- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Insolvency reforms
The Enterprise Act contains a number of measures that have modernised corporate insolvency law. The important reforms are outlined below.
Restrictions on the use of administrative receivership and a streamlining of the system of administration
The Act encourages the survival of viable companies where possible. The need for a court hearing has been significantly reduced, while stakeholders still receive adequate safeguards. Administration has become faster, cheaper, and more flexible.
The balance has been shifted away from administrative receivership in favour of the collective procedure of administration, considering the interests of all creditors.
The abolition of the Crown's preferential right to recover unpaid taxes
Unsecured creditors, particularly small firms, benefit from this measure, which ensures that they are major beneficiaries.
The provision of a modern bankruptcy regime encouraging entrepreneurship
The Act provides support to those wishing to make a fresh start by discharging them from their debts and releasing them from restrictions after a maximum period of 12 months, if they cooperate with the Official Receiver.
At the same time, it offers protection against abuse through a new Bankruptcy Restrictions Order system. Those that have abused creditors and the public are subject to restrictions for between 2 and 15 years.
The measures also entailed the removal of outdated restrictions, and the introduction of a general three year limit on the period in which a trustee may deal with an interest in a bankrupt's or former bankrupt's home.
Modernisation of the financial regime of the Insolvency Service
The system has been made more transparent and fee structures have been simplified. Changes to the Insolvency Services Account have meant that estates receive the maximum return on investment, which benefits many small firms.