Experts in bankruptcy defence
A winding-up petition is one of the most serious legal threats a company can face. If granted, it can result in the liquidation of your business and the freezing of your bank accounts before you have the chance to defend yourself.
For company directors in London, time is everything. Once a creditor files a winding-up petition, the damage can begin immediately – even before the court has decided whether the petition is justified.
Gurvir Birang is an insolvency solicitor and litigator, who can help secure urgent injunctions to stop petitions in their tracks, protecting businesses from unnecessary collapse.
An injunction is a court order that restrains a creditor from presenting or pursuing a winding-
up petition. It can also prevent them from advertising the petition in The Gazette, which often
triggers banks to freeze accounts and suppliers to withdraw support.
If you are facing a petition based on a disputed debt, or believe the creditor is misusing the
insolvency process to pressure payment, an injunction can be your strongest defence.
The court will consider stopping a winding-up petition if:
1. The debt is genuinely disputed – You must honestly believe you do not owe the
debt, or that you have a valid legal defence.
2. You have substantial grounds – The dispute must be credible and backed by
evidence, such as:
o Defective goods or services
o Breach of contract by the creditor
o A valid cross-claim equal to or greater than the debt
3. The petition is an abuse of process – For example, using the petition solely to
pressure payment of a disputed debt.
If you do nothing, the consequences can be devastating:
Frozen bank accounts – Banks often act as soon as they learn of the petition.
Loss of reputation – Customers, suppliers, and lenders may withdraw support.
Business liquidation – If the petition is granted, the company may be wound up.
Even if you ultimately win your case, the damage caused in the meantime may be
irreversible.
1. Immediate assessment – Gurvir personally reviews the petition, your debt position,
and any possible defences.
2. Evidence gathering – Contracts, correspondence, invoices, and expert reports are
collated quickly.
3. Injunction application – An urgent application is made to the High Court
4. Court representation – Gurvir secures representation on your behalf leveraging his
experience in insolvency litigation.
“At the heart of my work is a commitment to providing tailored, effective solutions that empower my clients to move forward with confidence.
West London Law’s expertise helped us navigate a tough financial situation with confidence and clarity.
If your company is facing a winding-up petition, do not wait. Every day that passes increases
the risk to your business.
West London Law Limited does not provide reserved services to the public.
Gurvir Birang is a practising solicitor, founder, litigator and bankruptcy expert, authorised and regulated by the SRA. Gurvir Birang practices from Spencer West LLP. Spencer West LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA.
West London Law is a trading name of West London Law Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 06776937).
West London Law was set up in 2003 and became non-regulated in 2020 and is no longer a firm of solicitors. This website is for marketing purposes only.
Disclaimer. Information on this website does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as it does not provide a complete statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be sought and tailored to your particular circumstances.