How to choose a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner
Choosing the right Licensed Insolvency Practitioner matters, because they will guide you through one of the most stressful decisions of your business life, and only a licensed practitioner can legally act as a liquidator or administrator. The first thing to do is confirm the person is genuinely licensed, which you can do free on the Insolvency Service register. This guide gives you the questions to ask so you can choose with confidence. Insolvency Service register
- First check
- Confirm they are licensed (Insolvency Service register)
- Look for
- Fixed written quotes, honest options, relevant experience
- Be wary of
- Unregulated advisers, pressure, vague pricing
- A good sign
- They tell you when you do not need a formal procedure
Talk it through, free and confidential No obligation. We review your situation and point you to the right next step.
What to look for
Anyone advising on insolvency who is not licensed should be treated with caution. Beyond that, look for clear, fixed, written quotes with the scope spelled out, a straight assessment of all your options including the ones that earn them no fee, experience in your situation or sector, and someone who explains things plainly and does not pressure you. A good practitioner will tell you when you do not need a formal procedure at all. Be wary of unregulated advisers, upfront pressure, and vague pricing.
Questions to ask
- Are you a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, and what is your IP number?
- What are all my options, including doing nothing formal?
- What is the fixed cost and scope, in writing?
- Have you handled cases like mine?
A practitioner who answers these openly is one to trust.
Check the register
Confirm any practitioner on the Insolvency Service register. Where we point you to a practitioner, it will only ever be a licensed one, never an unregulated adviser. See our accreditations.
Common questions
How do I check an insolvency practitioner is licensed?
Search the Insolvency Service register of Insolvency Practitioners, which is free and public. Only a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner can act as a liquidator or administrator, so always confirm before instructing anyone.