Businesses close for all sorts of reasons, retirement, restructuring, financial pressure, or simply reaching the end of their journey.

But whenever that happens, one question always arises: what happens to the business assets?

At BPI, we specialise in fast, hassle-free commercial asset disposal. Our role is to help business owners, directors, and insolvency practitioners turn assets into maximum value quickly and efficiently, with tailored solutions for every situation.

Sole traders and partnerships

For sole traders and partnerships, there’s no legal separation between you and the business. That means you decide whether to:

  • Sell assets to clear debts or release value
  • Retain them for personal or future use
  • Distribute proceeds fairly among partners

If you choose to sell, our RICS-accredited valuers (through BPI Asset Advisory) and industry-leading online auction platform ensure you achieve the best possible return.

We handle the full process — from cataloguing and valuation to marketing and logistics, so you can focus on moving forward.

Limited companies

When it comes to limited companies, the assets belong to the business rather than the directors. What happens next depends on whether the company is solvent (able to pay its debts) or insolvent (unable to pay).

Solvent closure

If your company can clear all its debts, it can usually close via either a Strike Off or a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL).

Strike Off: All company assets must be dealt with before striking off the register. They can be sold or transferred to shareholders, if not, they pass to the Crown.

Be aware that proceeds over £25,000 may be taxed as income rather than capital gains.

Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL): A licensed Insolvency Practitioner oversees the process. Assets are valued and sold, often via liquidation auctions, to repay any debts, with surplus funds distributed to shareholders.

Proceeds are typically treated as capital gains, often qualifying for favourable tax relief such as Business Asset Disposal Relief.

At BPI, we work closely with Insolvency Practitioners to maximise asset realisations through our trusted auction platform, helping shareholders achieve the best possible outcome.

Insolvent closure

If a company cannot pay its debts, it will enter a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). In this case:

  • A licensed Insolvency Practitioner takes control of the company and its assets.
  • Assets are valued, marketed, and sold to raise funds for creditors.
  • Secured creditors are paid first, followed by preferential and then unsecured creditors. (Shareholders rarely receive any return.)

It’s vital to avoid transferring or undervaluing assets before liquidation, as this can result in serious legal or financial consequences.

Working with a trusted, compliant disposal partner like BPI ensures transparency, fairness, and maximum value.

Why choose BPI?

Closing a business is stressful enough without worrying about how to sell its assets. That’s where we come in.

We provide:

  • Hassle-free disposal – we manage the entire process from start to finish
  • Unrivalled speed – funds released within weeks, not months
  • Tailored solutions – sell directly from your site or through a BPI facility
  • Strong returns – over 50,000 lots sold per year, 180,000+ active bidders, and 700,000 unique users annually

From valuation through our Asset Advisory team to targeted marketing and seamless post-sale management, we take care of everything, efficiently, professionally, and with your best outcome in mind.

Maximise the value of your assets

At BPI, we don’t just list your assets, we make sure the right buyers see them.

Our marketing team actively targets relevant industries to create competitive bidding and drive higher sale prices.

Whether you’re a sole trader, company director, or Insolvency Practitioner, BPI offers a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for disposing of business assets.

For more information visit https://hubs.li/Q03S7VWw0