Having the right legal team in place can make all the difference when dealing with director disqualification matters. We have been advising directors since 2002 and have dealt a huge range of individual circumstances. Our expertise means that every client gets the tailored solution fit for them. Fully understanding the consequences of disqualification and how best to mitigate these is vital. We can help.
One of the most astute appointments I have ever made
A company director we successfully defended against disqualification
The purpose of disqualifying directors is to prevent any repetition of similar behaviour, solely to protect the general public from facing such risks. Whilst this will not protect all risks companies pose to society, it assists in mitigating the risk that comes with limited liability and the limited regulation of director’s conduct.
- where a director has been disqualified by court order or by offering a disqualification undertaking then they are prohibited from acting in the management of a limited liability company or partnership, unless they have obtained permission to act from the court;
- for many individuals, disqualification as a director will have only a limited impact on their lives – many will return to employed work, may set up an unincorporated business (which can also be done through an unincorporated partnership) or it may just be a good time to retire.
However, in recent years the UK government has increasingly supported legislative efforts to ensure that all directors of limited companies are transparent in their dealings and, if they are not, may be personally liable for any misconduct or failure to act in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour.
Personal liability for damages
In addition to a prohibition on acting as a director or in the management of a limited company, a director faces others risks when being disqualified by undertaking or court order as follows
1. Liability to liquidator
Where a director is disqualified on the grounds of misconduct which caused losses to the company, such losses may also be claimable by the liquidator on the company’s behalf. It is often the case that a director accepts a disqualification undertaking to avoid the Secretary of State’s legal costs, only to be faced by a much higher (and more costly) legal claim by a liquidator, which is not so easy to avoid.
2. Compensation order
As a result of legislation introduced in 2015, directors who are disqualified from acting as a director will then be subject to a strict liability for the damages allegedly caused by such misconduct. This is by a compensation order.
Direct consequences of being disqualified
Once a director is disqualified, there are other more direct real life changes that will affect his/her personal and business life, including any claims they may face by individual creditors.
We set out below a summary of such other direct consequences and please visit the relevant webpages which addresses such concerns
- restrictions imposed by disqualification;
- credit rating / current business interests;
- potential criminal proceedings;
- section 15: personal liability for company debts
Provided a director is comfortable with such risks, then being disqualified should have a minimal affect.
However, if any of the above potential consequences do raise concerns then at Francis Wilks & Jones we can assist in navigating you to a more risk-free destination.
We have considerable experience of director disqualification proceedings and advising directors on the benefits and risks of being disqualified and the steps you may take to best limit such consequences. Please contact any member of our Director Services Team for assistance.
If there was ever a star rating for law firms, Francis Wilks & Jones would score five stars plus. Professional and pro-active, they were able to understand my problem quickly, provide expert advice, outline a solution and put it into place with a successful outcome. I should have gone to them sooner
A client we successfully defended in director disqualification and insolvency related proceedings
