
However, a lender or supplier may insist that directors sign a personal guarantee as security for a company's borrowing. This personal guarantee then empowers the lender to legally demand repayment of a debt should the company default.
In today's unprecedented economic times, you would be well advised to seek experienced legal advice if asked to sign a personal guarantee - no business owner can be complacent about becoming personally liable for business debt and any claim on personal assets.
It is important for individual directors not to overlook the potential downsides to signing a personal guarantee. If being asked to sign one, you should be asking if the company is financially viable? Is the company facing significant financial pressures with cash flow concerns? Is it hypothetical and a highly unlikely scenario, or is it becoming all too real?
When is a personal guarantee required?
- Bank Overdraft
- Commercial Rent
- Trade Credit
- Unsecured Business Loan
- Invoice Finance
- Property Loan
- Leasing Agreement
The advantage of entering into a personal guarantee is that they provide the ability to obtain financing for your company. If a business is experiencing cash flow problems, an injection of funds can make the difference between continuing to operate or having to close.
Furthermore, personal liability can be capped, but it will be up to you to negotiate hard to ensure your liability does not result in your personal financial situation being jeopardised.
How to cap liability under a personal guarantee?
The most important factor in limiting your liability is to start negotiations as early as possible after you have received legal advice on which points of the agreement the lender may be willing to be flexible on.
What if my company falls into insolvency?
Your choices regarding the personal guarantee are:
- Challenge the validity and enforceability
- Pay it in full
- Negotiate payment terms, either reduced amount or payment plan
- File for personal bankruptcy or enter an IVA
Of course, option four should only be taken as a last resort. You should never contemplate this option without taking specialist advice from a qualified insolvency practitioner.
Although you may feel under extraordinary stress there are options and genuinely if there is no money to pay, a creditor will be realistic and will likely negotiate payment terms. It is however important as to how this is presented in the financial statements of any business.
Other options instead of a personal guarantee
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme, launched in May 2020, was introduced to help smaller businesses impacted by coronavirus. It aims to assist businesses to borrow between £2,000 up to 25% of a business' turnover (the maximum amount available is £50,000).
The Government will cover any interest payable in the first 12 months through a Business Interruption Payment to the lender, and lenders benefit from a 100% government-backed guarantee.
Take advice
However, if you must provide a personal guarantee, ensure that you have the contract reviewed by a qualified Solicitor. You must understand the extent of the business liability and your obligation towards the company's financial position, so you are in a position to negotiate terms in your favour.
LawBite offers a 15-minute, free consultation with an expert lawyer for independent legal advice to discuss your options with regards to a personal guarantee or potetinal insolvency with a qualified insolvency practitioner. We also offer a low cost contract review service if you want to firm up on your options. Visit www.lawbite.co.uk for more details and speak to us further.
In closing
Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice on which you should rely. The article is provided for general information purposes only. Professional legal advice should always be sought before taking any action relating to or relying on the content of this article. Our Platform Terms of Use apply to this article.
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