Phoenixing
The UK government guidance 'Phoenix companies and the role of the Insolvency Service' defines the term thus:
"Phoenixing, or phoenixism, are terms used to describe the practice of carrying on the same business or trade successively through a series of companies where each becomes insolvent (cannot pay their debts) in turn. Each time this happens, the insolvent company’s business, but not its debts, is transferred to a new, similar ‘phoenix’ company. The insolvent company then ceases to trade and might enter into formal insolvency proceedings (liquidation, administration or administrative receivership) or be dissolved."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Business interruption cover under COVID-19.
- Campaign for cash retentions reform.
- Carillion.
- Cash flow statement.
- Contract claims.
- Fair payment practices.
- Insolvency Act 1986 - Use of Prohibited Names.
- Insolvency in the construction industry.
- ISG administration, October support update.
- ISG files for administration.
- Liens.
- Liquidation in the construction industry.
- New regulations on late payment.
- Profitability.
- Prompt payment.
- Remedies for late payment.
- Resolution planning.
- Scheme for construction contracts.
- Solvency.
- Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
- The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013.
Featured articles and news
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
























