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This site provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.

Important: This website provides general information for directors of companies registered in England and Wales. Different laws and procedures apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If this sounds like you

I have received a statutory demand

Understand why a statutory demand is different from ordinary collection correspondence.

You may recognise this

  • A formal statutory demand has been served on the company.
  • The amount or basis of the debt may be disputed.
  • A creditor is referring to a winding-up petition.

What to do now

  • Record when and how it was received.
  • Obtain appropriate legal or insolvency advice immediately.
  • Preserve evidence about any genuine dispute or payment history.

What to avoid

  • Treating it like a routine reminder.
  • Assuming a discussion pauses every deadline.
  • Transferring assets or making unusual payments.

Useful information to gather

Do not wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what is readily available.

  • The complete demand and envelope/service details
  • Contract, invoices and dispute correspondence
  • Current cash and creditor position

Why timing matters

Earlier action can preserve time, information and choice. Waiting for certainty can allow cash, legal or creditor deadlines to decide the next step for you.

Would you like to talk about this?

Leave your name, phone number and email address. Someone from our support team will contact you by the end of the next working day.

Submitting this form does not commit you to a formal insolvency process or to appointing anyone.

Related next steps

This page provides general information, not advice about your company or personal position. Formal deadlines may require immediate advice from a solicitor or licensed insolvency practitioner.