Life After a CVA: How to Rebuild, Grow, and Stay on Track
REBUILDING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE AND MOMENTUM AFTER A COMPANY VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENT
A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is a formal agreement with creditors that lets a struggling company repay debts over time while continuing to trade. It offers a chance to avoid insolvency, ease financial pressure, and plan a recovery.
Successfully completing or actively managing a CVA means you’ve already taken positive action to protect your company. Now, the focus turns to recovery, growth, and making sure you stay on track.
WHAT DOES LIFE AFTER A CVA LOOK LIKE?
The months following a CVA can be challenging, but they also bring opportunity.
Here’s what you can expect:
Regular CVA repayments: You’ll be making fixed contributions over the agreed term (typically 3–5 years).
Operational breathing space: Creditor pressure is paused, allowing you to focus on running the business.
Improved cash flow: With debts restructured and interest frozen, you have more flexibility to manage day-to-day costs.
Accountability: The Insolvency Practitioner will continue to monitor performance and ensure compliance with the CVA terms.
3 KEY STEPS TO REBUILD AND GROW AFTER A CVA
1. Get Cash Flow Under Control
After a CVA, managing your cash flow becomes your number one priority. With fixed monthly payments to creditors and likely tighter margins, you need full visibility over what’s coming in and going out.
· Build or revisit a simple cash flow forecast
· Prioritise prompt invoicing and chase payments early
· Cut or renegotiate non-essential overheads
· Keep a close eye on upcoming obligations — including VAT, PAYE, and rent
💡 Tip: Even basic cash flow tracking can prevent surprises and help you plan with confidence.
2. Strengthen Relationships with Key Stakeholders
Trust and communication are crucial post-CVA. Whether it's your suppliers, staff, or customers — how you engage with them now can shape the future of your business.
· Be open and proactive with suppliers about your plans to stay on track
· Reassure employees with regular updates and a clear path forward
· Rebuild customer confidence with consistent service and communication
💡 Tip: A short conversation explaining the situation can often go further than silence — most people understand that businesses go through tough times.
3. Focus on Efficiency and Long-Term Planning
Now is the time to look inward and make sure your business is running as smoothly and profitably as possible. That means improving processes, being selective about what you focus on, and setting realistic goals for future growth.
· Identify what’s working (and what isn’t)
· Streamline or automate tasks to save time and money
· Set short-term goals for rebuilding revenue and long-term ones for growth
· Avoid overextending too quickly — sustainable growth is key
💡 Tip: Even small improvements in how you operate can have a big impact over time.
HOW TO GET SUPPORT AFTER A CVA
Recovering from financial distress isn’t something you have to manage alone. There are a few ways businesses can access support after entering a CVA:
Ongoing financial advice – Working with an accountant or advisor can help you keep a close eye on cash flow and stay on top of obligations.
Business mentoring or coaching – Getting input from someone with turnaround experience can help you identify blind spots and plan for future growth.
HMRC and creditor communication – Maintaining open dialogue and staying proactive with updates can strengthen relationships and build trust post-CVA.
Operational reviews – Regularly assessing your internal processes, staffing structure, and cost base can ensure the business stays lean and efficient.
Access to funding and grants – You may still be eligible for certain types of finance or recovery support, especially from alternative lenders or local schemes.
CONCLUSION: FROM RECOVERY TO RESILIENCE
A CVA is the beginning of your recovery journey, not the end. With the right mindset, good financial discipline, and ongoing support, many businesses not only recover but go on to thrive. If you're currently in a CVA or have recently completed one, don’t wait until challenges build up. Early advice can make all the difference.
If you’d like tailored guidance on strengthening your business after a CVA, call our team on 020 7769 6831 for a confidential consultation or email help@voscap.co.uk.
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.