VOSCAP NEWS
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.
Inheritance Tax Reform 2026: What April’s Changes Mean for Business and Agricultural Assets
The UK government’s upcoming inheritance tax reforms will bring increased scrutiny to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), with changes expected to take effect from April 2026. While the reliefs themselves remain in place, the reforms aim to ensure they apply primarily to genuine trading businesses and active agricultural operations.
For business owners and landholders, this shift means that business structures, asset holdings and succession plans may need closer review in the coming year. This article explores the key policy changes announced in the recent budget, what they mean for family businesses and farms, and practical steps owners can take to prepare before the new rules come into force.
From Dividends to Salaries: How Directors Are Adapting to Higher Personal Exposure
In 2026, director pay, tax planning and personal financial decisions are under greater scrutiny than ever before. This article explores how UK directors are adapting their salary, dividend and loan account strategies in response to tighter regulation, increased transparency and rising emotional pressure — and why balanced, compliant decision-making is now essential for long-term protection.
Family Feuds and Financial Distress: The Hidden Risk in Insolvency
Family dynamics can complicate financial decision-making, especially under stress. This article explores how unresolved tensions, informal arrangements and poor documentation can derail insolvency outcomes — and how directors can protect both their business and relationships through early structure and independent advice.
“You’re Doing Great” Isn’t Just for Kids: The Role of Praise in the Workplace
Praise in the workplace is more powerful than many leaders realise. This article explores how recognition influences motivation, performance and retention — and why praise must be specific, balanced and meaningful to truly support growth. We also examine the often-overlooked reality that leaders themselves still need acknowledgment.
Nearly 40 Years On: How the Insolvency Act 1986 Still Shapes Business Today
The Insolvency Act 1986 remains the foundation of UK business recovery nearly 40 years after its introduction. This article explores why the law was needed, how it still governs insolvency today, and what its principles mean for directors, creditors and modern businesses navigating financial pressure.
Rachel Reeves’ Fiscal Reset: What Tighter Tax Rules Mean for SMEs
Rachel Reeves’ fiscal reforms are reshaping how SMEs manage tax, reporting and financial accountability. This article explores what the new rules mean for directors, how insolvency processes are affected, and how businesses can adapt with confidence in 2026.
You Don’t Protect a Story by Dragging It Out — And You Don’t Save a Business That Way Either
A thought-leadership article from Voscap Business Recovery exploring how emotion, timing and decision-making shape business outcomes in distress — and why dignified endings protect future opportunity.
Why Companies Fear Insolvency — And Why They Shouldn’t
Many directors fear insolvency — but most of those fears are based on myths. In this article, Voscap Business Recovery breaks down the truths behind insolvency, including what really happens to directors, why insolvency is often a route to recovery, and how early advice can prevent unnecessary personal and financial consequences. A clear, reassuring guide for directors, accountants and advisers seeking clarity in times of financial stress.
Conversations Every Director Should Be Having with Their Accountant
2026 marks a major shift in how UK directors must manage their financial responsibilities. With stricter tax enforcement, expanded digital reporting through Making Tax Digital, rising borrowing costs and ongoing cash-flow pressures, accountants are now playing a more strategic role than ever before. This article explores the essential conversations every director should be having with their accountant — from tax exposure and digital reporting to stress-testing and reserves planning. It also examines how insolvency practitioners support both directors and accountants when early financial concerns arise. With insights from Voscap Managing Director David Voskou, this guide helps both directors and advisers navigate the new landscape of scrutiny, compliance and recovery planning. A must-read for SMEs preparing for financial stability in 2026.
Preparing for a HMRC Audit in 2026: Red Flags, New Expectations, and Practical Steps
As HMRC expands its digital reporting powers and increases real-time scrutiny in 2026, SMEs face a new compliance landscape. This article explains the latest audit triggers, common red flags, what directors can expect under the updated rules, and the practical steps every business should take now to protect themselves. Clear, proactive financial habits can make the difference between a smooth audit — or serious investigation.
From Crisis Mode to Cash-Flow Confidence: Building a Stronger Business in 2026
UK businesses are entering 2026 facing tighter lending rules, rising energy pressures and new supply chain changes linked to Brexit. This article explores how directors can strengthen their cash-flow planning, build realistic reserves, prepare for supply-chain disruption and create a resilient contingency strategy. A practical guide for directors, accountants and advisers preparing for the year ahead.
What Happens to Crypto in Insolvency? Understanding the New Challenges
Cryptocurrency is now a common business asset — but in insolvency, it brings complex challenges around ownership, valuation, and recovery. This article explains how UK law treats digital assets, the difficulties practitioners face, and what directors, creditors, and advisers must understand as regulation tightens heading into 2026.
Fresh Rules, Fresh Responsibilities: The New Business Landscape After the Budget
The November Budget introduces major tax, compliance and reporting changes that will reshape how SMEs operate in 2026. This article explains what the updates mean for small and medium-sized businesses, how insolvency and administration processes will be affected, and the practical steps directors should take to prepare. Featuring expert commentary from Voscap Managing Director David Voskou, the piece explores how tighter oversight, earlier intervention and enhanced digital reporting create both new responsibilities and new opportunities for well-prepared businesses.
When Business Debts Become Personal: The Real Impact of Guarantees
Personal guarantees can be a lifeline or a liability. This article explores how business borrowing can become personal, the latest UK regulatory guidance on fair treatment, and one director’s real experience of debt turning into lasting personal hardship.
Balancing Accountability and Recovery: The Debate over Insolvent Trading Penalties
As scrutiny on UK directors intensifies, the debate over insolvent trading penalties has reignited. This article explores how the law is shifting, how to balance director accountability with business recovery, and what it means for creditors, advisers, and company directors.
Handling Car Finance Claims: Interim Guidance for Insolvency Practitioners Following the Supreme Court Ruling.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Hopcraft v Close Brothers has reshaped how car finance agreements are regulated across the UK. With the FCA preparing a 2025 consultation on a redress scheme, insolvency practitioners, accountants, and advisers are being urged to prepare for changes affecting motor finance claims and consumer compensation. Voscap outlines what the interim guidance means and how to stay compliant.
Post-COVID Business Support: Are We Still Learning the Right Lessons?
Government-backed COVID loans such as BBLS and CBILS helped thousands of UK SMEs survive lockdowns, protecting jobs and stabilising businesses. But several years on, many directors are still facing the financial consequences — from ongoing repayments and cash flow pressure to personal guarantees and insolvency risks. This article explores how COVID loan debt continues to shape business decisions today, the challenges directors are dealing with, and the key lessons in resilience and recovery for SMEs moving forward.
How Transparent Should You Be with Staff During Financial Difficulty?
During financial difficulty, leaders face a fine balance between honesty, legal obligations, and avoiding unnecessary panic. Staff often notice warning signs before management speaks up, so the real challenge is calibrating transparency. This article explores the legal red lines, risks, and benefits of openness, and how earned transparency builds trust, protects reputation, and keeps teams aligned. Learn how directors can communicate financial strain responsibly while safeguarding both staff morale and business stability.
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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.