Businesses are looking to explore insolvency options as the Australian government ends its aid and moratoriums by late September. A survey conducted by Jirsch Sutherland found that 51% of businesses and directors are contemplating the insolvency route in the next six months. Because of this, experts warn of an insolvency tsunami in October. A study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also found that ever since the government rolled out its stimulus package, an increasing number of businesses have become so-called “zombie companies” or companies that are being kept alive by the current economic supports in place.
More than 50% of the respondents to the Jirsch Sutherland survey said they are expecting to explore insolvency or restructuring options in the next six months. The firm’s national managing director, Bradd Morelli, said this lack of cash flow will trigger insolvencies and business failures.
Lack of cash flow lead to business failures
It is not lack of profit, but lack of cash flow, that lead to business failures, Mr. Morelli said.
Survey respondents said the end of the government’s JobKeeper program on 25 September is not what is keeping them awake. It is the lack of cash flow that would enable them to continue to operate their business after September.
The ABS survey shared this same sentiment. One in three businesses has cash flow that will allow them to operate for only up to three months or until September, the ABS survey found. This is around the same time the government will lift the moratorium on insolvent trading laws. To recall, the government imposed a moratorium on insolvent trading laws in March. This was to prohibit a creditor from pursuing any legal action against an insolvent debtor within six months from the date of suspected insolvency.
Other businesses have even indicated in the ABS survey that their cash flow will not last them three months. If businesses are still operating now, they are operating because their directors cannot be pursued in court. This is because the moratorium allows a debtor to pay only in January next year. This applies if the debtor receives the payment demand between 25 March and 25 September. After 25 September, the debtor must pay within the customary 21 days.
Directors should act now
Act now with urgency, rather than later, insolvency experts warn directors. Directors should create a business viability review program to try to avoid having the business explore insolvency options.
Mr Morelli pointed out that the rate of insolvencies is over 40% below what is normally expected. He said this means that many businesses are really just hanging on and “protected” by the temporary insolvent trading laws. Directors should take actions that not only benefit the business but also provide greater return to creditors. Most of these creditors have already waited more than 90 days to get paid.
Moreover, businesses should not delay until the government switches off the stimulus. Directors should seek professional advice, a restructuring expert at Duff and Phelps Australia said. Directors must also prepare for what’s to come when the stimulus ends.
The government’s purpose in putting a temporary halt on insolvent trading laws is to let directors focus on maximizing positive outcomes for the company. Directors received the minimum hibernation period so that they would not be distracted by litigation.
Mr Lord suggested directors examine liquidity and inventory. In addition, directors should review the availability of trade credit. Particularly, directors should look into whether suppliers are operating on different terms or implementing fundamental shifts to business models.
“It’s crucial for company directors to be aware of their responsibilities. While it might not be your fault that your business is in trouble, it is your responsibility. It’s your responsibility to gather all the available information to then make an informed decision — no matter what situation the business is facing.”
Businesses Should Seek Professional Help
Google is not a substitute for professional advice.
The Jirsch Sutherland survey found that of the businesses looking to explore insolvency or restructuring options, 34% said they would turn to Google for insolvency information, compared to 33% who said they would approach their accountant for advice.
“Seeking professional advice is vital, as insolvency procedures and restructures can be complex and stressful. It’s important to appoint a practitioner that is a right fit for the business, takes the time to understand a business’s unique issues and recommends a solution that achieves the best possible outcome,” Mr Morelli said.
In line with this, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and CPA Australia have called on the government to fund a voucher scheme for businesses to access professional advice. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has also pushed the government to provide a $5,000 voucher for businesses to use with an accredited professional, ranging from an accountant to an insolvency practitioner.
Here at Slater Byrne, we constantly remind our clients to always act immediately, and with urgency. In addition, we recommend that our clients seek professional advice on how to efficiently recover bad debts.
Photo by James Ree on Unsplash
Liam White joined the Slater Byrne Recoveries team in early 2013. He has worked across the credit & dispute resolution industry for a number of years. He is currently National Head of Sales at Slater Byrne Recoveries.