IVAs & Your Business

Being self-employed comes with a lot of freedom – but when debt becomes a problem, it can feel like there’s no safety net.

We understand the unique pressures business owners face. That’s why we offer a tailored solution that allows you to keep trading while you deal with your debts.

What is a self-employed IVA?

A self-employed IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a formal agreement between you and your creditors. It allows you to:

• Make one affordable monthly payment towards your debts.
• Continue running your business.
• Freeze interest and charges.
• Avoid legal action from creditors.
• Have remaining debt written off at the end of the agreement.

The standard term is usually five to six years. After that, any remaining included debts are written off.

A self-employed IVA is recorded on your credit file and your name will appear on the Insolvency Register, which is a searchable database.

Who is a self-employed IVA for?

Self-employed IVAs are designed for:

• Sole traders
• Partners in a business
• Buy-to-let landlords
• Self-employed contractors or construction workers
• Limited company directors

Is a self-employed IVA right for me?

A self-employed IVA could help if:

• You need your business to continue generating income
• You’re struggling to pay creditors but want a structured way forward
• You want a solution that clears your debts in a defined timeframe

For many business owners, it’s a faster and more manageable way to regain control – compared to a Debt Management Plan or other informal arrangements.

Let’s talk through your options

If you’re considering a self-employed IVA, our friendly, trained advisors are here to help. We’ll review your situation and talk you through:

• Whether a self-employed IVA is right for you
• What the alternative solutions are if it’s not
• How to protect your business while dealing with your debts