Learn the key differences between bankruptcy and insolvency for UK directors. Chris Worden explains your options and how to protect yourself.
You're Not Alone — UK's #1 Director Advisory
Struggling with company debt, HMRC pressure, or creditor demands? We're here to help you understand your options, protect your position, and find a way forward.
"We can almost guarantee you will sleep better at night after talking to us."— Chris Worden, Founder & Director

Why 1000s of UK Directors Choose Us?
Director-focused insolvency advice backed by real business experience — combining genuine empathy with expert guidance through financial and company challenges.
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Latest Video Insights

Featured Insights
Handpicked content to help you navigate challenging times
Discover the 7 signs UK directors are financially trapped and what to do next. Chris Worden explains how to spot risks and regain control before it's too late.
Liquidation does not erase all company debts. Learn which debts remain, personal risks, and how Chris Worden at Director First can help UK directors.
We Put UK Company Directors First, Free Confidential Insolvency Advice
What to do when your business is struggling? Getting the right support early is critical. Our free confidential consultation provides clear insolvency advice, helping directors explore rescue options, understand liquidation processes and protect their personal and professional interests.
Strategic Insolvency Support Informed by Real Boardroom Experience
Our experts help company directors navigate governance risks, fiduciary responsibilities and insolvency challenges with practical, compliant and commercially focused advice.
Rapid Insolvency Assessment for UK Company Directors
Our structured assessment quickly reviews your company's financial position, creditor pressure and insolvency risks, delivering clear next steps and practical guidance within minutes.
Transparent Fixed-Fee Insolvency Advice for Company Directors
Following your initial assessment, we provide clear fixed-fee quotations for insolvency services, liquidation support and business rescue solutions with no hidden costs.
How can we help you today?
Whether you're looking to save your business or close it down properly, we have the expertise to guide you through.
Rescue My Company
Options to keep your business trading
Close My Company
Structured exit routes and liquidation
Not sure which path is right for you?
Every situation is unique. Take our free 60-second online assessment or speak to an expert to get clarity on your best options.
Latest Insights
Strategic guidance and governance insights for company directors

HMRC Audits 2026: Key Triggers & Director Advice
Discover how HMRC audits work in 2026, the main triggers for UK directors, and how to protect your business. Expert advice from Chris Worden.

Why Acting Early in Insolvency Matters
Discover why early action in insolvency protects directors and creditors. Chris Worden explains how to avoid personal risk and messy outcomes.

Director's Loan Accounts: The Hidden Tax Trap for Directors
Learn how director's loan accounts can trigger major tax bills for UK directors. Avoid HMRC pitfalls and insolvency risks with expert advice.

HMRC Rule Changes: What UK Directors Must Know for 2026
HMRC is enforcing tax rules more aggressively in 2026. Learn what UK directors must do now to avoid penalties and protect themselves. Advice from Chris Wor

Pre-pack Administration: Lessons from TGI Fridays UK
Discover what pre-pack administration means for UK directors, staff, suppliers, and landlords, with insights from Chris Worden and the TGI Fridays case.

Why Business Owners Need Better Financial Visibility
Discover why financial visibility, not just bookkeeping, is vital for business owners. Chris Worden and Matt Priest share tips for better decision-making.

How a CVA Can Save Your Business in the UK
Discover how a CVA can help UK businesses avoid insolvency, restructure debts, and stay trading. Learn the steps, benefits, and key advice from Chris Worde

What Happens If You Never Pay HMRC? (2026 Guide)
Ignoring HMRC tax debts in 2026 leads to penalties, asset seizure, and insolvency. Chris Worden explains what directors must do to avoid disaster.
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from directors who've worked with us
"I'm not just an advisor.
I've been exactly where you are."
Ten years ago, I went through company insolvency myself. I know the sleepless nights, the fear of brown envelopes from creditors and HMRC, and the feeling that you have failed everyone as a company director facing serious financial difficulty and company debt pressure.
I was spoken to like a criminal by so-called insolvency experts who did not understand the real pressures company directors face during insolvency. That is why I built Director First, to provide honest and practical insolvency advice for company directors based on real lived experience.
We are not just insolvency practitioners ticking boxes. We are directors protecting directors. We remove the jargon, support you through creditor pressure and financial challenges, and help you find the best possible outcome for your company and your future without judgment.

"Let us carry the burden so you can sleep tonight."
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common worries directors have when facing insolvency.
Still have questions?
Speak to our team directlyDownload our Free Insolvency Advice Guide for UK Company Directors
Access a practical resource covering company insolvency in the UK, liquidation processes, company rescue strategies and director responsibilities during financial difficulty. Designed to help directors make confident and informed decisions.
- Explore alternatives to liquidation and company rescue options
- Understand insolvency risks, creditor pressure and director liability
- Follow clear step-by-step insolvency and restructuring guidance
Ready to Take the First Step?
Early engagement provides access to a broader range of strategic options. Directors who seek advisory support at the earliest opportunity typically achieve more favourable outcomes.



