Glossary

Phoenix company

A phoenix company is a new business that emerges from the assets of a failed one, often under similar ownership — legitimate in principle but hedged by strict rules on reusing the old name.

2 min read

Fresh startNew company from old assets
Name rulesReuse is restricted

Definition

A phoenix company describes the situation where a company fails, and a new company — frequently run by the same directors — acquires its business or assets and carries on trading. It is lawful in itself, but tightly regulated.

In plain terms

Think of a failed business rising again in new corporate clothes. Done properly it's a legitimate restart; done to dodge creditors or mislead them, it crosses legal lines.

Why it matters for your company

The Insolvency Act restricts directors of the failed company from reusing a prohibited trading name for five years without following a formal procedure. Breach carries personal liability and possible disqualification.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.