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FortisBusiness Advisory
Protect · The margin and the downside

Restructuring

Restructuring when the business has to change shape

Falling margins, creditor pressure, an unwieldy group structure or a business that has outgrown how it is organised. We assess the position honestly, set out the options and help you execute the one you choose.

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A concrete building under construction

You probably need this if

  • Cash is tight and HMRC or key suppliers are being paid late.
  • Margins have fallen and the cost base has not followed.
  • The group or ownership structure no longer fits the business.
  • You need to act quickly and want to do it properly.

What good looks like

  • An honest view of the position and the real options within days, not months.
  • A cash plan that keeps the business trading while changes are made.
  • A smaller, more profitable cost base with the right people in the right roles.
  • Creditors, HMRC and lenders managed professionally throughout.

Who it is for

Directors of businesses under financial pressure, or businesses that are profitable but structured in a way that no longer fits, including groups, partnerships and companies preparing for sale or succession.

Face the numbers early

The single biggest factor in a successful turnaround is how early it starts. We produce a rapid independent review: true cash position, 13-week cash forecast, creditor map, profitability by product or customer and the realistic options available.

Options, not just one answer

Restructuring is rarely just cutting costs. Depending on the position it might involve renegotiating with creditors and HMRC, exiting unprofitable work, consolidating sites, reorganising a group, changing the ownership structure or, where necessary, a formal process. We set out each option with its consequences.

  • Cost base and overhead reduction
  • Time to pay arrangements with HMRC
  • Creditor and lender negotiation
  • Group reorganisation and hive-downs
  • Operational and site consolidation
  • Redundancy consultation, delivered with our HR team

Working with insolvency practitioners when needed

If a formal insolvency process is the right route we introduce you to licensed insolvency practitioners and work alongside them. Fortis is not a licensed insolvency practitioner and does not take formal appointments.

The margin bridge

Every pound removed from cost lands in profit.

ILLUSTRATIVE MARGIN BRIDGERevenueCost of salesProcurement: materials, subcontract, logisticsOverheadsRestructuring: premises, people, processRiskCover via FCA-authorised partnersProfitWhat is left to reinvestProportions are illustrative. Every pound removed from the middle bars lands in the last one.

Procurement works on the cost of sales. Restructuring works on overheads. The right cover, through FCA-authorised partners, stops a single event wiping out the year. Together they protect what is left.

How it works

  1. 01

    Rapid review

    Cash, creditors, profitability and options assessed under a non-disclosure agreement.

  2. 02

    Options paper

    Each route set out with consequences, timing and cost, so directors can decide with clear eyes.

  3. 03

    Execute

    Cost reduction, negotiations, consultations and reorganisation delivered with weekly reporting.

  4. 04

    Stabilise

    Controls, forecasting and reporting put in place so the business does not drift back.

Questions

Restructuring FAQs

Is everything confidential?

Yes. Restructuring work is handled by a small team under a non-disclosure agreement and we are careful about how and when staff, suppliers and customers are informed.

Can you deal with HMRC arrears?

Yes. We prepare the forecast and proposal HMRC expect to see and negotiate a time to pay arrangement on your behalf.

What if the business cannot be saved?

We will tell you plainly and introduce you to a licensed insolvency practitioner so the directors can meet their duties and protect themselves. Fortis does not take formal insolvency appointments.

Related services

Often combined with restructuring

Business Advisory & Consultancy

An experienced outside view on the decisions that actually move your business.

Learn more

HR

Contracts, policies, people issues and recruitment handled properly.

Learn more

Procurement & Cost Control

Pay less for what you buy, and know exactly what you are paying for.

Learn more

Talk to us about restructuring.

A thirty-minute conversation, no charge and no pitch. Tell us where the business is and where you want it to be, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

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