“This case highlights the power of the Small Business Restructure (SBR) Plan in offering a structured and manageable solution for businesses, even those in traditionally essential sectors like plumbing.
“With a clear plan in place, the company is well-positioned to overcome its liquidity issues and continue operating successfully.”
John Morgan, Director
This client, incorporated in 2008, has been a key player in the plumbing industry, providing a range of services to clients across Melbourne. The company had established itself as a trusted provider for large-scale construction projects, but the business faced mounting financial pressure in recent years.
Despite providing essential services, the company encountered substantial financial difficulties that necessitated the Small Business Restructure described below.
The Challenges
COVID-19 and its impact on the construction industry
Restrictions and the resulting economic fallout caused delayed payments and a slowdown in project completions, straining the company’s cash flow.
Workforce and operational cost increases
Rising wages and inflation during the pandemic put significant pressure on profitability, making it harder to maintain competitive pricing.
COVID-19 and its impact on the construction industry
Difficulty collecting payments from major debtors exacerbated the company’s cash flow problems.
Disputes with suppliers and contractors
Legal costs escalated as the company took action to enforce payments, further reducing profitability and contributing to operational stress.
Increased ATO debt
Ongoing liquidity issues meant the company struggled to meet its statutory obligations, leading to a significant rise in ATO debt.
Our Points of Focus
Poor financial management
Weak controls over statutory payments and financial obligations allowed liabilities, particularly with the ATO, to escalate quickly, compounding the company’s financial troubles.
“The company’s total debt included in the plan amounted to $994,465, primarily owed to the ATO.”
John Morgan
Disputes with suppliers and contractors
We communicated with the director to fully grasp the difficulties at hand and understand the business’s financial position. This enabled us to tailor a solution that would provide the best outcome for the company.
Creditor Engagement
Throughout the process, we maintained regular communication with creditors to ensure they were kept informed and to facilitate a smooth restructuring process.
Developing a Payment Strategy
We worked with the director to develop a payment plan that was fair and achievable for all parties involved. This included a realistic approach to debt reduction while allowing the company to maintain its operations.
Proposal to Creditors
A carefully structured proposal was prepared and submitted to creditors, illustrating how the Small Business Restructuring (SBR) Plan would offer the most favourable outcome for the company and its stakeholders.
Debt Reduction
As a result of our efforts, the company was able to significantly reduce its debt, providing the company with a much-needed fresh start.
The Small Business Restructure Rescue Plan
After thorough discussions and careful planning, the client entered into a Small Business Restructure (SBR) plan with BCR Advisory
The company director personally contributed $400,000 into the Restructuring Practitioner’s (RP) bank account within two months of the plan being accepted. This amount went towards the company’s debt repayment, which represents an approximately 60% reduction from the original debt. The plan offered a sustainable approach to repayment, considerably reducing the company’s debt.
The Outcome – a clear path to stability
Despite the constant demand for plumbing services, our client faced severe financial challenges due to cash flow issues, delayed payments, and rising costs. The Small Business Restructure provided a clear path to reduce their debt and restore financial stability.
By working closely with both the client and creditors, we were able to guide the business through its difficulties, ensuring it could continue providing essential services while emerging stronger and more financially secure.