Stay in control
Small Business Restructuring lets you keep running your company while fixing what’s broken.
What is small business
restructuring?
SBR is a formal process that lets you stay in control while you work through financial difficulty. It’s designed for small businesses that are viable but under pressure.
Foundation
You keep control of your business
Unlike liquidation or administration, you remain as director and continue operating. You work with a registered insolvency practitioner, but the business stays in your hands.
Control
What you gain from
restructuring
SBR gives you real advantages when you need them most.
Protection
Creditors stop chasing you
Once your proposal is approved, creditors commit to a plan. The pressure eases and you can focus on recovery.
Process
How restructuring actually works
Five clear steps from assessment to implementation.
Step one
We assess your situation thoroughly
We conduct a structured review of your business and viability.
Step two
We prepare your proposal
Documentation, financial statements, and creditor communication all get done right.
Step three
Creditors vote on your plan
If approved, they commit to the restructuring arrangement instead of immediate
recovery.
Step four
Implementation begins
A registered insolvency practitioner takes over the formal work while you run the business.
Step five
You trade through recovery
With breathing room and a clear plan, you work toward stabilization and exit the restructuring.
Partnership
How Varden Pierce supports
you
We handle the preparation and guidance so you can move forward with confidence. We connect you with the right practitioner when the time is right.
Questions
What you need to know about restructuring your business.
Who qualifies for SBR?
Your company must be a small business corporation with liabilities under $1 million and annual turnover under $10 million. You need to be insolvent or likely to become insolvent. The business must still be trading.
How long does restructuring take?
The formal process typically runs for three to five years, though many businesses stabilize within the first twelve months. Your timeline depends on the complexity of your situation and how quickly creditors agree to the proposal.
Can I stay as director?
Yes. That’s the core advantage of SBR—you remain in control and continue running the business. You work with a registered insolvency practitioner, but the decisions stay with you.
What happens to my creditors?
Creditors vote on your restructuring proposal. If approved, they agree to a repayment plan rather than pursuing immediate recovery. This gives your business breathing room to trade through the difficulty.
Will my business survive?
SBR works best when your business is fundamentally viable but temporarily stressed. If the underlying operation is sound, restructuring gives you the runway to recover. If the business model is broken, we’ll tell you that straight.
What does it cost?
Costs vary based on complexity, but they’re typically lower than liquidation. Your insolvency practitioner will outline fees upfront. Many businesses find the cost manageable against the alternative.
Do I need a lawyer?
Your insolvency practitioner handles most of the technical work. Legal advice is optional but often helpful, particularly for complex creditor negotiations or if you have personal guarantees.
What if creditors reject my proposal?
If creditors vote no, you’ll need to explore other options. We help you understand what comes next—whether that’s a revised proposal, voluntary administration, or another pathway.
Can I get personal advice?
Absolutely. Every business is different, and generic answers don’t cut it. We provide tailored guidance based on your specific situation, financials, and goals.
How do I start?
Contact us for a confidential initial assessment. We’ll review your position, explain your options, and tell you whether SBR makes sense. There’s no obligation and no judgment.
Ready to talk?
Reach out to schedule a confidential conversation
