Loan Account settlements• When insolvency practitioners may decide not to pursue recovery• Practical steps directors can take to reduce their personal exposure• Why monitoring your Director's Loan Account regularly is so important• How changing the way you pay yourself can help protect your position• Why seeking professional advice early gives you more options and better outcomesIf your company is facing financial difficulties, has an overdrawn Director's Loan Account, HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, or the risk of insolvency, this video explains what you need to know to protect yourself and avoid costly mistakes.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

July 3, 202614 min

Scared to Call HMRC? Watch This First

If your company owes HMRC money, the decisions you make in the first few weeks can determine whether your business recovers—or faces enforcement action and possible insolvency.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains how directors should deal with HMRC at every stage of the process, from the first missed tax payment through to negotiating with HMRC and avoiding the mistakes that can make matters significantly worse.Discover:• What to do the moment you realise you can't pay an upcoming tax bill• Why delaying contact with HMRC increases interest, penalties, and enforcement risk• The first three steps every director should take before speaking to HMRC• How to prepare accurate cash flow forecasts and understand your true tax position• Why contacting HMRC early can dramatically improve your options• What HMRC actually wants when dealing with struggling businesses• How to present a realistic repayment proposal that HMRC is more likely to accept• Why threatening HMRC or making unrealistic promises often backfires• How to build a strong commercial case for a Time to Pay Arrangement• What directors can learn from real-life negotiations with HMRC• The biggest mistakes businesses make after a Time to Pay Arrangement is approved• Why ongoing VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax payments must remain up to date• How to ring-fence tax money and improve cash flow management• Why failing a Time to Pay Arrangement can leave you in a much worse position• The difference between a temporary cash flow problem and a business viability problem• When HMRC debt is the real issue—and when it's simply a symptom of deeper financial problems• Why seeking insolvency advice early can preserve more options for your business• How to recognise when restructuring may be a better solution than another payment arrangementIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, VAT debt, PAYE liabilities, Corporation Tax debt, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, or the risk of insolvency, this video explains how to approach HMRC correctly, avoid costly mistakes, and give your business the best chance of recovery.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

June 29, 202619 min

How to Get a HMRC Payment Plan Approved

If your company owes HMRC money and you can't pay it in full, a Time to Pay Arrangement could help you spread your tax debt over time—but only if you approach HMRC the right way.In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains how Time to Pay Arrangements work, why so many directors get rejected, and the steps you should take before speaking to HMRC to maximise your chances of reaching an agreement.Discover:• What a Time to Pay Arrangement is and when HMRC may approve one• Why negotiating with HMRC without knowing your numbers is a costly mistake• How to calculate what your business can realistically afford to repay• Why offering HMRC more than you can sustain often leads to failure• The importance of preparing an accurate cash flow forecast before negotiations• Why all VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax returns must be filed before applying• How unfiled tax returns can prevent HMRC from considering your proposal• Why HMRC estimated assessments can increase your tax debt unnecessarily• How to build a strong business case that improves your chances of approval• What HMRC looks for when deciding whether to accept a payment proposal• Why honesty, evidence, and realistic repayment figures matter• The biggest mistakes directors make when setting up a Time to Pay Arrangement• Why missing future tax payments can immediately cancel your agreement• How to manage ongoing VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax while repaying historic arrears• Practical cash flow strategies that help keep your repayment plan on track• How ring-fencing tax money can prevent future HMRC problems• The difference between a temporary cash flow problem and a business that's no longer viable• When a Time to Pay Arrangement can save your business—and when it can't• Why seeking professional advice early gives you more options and better outcomesIf your company is facing HMRC arrears, VAT debt, PAYE liabilities, Corporation Tax debt, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, or the risk of insolvency, this video will help you understand how to approach HMRC correctly and avoid the mistakes that cause many Time to Pay Arrangements to fail.Book now for a free business insolvency checkCall 08000862766

June 26, 202611 min

Why Is HMRC So Aggressive in 2026?

Many directors feel like HMRC has become far more aggressive in recent years. They're quicker to chase debts, faster to escalate enforcement action, and much harder to negotiate with than they were in the past. The truth is, this isn't a coincidence. In this practical guide, Chris Worden explains why HMRC's approach has changed, the forces driving their behaviour, and what directors need to do differently to avoid serious problems with tax arrears, enforcement action, and personal liability. Discover: • Why HMRC has been instructed to become more aggressive in collecting unpaid taxes • What the UK's tax gap is and why closing it has become a government priority • Why small and medium-sized businesses are now a major focus for HMRC • How HMRC's resources, technology, and enforcement powers have expanded • What HMRC's Connect system is and how it gathers information about businesses • How data from Companies House, banks, property records, and digital platforms is used • Why HMRC can identify discrepancies faster than ever before • What HMRC "nudge letters" are and why they should never be ignored • Why the old strategy of delaying, avoiding, or hiding from HMRC no longer works • How digital reporting has changed the way HMRC investigates businesses • What the Phoenixism Task Force is and why directors should be aware of it • How HMRC identifies directors who repeatedly leave tax debts behind • What Joint and Several Liability Notices (JSLNs) are and how they can create personal liability • Why unpaid VAT, PAYE, and other tax debts can sometimes follow directors personally • How HMRC analyses patterns across multiple companies and insolvencies • The risks of closing one company and starting another without proper advice • Why transparency, valuations, and proper safeguards matter when restructuring a business • The importance of engaging with HMRC early when financial difficulties arise • Why filing tax returns on time is critical, even if you cannot pay immediately • How realistic payment proposals can improve your chances of reaching an agreement • The common mistakes directors make when dealing with HMRC arrears • Practical steps to reduce enforcement risks and protect your business If your company is facing HMRC arrears, VAT debt, PAYE liabilities, creditor pressure, cash flow problems, or the risk of insolvency, this video will help you understand why HMRC's approach has changed and what you can do to stay ahead of potential enforcement action. Book now for a free business insolvency check Call 08000862766