VOSCAP NEWS
Part Two – Beyond the CPI Exams: Career Progression, Pressure and Men’s Mental Health
What comes after passing the CPI exams? Following our first article on preparing for the qualification, we catch up with VOSCAP's Anthony Voskou to discuss his experience, career opportunities within the insolvency industry and the importance of managing workplace pressure. With International Men's Day in mind, Anthony also shares his thoughts on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, speaking openly about stress and making time for the things that matter outside work.
Pre-Pack Administration Explained: What Businesses Need to Know
What is a pre-pack administration, and when might it be appropriate for a business in financial difficulty? VOSCAP explains how the process works, why businesses use pre-packs, what happens to company debts and the safeguards that apply when existing directors or connected parties purchase the business.
What Is Intellectual Property — and What Happens to It When a Company Is Liquidated?
Intellectual property can be one of a company’s most valuable assets — but what happens to it if the business enters liquidation? We explain the main types of IP, who owns them, and how intellectual property may be identified, valued and sold during the UK liquidation process.
World Mental Health Day: Burnout or Just a Bad Week? How to Tell the Difference
Work-related stress can build gradually and, if left unmanaged, may lead to burnout. We look at how to recognise the warning signs, where employees can find support and the practical steps managers and business owners can take to create a healthier workplace, with expert insight from psychotherapist Hanna Kotava.
Are You Preparing for Year-End — or Just Surviving It?
Year-end is more than closing the books—it's an opportunity to strengthen your business for the year ahead. This article explores why delaying strategic planning, setting budgets too late and failing to review key performance indicators can leave businesses reacting instead of leading. We also examine why planning ahead of the UK's next Budget announcement can help organisations stay agile in an uncertain economic environment.
Why People Are Every Business's Greatest Source of Resilience
People are the driving force behind every resilient business. In this article, we explore why retaining experienced staff, investing in continuous development and improving employee engagement are essential for long-term business success. We also examine the growing cost of recruitment, the importance of flexible working and how employers can build a workforce that's prepared for future challenges.
From CCJ to Winding-Up Petition: Understanding the Escalation Process
When a business falls behind on its financial obligations, creditor action can escalate quickly if left unresolved. This article explains the typical progression from missed payments and County Court Judgments (CCJs) through to statutory demands, winding-up petitions and compulsory liquidation, helping directors understand their legal position and the importance of seeking advice early.
IVAs for Landlords: Understanding Your Options When Property Portfolios Are Under Pressure
Owning a rental property portfolio has become increasingly challenging as landlords face rising mortgage costs, changing legislation and higher operating expenses. This article explores how Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) work for landlords, when they may be appropriate and the key factors to consider before making financial decisions.
Profitability Isn't Everything: What Your Balance Sheet Really Reveals
Profit is only one measure of a successful business. Your balance sheet tells the bigger story, revealing whether your company is financially resilient, solvent and prepared for future challenges. In this article, we explain the balance sheet test, why directors should understand it and how monitoring your financial position can help protect your business.
When Workplace Bonds Strengthen Teams—and When They Undermine Them
Workplace friendships can improve morale, strengthen collaboration and increase employee engagement, but they can also create challenges around boundaries and fairness. In recognition of International Day of Friendship, this article explores the benefits, risks and leadership lessons behind workplace relationships, supported by research from Gallup and the CIPD.
The Truth About Insolvency Fees: What Many People Don't Realise
Insolvency fees are often misunderstood, leading many individuals and business owners to delay seeking advice unnecessarily. This myth-busting guide explains how insolvency fees are regulated in the UK, answers common questions and highlights why obtaining professional advice early can often save both time and money.
Is the Fitness Industry Recovering? Trends and Insights
The UK fitness industry experienced unprecedented disruption during COVID-19, forcing gyms, leisure centres and sports facilities to adapt to changing consumer habits and economic pressures. This article explores how the sector evolved before, during and after the pandemic, examining whether membership confidence has returned and whether the industry is now stronger than ever.
Salary vs Dividends vs Director’s Loan: A Practical Guide for Company Directors
Understanding how to take money out of your company is a key decision for any UK director. This practical guide explains the differences between salary, dividends and director’s loans — including tax implications, risks and how to structure your remuneration effectively.
Why Emotional Financial Decisions Deepen Debt Problems – Insights from Stella Davis
Emotional decision-making can play a major role in worsening financial distress. In this expert feature, licensed insolvency practitioner Stella Davis explores how reactive borrowing and short-term thinking can deepen debt problems—and why early, structured action is key to recovery.
A Career in Insolvency: Qualifications, Skills and Growth Opportunities
A career in insolvency offers a unique blend of finance, law and business advisory, with clear progression from trainee roles to licensed practitioner status. This article explores the qualifications, key skills and career journey involved — along with insights into how professional development and hands-on experience can shape long-term success in the industry.
Restaurants, Pubs, Hotels: Inside the Perfect Storm Facing UK Hospitality
The UK hospitality sector has faced sustained pressure since COVID-19, with thousands of closures, rising costs and changing consumer behaviour reshaping the industry. This article explores the data behind the crisis and what it means for restaurants, pubs and hotels navigating an increasingly difficult operating environment.
Business Visibility in 2026: What Is Now Public and How It Is Interpreted
In 2026, people no longer just search for your company — they rely on AI tools to interpret it for them. This article explores how changing search behaviour, platforms like ChatGPT, and increasing UK transparency through Companies House are reshaping what the public can see about your business and how quickly trust is formed.
Business Advice: What Directors Should Know When Facing Financial Pressure
In this article, Voscap Managing Director David Voskou shares practical insights from his recent Brillance Talks podcast, explaining how financial problems develop, the importance of early action, and what directors can do to navigate business challenges effectively.
Part One - Thinking About the CPI Exams? What They Are, How to Revise, and When to Take Them
For professionals working in the UK insolvency sector, the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency (CPI) is often an important step in developing technical knowledge and progressing within the profession.
Awarded by the Insolvency Practitioners Association, the CPI provides a recognised benchmark of understanding across corporate and personal insolvency procedures, legislation and professional practice.
In this article, we explore what the CPI exams involve, when professionals typically choose to sit them, and practical revision techniques that can help candidates prepare. We also speak with VOSCAP team member Anthony Voskou, who is currently studying for the exams, about his motivation for taking the qualification and the study methods he has found most useful so far.
This is the first part of a two-part series following Anthony’s CPI journey as he prepares to sit the exams this June.
Why Fixed Charges Offer Stronger Protection than Floating Charges
Security over business assets plays a central role in commercial lending and corporate finance. In the UK, two of the most common forms of secured lending are fixed charges and floating charges, each offering different levels of protection for lenders and flexibility for businesses.
While floating charges allow companies to continue trading with working capital assets such as stock and receivables, fixed charges provide lenders with stronger control and higher priority in the event of insolvency. Recent high-profile business failures have once again highlighted how the structure of secured lending can influence creditor recoveries.
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ABOUT VOSCAP
Voscap’s primary objective is to save your business. Our team of experts’ knowledge in restructuring and turnaround assignments is invaluable when assessing the best option available to your needs. With experience spanning several decades, we have the skill and resources to provide viable solutions within all industry sectors. All organisations go through difficult times and we are here to help. From small to multi-million turnover businesses, we have dealt with the most complex of cases. We offer an initial free assessment in analysing your financial position and providing clear and precise advice making your experience a simple non-complicated process.