Business Details
32 Years
experience
Company Liquidation Experts Since 1994
Since 1994, Clarke Bell has been a trusted partner for directors navigating company liquidation. With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) for insolvent businesses and Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) for solvent companies seeking tax-efficient closure. Our team of licensed insolvency practitioners, regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and members of R3, has successfully liquidated over 5,500 companies. We combine technical expertise with a client-focused approach, offering transparent pricing, Cyber Essentials certification, and a 4.6/5 Google Review rating.Our services are designed to provide legal compliance, financial clarity, and stress-free resolution for directors facing debt challenges or retirement. With offices in Manchester and nationwide service, we deliver expert advice through face-to-face meetings, virtual consultations, or telephone support.
Services
Creditors Voluntary Liquidation
Members Voluntary Liquidation
Company Voluntary Arrangement
Pre-Pack Administration
Business Asset Disposal Relief
Entrepreneurs Relief
Debt Resolution
Cash Flow Solutions
HMRC Debt Negotiation
Winding Up Petition Avoidance
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialist liquidation experience
- Licensed insolvency practitioners since 1994
- Completed 5,500+ company liquidations
- Cyber Essentials certified cybersecurity standards
- Partner of IWORK supporting independent professionals
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Institute of Professional Auctioneers (IPA)
- R3 (UK Restructuring & Insolvency Professionals Association)
What people say
Smooth and hassle-free
Good communicators
Efficient and friendly
Clear communication
Brilliant guidance
Services
Creditors Voluntary Liquidation
CVL resolves insolvency by closing companies with unmanageable debts. Our licensed practitioners handle asset liquidation, creditor negotiations, and legal compliance. Directors benefit from personal liability protection and HMRC debt resolution. Process typically completes within 7-12 months.
Members Voluntary Liquidation
MVL enables tax-efficient closure of solvent companies. Shareholders access funds at capital gains rates (18%) with potential BADR relief (14%). Our fixed-fee service includes solvency declarations, creditor notifications, and HMRC clearance. Most cases complete within three months.
Business Asset Disposal Relief
BADR reduces capital gains tax to 14% for qualifying shareholders. We guide clients through eligibility requirements including two-year shareholding and 5% ownership. Maximise post-liquidation returns while maintaining HMRC compliance.
Compulsory Liquidation Avoidance
Prevent forced liquidation through proactive CVL implementation. Our team halts creditor petitions and winding-up orders by demonstrating insolvency resolution plans. Protect director interests and maintain procedural control.
Bounce Back Loan Solutions
Specialist guidance for liquidating companies with government-backed loans. We ensure proper use of funds and prevent director liability through compliant CVL processes. Address HMRC and lender concerns while maintaining statutory obligations.
People
John Bell
Senior Partner | Licensed Insolvency Practitioner
With qualifications from esteemed London firms, John established Clarke Bell in 1994. He leads our insolvency team with 30+ years' experience in liquidation processes and business restructuring solutions.
Elizabeth Scott
Licensed Insolvency Practitioner
Specialising in MVL processes, Elizabeth manages solvent liquidations with tax-efficient outcomes. She oversees 500m+ in distributed assets while maintaining client-focused communication throughout the process.
Toyah Poole
Licensed Insolvency Practitioner
Toyah specialises in CVL procedures, guiding directors through insolvent liquidations. Her expertise includes creditor negotiations, redundancy claims, and regulatory compliance across 1,100+ case completions.
Questions
Are your insolvency practitioners qualified?
Our licensed practitioners hold ICAEW qualifications and IPA memberships, with 30+ years' collective experience in corporate liquidation processes.
What liquidation options exist for my company?
We offer CVL for insolvent businesses, MVL for solvent closures, and alternative solutions like CVA or administration based on your financial situation.
How much does liquidation cost?
MVL starts at £995 + VAT, CVL at £1,995 + VAT. Costs depend on case complexity, with transparent pricing confirmed during free consultations.
How long does liquidation take?
MVL typically completes in 3 months, CVL within 7-12 months. Timelines vary based on asset complexity, creditor cooperation, and HMRC clearance requirements.
Will I face personal liability?
Properly managed CVL/MVL avoids personal liability unless misconduct or preferential payments are proven during director conduct investigations.
Can I start a new business after liquidation?
Yes, most directors can establish new companies post-liquidation, subject to restrictions on reusing similar company names and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Reviews (7)
Sally Eaton Richards
Jul 13, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
This MVL service has been excellent and very fairly priced. I would thoroughly recommend them
This MVL service has been excellent and very fairly priced. I would thoroughly recommend them
Jen Cunningham
May 20, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
I recently MVL'd with Clarke Bell and even though I had some problems with my bank being pretty useless (Tide!) and it taking longer than usual due to this, Nicholas always kept me informed and chased them on my behalf. Great service and most competitive price I could find. Thanks :)
I recently MVL'd with Clarke Bell and even though I had some problems with my bank being pretty useless (Tide!) and it taking longer than usual due to this, Nicholas always kept me informed and chased them on my behalf. Great service and most competitive price I could find. Thanks :)
Steve Dawson
Apr 29, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Clarke Bell Ltd were excellent with every aspect of our Members Voluntary Liquidation and in particular they were great value for money. Our contact, Nicholas was extremely professional, most thorough and reached all deadlines to our total satisfaction.
Clarke Bell Ltd were excellent with every aspect of our Members Voluntary Liquidation and in particular they were great value for money. Our contact, Nicholas was extremely professional, most thorough and reached all deadlines to our total satisfaction.
Martyn Thacker
Feb 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Toyah and Nicholas were brilliant in sorting the MVL out for one of my clients. They kept me updated all the way through the process, and the client was delighted with how easily it all went through. I have since referred another case to Clarke Bell - it is very reassuring to know that we are in such safe hands. Many thanks. Martyn
Toyah and Nicholas were brilliant in sorting the MVL out for one of my clients. They kept me updated all the way through the process, and the client was delighted with how easily it all went through. I have since referred another case to Clarke Bell - it is very reassuring to know that we are in such safe hands. Many thanks. Martyn
Edwina Barrett
Aug 14, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Clarke Bell were very good to deal with during the closure of a business I worked for. Although the closure of the business was complicated and slow, Clarke Bell kept me up to date on everything happening and were very helpful. I would highly recommend them.
Clarke Bell were very good to deal with during the closure of a business I worked for. Although the closure of the business was complicated and slow, Clarke Bell kept me up to date on everything happening and were very helpful. I would highly recommend them.
Cyrus Bomanji
Jun 24, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Excellent service from Samantha in handling my recent MVL. Quick response to my questions I had and everything done promptly. Will surely recommend Clarke Bell Ltd.
Excellent service from Samantha in handling my recent MVL. Quick response to my questions I had and everything done promptly. Will surely recommend Clarke Bell Ltd.
Frank Stark
May 26, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Value
Excellent service from Hannah in handling my recent MVL. Quick response to any questions I had and everything done expeditiously. Will definitely recommend Clarke Bell to other contractors.
Excellent service from Hannah in handling my recent MVL. Quick response to any questions I had and everything done expeditiously. Will definitely recommend Clarke Bell to other contractors.
