Man charged with fraud over dead brother’s remains

A man has been charged with theft and fraud after the discovery of human remains at a flat in Scotland.A 59-year-old man was charged last Thursday after the discovery of human remains in a flat late last year.The skeletal remains of 69-year-old John Brown, who was known as Ian, were found at a flat in Denny, Falkirk, on December 19 last year.It is understood that the charged man is Mr Brown's brother who lived with him and acted as his carer, and that the alleged offence relates to benefit claims, STV reports.He is expected to appear in court at a later date.Central Scotland Police said the death of the 69-year-old was not now being treated as suspicious, and confirmed they had charged a 59-year-old man.A spokeswoman said: "The circumstances were initially believed to be suspicious."A man...

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Posted in: brothers,charged,fraud,remains

Debt resolution company under threat of losing consumer credit licence

A debt resolution company could face closure after coming under fire from the OFT.First Step Finance Limited is under threat of losing its credit licence having been issued with a ‘Minded to Revoke’ notice by the OFT.A member of the Debt Resolution Forum (DRF), the Stockport-based company was issued the notice on December 6 last year following an OFT compliance review of the debt management sector.The OFT took action against a number of companies licensed to provide debt counselling and debt adjustment services in September 2010.These were primarily small businesses, mainly sole traders, and it is understood that 40 of these businesses have so far surrendered their licences.It is also understood that just under 40 companies may face serious action, including licence revocation or having conditions...

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Posted in: Company,Consumer,Credit,licence,losing,resolution,threat,under

Average home £200 poorer under new budget

The average UK household will be £200 worse off under new tax changes made in the 2011 budget, which is announced today.According to the money education charity Credit Action, a total of 45 significant changes will come into force in April covering income tax thresholds, national insurance contributions, tax credits and child benefit as well as the fuel duty rise if it goes ahead.Many tax changes about to hit taxpayers’ pockets have already been pre-announced. The best that can be expected is a reversal in the planned 1p rise in fuel duty and the introduction of a fuel duty stabiliser that will help reduce the impact of oil price rises on fuel prices at the pump.But many people will still suffer a net loss of income after other tax changes take effect on April 6.The average household will...

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Posted in: Average,budget,poorer,under

Inflation rate hits 20 year high

Inflation is at its highest rate for 20 years, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Retail Price Index inflation (RPI), which includes mortgage interest payments, rose to 5.5 per cent from 5.1 per cent in January,its highest level for 20 years.The UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual rate of inflation has risen to 4.4 per cent, up from 4 per cent in January.This was driven by higher food, fuel and clothing costs and was at the highest level for more than two years.Domestic heating costs, particularly gas, rose by 0.4 per cent on average between January and February, despite falling by 2.8 per cent a year ago.Clothing and footwear prices have  also risen, where overall prices have shot up by 3.6 per cent following the January sales.Overall transport costs...

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Posted in: inflation

Championship director caught up in fraud scandal

A director at a Championship football club has been arrested as part of a major fraud investigation.Alan Whiteley, a director at Cardiff City, was arrested and suspended as a partner at M&A Solicitors on Thursday, the Guardian reports.The company also suspended a second partner, Eric Evans, 65, from Abergavenny.In a statement, M&A Solicitors said Whiteley and Evans had been suspended with immediate effect.“This action arises from a single transaction involving a client of the firm that is under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office,” the statement said.“The firm acted diligently by referring matters to the authorities and the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation follows on from our referral.“We are co-operating with the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation and due to the ongoing...

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Posted in: caught,Championship,director,fraud,scandal

Rags to riches Avon lady makes £1M

A woman who once had debts in the tens of thousands of pounds has turned her life around.Jeanette Coulson, from Stanley, County Durham, once had debts totalling £35,000 and had to live on just £30 a week.But she is now out of the red and well and truly back in the black after enjoying a successful start to her job as an Avon lady, having made £1 million turnover in just three years.A former complaints manager for npower, Jeanette only became a part-time sales leader in 2008 having suffered from low confidence and the death of her mother to cancer not long before.“At that time, I was very low in confidence,” she told Metro.“I suffered from anxiety and depression. For me to do that, to take on the Avon job, was a big step.“I only had £30 to my name to buy food. My friends and family said to...

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Posted in: makes,riches

Dealing with Mobile Phone Debt

Many consumers are surprised at how quickly mobile phone debt can accumulate.  At one time, the cost of owning a mobile consisted of paying for air time each month, according to the terms of a contract, plus the initial cost of purchasing the phone.  Today, with the ability to make purchases via the mobile and charge it to the mobile account, consumers can quickly amass a significant amount of phone debt that must be settled sooner or later. In some cases, obtaining debt help is prudent, especially when the amount of that phone debt is over a certain limit.One of the best ways to deal with this particular problem is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place.  When consumers pay off their phone bill debt each statement period, they protect their good credit and minimise...

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Posted in: Dealing,Mobile,Phone

Parents need to speak to their children about debt

Over the past few years the huge problems facing millions of households in the UK due to debt issues have become increasingly prevalent. The global financial crisis and recession has put the focus firmly on these debt problems, and with job losses and government cutbacks adding to the issues the various debt charities that are in operation in the UK are experiencing difficulties in keeping up with demand for debt related advice.As a result of the issues that have stemmed from high personal debt levels across the UK many have called for the school curriculum to be changed so that personal finance related subjects are added. Officials believe that kids will benefit hugely by learning about money management and the problems that huge debt levels...

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Posted in: about,children,parents,speak,their

Woman escapes jail in £24K fraud case

A woman who fraudulently claimed £24,000 in benefits has been spared jail, The Westmorland Gazette reports.Jayne Aspinall, 40, was given a fair deal by the judge because of her ‘exceptional’ circumstances.Aspinall, 40, from Little Urswick, Cumbria, must complete 150 hours’ unpaid community work for receiving regular overpayments in council tax benefit, income support and housing benefit over two years.Appearing at Preston Crown Court, she pleaded guilty to three offences of failing to notify a change of circumstances.Sentencing at Lancaster Crown Court, Recorder Rylands said: “This is a very significant offence but the remorse I’m told you experienced and the trauma of court proceedings convince me to take an exceptional course in this case.”Aspinall was spared jail in order to care for her...

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Posted in: escapes,fraud,Woman

Hiding Debts From Your Partner?

Written by Lizzy on Monday 21 March 2011 One very common situation that many of our clients find themselves in is having debts that their partners do not know about. Whether the debts built up before you met your partner, or whether the debts occurred when together, hiding something from your partner can put immense strain on your relationship. The reasons why people tend to hide their debt from their partner varies, but the outcome will always be the same ? that it is always best to be open and honest with them.A recent study revealed that 1 in 5 single people are living on credit; this is due to their lifestyles but also the high costs of living and low income. If you have built up debt prior to meeting your partner, then you should probably...

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Posted in: debts,Hiding,Partner

Getting Help with Debts with an IVA

In this day and age, it is not unusual for couples to need help with their debts.  Weakness in the economy, the loss of a job or even a prolonged illness can sometimes result in the need for some sort of debt help.  When this happens, it is important for couples to seek debt advice that is constructive and deals with their own individual circumstances.  This often means exploring every option, including debt management plans, bankruptcy and an Individual Voluntary Arrangement with creditors, by way of the courts.In order for a counsellor to provide useful advice, it is absolutely necessary that the couple be completely forthcoming with every debt obligation currently held by the household.  All too often, couples may try to hold back a credit card account or some other...

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Posted in: debts,Getting

Weekly Debt Question

Written by Lizzy on Friday 18 March 2011 A bailiff cannot use force to gain entry into a domestic property on their first visit: they can only use ?peaceable means?. Entering through an open or unlocked door, or via a window without causing any damage or disturbance, is acceptable. Forcing their way past someone at the door is not.REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LET A BAILIFF INTO YOUR HOME.For more information about bailiffs then please read my Bailiff BlogIf you are struggling with debts then please call Payplan on 0800 2802816.Don’t forget you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.Filed Under  Debt News  |  TrackbackLeave a Comment Leave a ReplyView the original article h...

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Posted in: Question,Weekly

Redundancy

Written by Lizzy on Thursday 17 March 2011 During the recession, redundancy has played a major part in people?s struggles with repaying their debts. Many people have been made redundant as businesses struggled with the economic downturn, which has led to rather a sharp increase in unemployment.Although redundancy cannot be prevented, the way that you deal with it can be addressed.If you have been made redundant one of your first thoughts will relate to how you are going to cope. If you have a family and a mortgage, being made redundant can be a very stressful time. If you have been made redundant then one of the first things that you should find out is if you are entitled to any type of redundancy pay.As you look for another job whilst out...

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Posted in: Redundancy

Helping Family In Debt

Written by Lizzy on Tuesday 15 March 2011 Being in debt can often leave people feeling embarrassed, ashamed, lonely and scared. When someone is in debt they often try and keep it to themselves and try and hide it from their loved ones. If you are one of those loved ones and know someone in debt, it can be very hard trying to help them.At Payplan we receive many calls from worried family members expressing their concerns and wanting to know either what they can do to help or what help is available to people in debt. Unfortunately without knowing any details it can be hard for us to give precise advice. However what we can say is that it is always best to sit down together with the person and talk to them. The chances are they will be feeling...

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Posted in: family,Helping

Apex Debt Counselling and Management Limited – In Administration

by Nazma Noor on March 15th, 2011 Good news for worried clients of Apex Debt Counselling & Management Limited – which recently went into administration: ClearDebt Group plc is working with the administrators, HJS Recovery, to review the situation of every active Apex client who wishes it and to offer to continue their current debt management plan (DMP) for them, free of charge.Apex DCM clients should contact ClearDebt immediately on this dedicated number 0800 612 3318 or by emailing apexenquiries@cleardebt.co.uk for free file review. ClearDebt will ensure clients are made aware of all their options and, should a debt management plan be the most appropriate solution, ClearDebt will waive all the fees normally charged on such arrangements to ensure debts are cleared in the shortest possible...

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Posted in: Administration,Counselling,Limited,Management

Expert predicition incites homelessness fears

Wednesday 16th March 2011 England is facing a massive housing crisis according to a report published this week.The news comes after the country’s housing policy looks to undergo radical changes.The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claim the housing shortfall could reach 750,000 homes by 2025.The report - ‘The good, the bad and ugly: housing demand 2025’ - says that even in an economy that remained slow-paced the demand for housing would still be more than 200,000 each year.If the economy recovers that figure would increase to 280,000, and only the North West would be able to meet such demands.IPPR director Nick Pearce said: "We cannot go on as we have done. Britain needs to build more homes. That is not going to happen without a...

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Posted in: Expert,fears,homelessness,incites,predicition

Fraudulent rock legend caught on YouTube

The former lead singer of one of the UK’s biggest heavy metal bands has been jailed for swindling £45,000 of tax payers’ money.Paul Andrews – aka Paul Di’Anno – formally of Iron Maiden, was sentenced to nine months in jail for conning the five-figure sum while touring around the world, sometimes playing to crowds of 10,000 people.The former front man claimed he could no longer work as a result of injuries he sustained after performing a stage dive during a live show. But the singer was rumbled after videos of him performing with his more recent bands were posted on YouTube and spotted by investigators working for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).According to the Guardian, James Newton-Price, prosecuting, told Salisbury Crown Court...

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Posted in: caught,Fraudulent,legend,YouTube

Swindler jailed after shooting himself

An insurance fraudster has been jailed for six and a half years after shooting himself in the chest as part of an insurance scam.The BBC reports that Philip Morris, 46, from Corwen, Denbighshire, needed an emergency operation to remove a bullet after the incident last year.It sparked a major police hunt, until Morris confessed he was the gunman.He pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, four other insurance frauds and possessing an illegal firearm.This was just one in a string of scams that date back as far as 1995, when Morris sparked another man hunt after claiming to have been shot with an air rifle.It wasn’t until an ambulance was called to an area near a hotel in Llangollen on May 19 last year, when Morris was discovered with...

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Posted in: after,himself,jailed,shooting,Swindler

Public in limbo as debt firm crashes

Customers of a debt management company have spoken of their fears after the firm's office closed.The Nottingham Evening Post reports that DCM Money Solutions has closed its base in Hope Drive, The Park, Nottingham.A statement on the company's website initially said it had gone into administration, though the message was later amended to say "More information to be provided shortly".The situation has left some clients worrying about how they will manage their debts. A 69-year-old woman from St Ann's, who asked not to be named, has been helped by the company for four years. She said: "I got in touch with DCM because I was around £10,000 in debt and needed help. They had always been OK but I rang a couple of weeks ago and a...

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Posted in: crashes,limbo,Public

Consumers warned about April tax shock

Wednesday 16th March 2011 The UK's working population could be in for a financial shock at the beginning of next month.All 29 million workers will be stunned by changes to tax and benefits, according to new reports.The charity Credit Action has identified 45 tax and benefit changes, which will take effect on April 6, in its latest report.Many households will be hundreds of pounds a year worse off, with better-off families being hit the hardest, according to figures calculated by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).The average loss to families will be £200 a year, which comes after changes in January which saw a rise in VAT, accounting for a total of £680.The biggest change for most people next month will be income tax. Calculations suggest...

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Posted in: about,April,consumers,shock,warned

UK household meltdown as debts loom

Job losses and falling incomes look set to leave a rising number of households unable to repay their debts, a charity has warned.According to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), many families were struggling in the face of falling or stagnating incomes and rising living costs.It said for those with high levels of debt the situation was often unsustainable, with people facing big gaps between their monthly income and their outgoings.The charity warned that families were the most vulnerable, with people who have two children being left with an average of just £62 per month to repay debts after essential outgoings.Families that had three or more children needed an additional £45 a month just to cover living costs.Lord Stevenson, Chairman of the CCCS, said: "The picture is undoubtedly...

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Posted in: debts,household,meltdown

What Exactly Is An IVA or Individual Voluntary Agreement?

Many people are completely unaware of the Individual Voluntary Arrangement or IVA, until they have a need to deal with a debt load that is threatening to undermine their lives and create a high degree of distress in their personal finances.  For this reason, understanding exactly what this agreement is and what it entails is very important to the process of getting out from under that mountain of debt and being able to discharge the debts in a timely and responsible manner.  Here are a few basics you need to know about how an Individual Voluntary Arrangement works and how it can help you.Essentially, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a legally binding document that establishes a schedule for repaying outstanding debt obligations to creditors within a period of no more than...

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Posted in: Agreement,Exactly,Individual,Voluntary

Weekly Debt Question

Written by Lizzy on Friday 11 March 2011 If you are already struggling with your debts and obtain further credit knowing that you cannot afford to pay it back, this can be seen as fraud. If you are struggling with debts then it is always best for you to seek advice.If you are struggling with debts then please call Payplan on 0800 2802816.Don’t forget you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.Filed Under  Debt News  |  TrackbackLeave a Comment Leave a ReplyView the original article h...

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Posted in: Question,Weekly

A few effective debt management tips to evade debt consolidation

Being in debt is certainly not a rosy experience. You certainly do not feel on the top of the world when the accusing fingers of the creditors point at you….Anya Bennett, an established financial writer who has witnessed the horrors that debt can bring, offers her words of wisdom…  If you are exhausted with the mounting debt burden and stress is eating you alive, immediately opt for debt consolidation to get rid of this situation. It will help you to merge your multiple debts into one and resolve your financial troubles. However, it has certain pitfalls as well. Debt consolidation only shifts your debts but never eliminates them completely. It has some adverse effects on your credit score, your loan payments are prolonged for a longer period of time, and you end up paying more interest...

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Posted in: Consolidation,effective,evade,Management

DMT reader forced to beg and borrow by cold 'claims' company

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 A Debt Management Today reader has taken a claims company to court after allegedly falling victim to a 'no-win-no-fee' scam.When 48-year-old Anthony Carwardine, from Gillingham, was cold-called by Beneficial Claims approximately two years ago, he was so eager to get his debts being wiped off that he borrowed £2,000 from a friend in order to pay the fee quoted by them. The company promise to wipe off certain debts for clients using legal loopholes.He said: “I received a call from Beneficial Claims who said that they could help with a loan I took out with Lloyds TSB in 2005. They told me all I had to do was pay an administrative charge of £200 to look into my...

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Posted in: borrow,Claims,Company,forced,reader

OFT warns lead generator

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 The OFT announced yesterday that they had imposed ‘requirements’ on a debt management lead generation company, due to their misleading advertising. Money Advice Direct Limited (MADL), are a licensed lead generator, who introduce people to either debt management or Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) providers via their website. However, the OFT has raised concerns over some of the advertising on the website, which led readers to believe that MADL was a non-profit organisation that was offered debt solutions rather than a commercial business that merely passed on contact details to other providers in exchange for a fee. The OFT's Director of Consumer Credit, Ray Watson, said: “It is important that consumers seeking...

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Posted in: generator,warns

The FSA turns its attention to risks in retail

Wednesday 2nd March 2011 The FSA has published details which disclose the level of risk exposed to consumers within the retail market. The Retail Conduct Risk Outlook (RCRO), produced by The Financial Services Authority (FSA), became available through their website earlier this week. The new publication is set to act as a primary component within the FSA’s consumer protection strategy. Introducing the new publication, Adair Turner, FSA chairman said: “The Retail Conduct Risk Outlook is a timely reminder of the consumer protection challenges facing the FSA, it’s successor bodies and financial firms over the coming years. It analyses how the environment trends may influence how firms treat their customers, and assesses the resulting potential...

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Posted in: attention,retail,risks,turns

DMT delves into the world of insolvency

Last week a Debt Management Today reporter was invited to the ICM Insolvency Conference 2011. James McDonald gives us an insight into the world of Insolvency...Debt management advisors, insolvency professionals and credit/debt managers from around the country got together last Thursday to discuss insolvency matters and to learn a little more about all the latest developments in best practice and development.The day began with an introduction by Claire Sandbrook, ICM Essex Branch Chairman, and Chief Registrar Stephen Baister. After this there was a series of expert speeches by professionals, who were keen to inform the audience about pressing issues. The Quartz speech – The role of an Insolvency PractionerThe Quartz Partnership was set up to...

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Posted in: delves,Insolvency,world

An easier way to access pension funds early

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 There is a solution and the solution is easy:  access pension funds today.  If individuals or directors have money in their pension, access up to 100 per cent of it and within two weeks you could be making the money work...By Andrew Stevens of Avanti Tax and Wealth Management"The hazy days of summer 2007 seem like a lifetime ago. Property prices in the UK were at an all time high, car sales were through the roof and UK businesses seemed blissfully unaware of the storm that was brewing across the Atlantic… A storm that would spread to the collapse of the banking system and widespread unemployment, plunging the UK deep into recession and creating, arguably , the worst economic climate since the Great Depression.So...

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Posted in: access,early,easier,funds,pension

Thousands hit by hidden charges

Wednesday 2nd March 2011 With inflation levels making everyday living more expensive, we should be paying more attention to the small print on our bills, not less.Yet all too often, a lack of attention towards our direct debit payments and other bills, means that we miss hidden charges and end up in spiralling into financial difficulty. Although direct debit payments simplify the task of paying regular bills, they also mean hefty penalty charges if we happen to have insufficient funds in our account. Utility bills are a particularly troublesome source of direct debit dilemmas; if payments are missed or late, the consumer is at risk of getting billed the next month with ‘late payment charges’, inclusive of interest fees. Furthermore,...

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Posted in: charges,hidden,thousands

Interactive tool launched to support insolvency professionals

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 A Consultant Company have introduced an interactive tool which is set to assist debt management solutions providers by creating a more widespread picture of a client’s indebtedness. The Debt Consolidation Accelerator recently launched by London-based DPR Consulting, claims to allow intermediaries and lending staff to capture a more detailed picture of an applicant’s financial situation.  Ian Wilson, Business Development, DPR Consulting, said: “The Debt Consolidation Accelerator is an interactive tool which captures a comprehensive overview of how indebted an individual is.” The Debt Consolidation Accelerator works by enabling the user to input a client’s income and monthly outgoings. The results...

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Posted in: Insolvency,Interactive,launched,professionals,support

Why walking down the aisle is the real road to debt

Wednesday 9th March 2011 With the lavish ceremonies of celebrities publicised extensively and the Royal Wedding fast approaching, our dream ‘fairy tale’ weddings are landing us in very real debt. The less than dreamy wedding loan...Many consumers are facing financial vulnerability by taking out loans to cover the cost of their ‘special day’, and rising unemployment and poor credit ratings do not seem to have deterred their splurges. According to The Money Advice Group Ltd, ‘couples can borrow on average £26,000 to fund their weddings, which can take 16 years to pay off’. With the average marriage lasting only 11.5 years, this is certainly a worrying statistic. According to Kensington Financial Management Consultants (KFMC), before the...

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Posted in: aisle,walking

Demand for more protection against phoenix companies

A recent survey of SMEs has highlighted the controversy surrounding insolvency law, with 96 per cent of those questioned saying they thought insolvent firms should not be allowed to launch similar companies.  Carried out by the debt collection agency, Daniels Silverman, the survey demonstrates the concern felt by SMEs over the practice of pre-pack administrations – often dubbed as ‘phoenixing’ and seen as a method whereby insolvent firms ‘dump their debt’. Commenting on the findings, Carole Hughes, managing director at Daniels Silverman, said: “Our survey results indicate that many SMEs would like a rethink in insolvency law to protect companies from unscrupulous directors that take advantage of pre-pack administration. “They have told us they are becoming more and more frustrated by...

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Posted in: against,Companies,Demand,phoenix,protection