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Numerous sectors across the UK have been affected to varying degrees by the global financial crisis. The retail sector has received a great deal of recent press attention but the construction industry has also experienced a number of serious blows over the last 5 years.

SME manufacturers have endured a tough time recently, but even those who have been hit hardest by the global financial crisis appear to be optimistic about the prospects of future growth.

As things begin to look bleaker for high-street retailers, the key question is just how far are those within the industry willing to go in order to attract new customers?

If you are considering becoming a first-time entrepreneur, it can be a period that is both exciting and scary at the same time.

Simon Thomas and Shelley Bullman of leading insolvency and restructuring firm Moorfields Corporate Recovery LLP were appointed joint administrators of specialist healthcare charity, Mental Health Care Ltd on the 24 May 2013.

Starting a new business can be a really exciting time. Provided you have the necessary start-up capital and a few good contacts to help you get started, it can be a really rewarding experience in your life.

The finances which are floating around in modern football at the moment are quite staggering, with multi-million pound takeovers of clubs such as Manchester City and Paris St Germain proving that the lure of the game still endures as the ideal plaything of the super-rich.

12 dormant subsidiaries of one of the UK's largest societies.

There are several cities throughout the world who can lay claim to being at the heart of the modern business world.

Setting up your own business can be quite an attractive prospect in the current climate. If you have a good business idea, a sensible marketing strategy and a bit of start-up capital then it may not be as difficult as you initially imagine.

The growing influence of social media in terms of influencing modern business practice is largely indisputable at this point. An increasing amount of people are becoming aware of how to use this outlet as part of an online purchasing process, and this could have significant consequences for your business.

Struggling companies are increasingly being encouraged to think outside the box in order to win new business and generate renewed interest in their brand, but what does this really mean? The idea of trying something different may be dictated by the current financial position of your business, as well as logistical concerns over things like location and employee numbers. However, venturing outside of your established comfort zone and trying a new technique could be worth a try if your company is struggling to survive in the current financial climate. Changing your message Changing the general message of your business doesn’t have to involve a complete re-brand of the company. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing your advertising slogan to make consumers aware of a different service which you offer that is possibly not gaining much recognition. Such a tactic could be the catalyst for a wide-scale business recovery. Investing in the internet One thing which all successful modern companies have in common is that they have found a way to make the internet work for them. A myriad of statistics now suggest that people search online for products/services more than through any other outlet, so getting SEO-savvy and looking into the idea of social engagement may be just the kick-start your company needs. Use your size to your advantage Smaller companies may increasingly feel swamped by larger organisations within their sector, but the one area where they can almost certainly trump their counterparts is in terms of a personalised service. Little touches such as free delivery, regular communication and loyalty discounts could be the difference between losing and retaining a valued and important customer. In the week that it was announced by the Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s leading innovation agency, that a budget of £440 million will be set aside to support notably innovative businesses, the idea of thinking outside the box could not be more relevant. Companies that work in areas touching on renewable energy, advanced materials, digital technologies and healthcare will all be able to get their hands on the impressive budget providing they prove their ability to implement innovative strategies in the current climate.

Moorfields Corporate Recovery assist Serious Fraud Office with conviction of two Mayfair property businessmen guilty of defrauding banks out of millions of pounds.

Approximately 125 UK Subsidiaries wanting to reduce costs. Prepared methodology for client's legal, accounting and tax teams to use to identify companies to be liquidated.

When the 2013 budget was announced there were a number of sectors who reacted in different ways to the points which were set out by George Osborne.

Development projects of all shapes and sizes can be complex operations at the best of times. The amount of different parties involved, from those providing the funds all the way down to carpenters and labourers, means that everything is not always guaranteed to run smoothly.

The announcement earlier this week that Sir Alex Ferguson was due to step down as manager of Manchester United is undoubtedly one of the biggest stories of the sporting year.

Despite the fact that recent data from the government’s Insolvency Service has revealed that the number of businesses going into liquidation recently dropped by a figure of 17.9% year-on-year, the UK’s stagnant economy means that a number of firms have recently fallen into administration, while others are teetering on the brink of financial collapse.

Leading insolvency and rescue firm Moorfields Corporate Recovery are pleased to announce they are sponsoring this years insolvency and rescue awards.

With many businesses struggling to stay afloat in the current climate, businesses have had work hard to identify how they can adapt all aspects of their operations in order to keep pace with the changing needs of the marketplace.

It’s that time of year again when Alan Sugar’s annual search for a new investment hits our screens in the form of The Apprentice.

After a harsh and prolonged winter, the plight of those working in the agricultural industry has been so great that major banks, farming charities and farming experts have come together to discuss a plan of action for the future at a landmark summit called by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

The latest Halifax House Price Index has produced some intriguingly positive results for consumers and mortgage providers everywhere.

A rise of almost 15% in UK car sales last month has reignited hopes that Britain’s car industry is weathering the economic crisis better than its European counterparts.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) play an incredibly important role in regulating and controlling the taxes, duties and customs payable by the majority of businesses. All companies will, at some point or another, have to co-operate with HMRC and some may struggle to meet the demands asked of them by this branch of the government. Interaction with HMRC can often be complicated and misunderstandings do take place. With this in mind, it’s important that any company has its payment procedures in order and knows how to seek advice or help if necessary.

If an SME has spent a period of time expanding successfully then there is the strong possibility the expansion has led to the creation of different strands to the business.

At Moorfields our work in offering turnaround management services to struggling businesses means that we are keenly aware that good cash flow management is one of the most crucial facets of any successful business.

Recent research has revealed that fines brought against firms for fraudulent activity since 2007 have surpassed the £1 billion mark, putting a heavy financial toll on the UK’s economy.

If a struggling company is heading towards administration, stakeholders will often appoint insolvency practitioners from established companies such as Moorfields in order to ensure that their interests are being sufficiently represented.

If a small business wants to disincorporate – change their legal form from a limited company to self employed status – then it is important for them to be clear on what is involved within the process.

In a tough economic climate, late payments can have a significant impact on business operations, particularly when a business has few other financial resources to draw upon.

The licensed trade has suffered an incredibly difficult past few years that have left many commentators mourning the ‘death of the traditional pub’ or questioning how an industry already struggling will be able to cope in the near future. The economic squeeze caused by the recessions in the UK has accentuated a decline in sales and profits amongst licensed trade establishments that began in the 1980s, as a greater number of potential customers try to cut spending and stay at home. So what does the future hold for the licensed trade and how can the current downward trend be reversed?

All businesses will need to address the tax and other obligations with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or face incurring penalties if they fail to declare or fail to pay taxes due to HMRC.

The process of dealing with squatters is one of the most complex areas of UK law and anyone who is a property owner really needs to know the lay of the land in this regard.

With the latest figures from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealing a mixed input for the construction sector, an increasing number of prime developments across the UK are falling into receivership under the management of Law of Property Act Receivers (LPA).