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At 1st Business Rescue, we exist to provide limited company directors with hope and a way forward during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Our team have been involved in the industry since 1997, which means we’ve got over 20 years of experience in advising directors through business restructuring, financial issues, and insolvency.

1st Business Rescue – On your side and in your corner At 1st Business Rescue, we exist to provide limited company directors with hope and a way forward during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our team has been involved in the industry since 1997, which means we’ve got over 25 years of experience in advising directors through business restructuring, financial issues, and insolvency.
1st Business Rescue - On your side and in your corner
Access to finance is the lifeblood of every business. But in today’s challenging economic climate, securing the right funding has never been more difficult. That’s where Steven Johnson, an experienced independent finance broker, makes the difference.In this video, Steven introduces himself and his role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unlock funding solutions. With over 30 years’ experience in banking and finance, including 15 years in corporate banking and asset finance, Steven knows how to match businesses with the lenders and products that best suit their needs.Unlike going directly to one bank, working with a broker means you get access to a wide marketplace of lenders, from invoice finance providers to asset-based lending specialists. Steven uses his deep understanding of finance products to secure the best deal on the best terms, ensuring businesses can breathe again when cash flow is tight.Right now, many business owners are facing sleepless nights. Tax bills loom, staff need to be paid, suppliers are pressing for invoices to be settled, and winning new business feels harder than ever. Steven understands these pressures and has a toolkit of solutions to help relieve them.Whether it’s refinancing assets, restructuring loans, arranging new credit facilities, or simply finding the right funding partner, Steven ensures SMEs have the financial flexibility to survive and thrive. His role with First Business Rescue complements their work, providing crucial financial breathing space to businesses navigating distress.The value of independent advice is clear, the initial consultation costs nothing, but the right guidance could save your business.What you’ll learn in this video:- Why access to the right finance can make or break an SME- Steven’s 30-year journey in banking, finance, and independent brokering- Common financial challenges business owners are facing right now- The types of funding solutions available, from invoice finance to refinancing- Why First Business Rescue and finance brokers work hand in handIf you’re a director recognising these challenges, don’t wait until the situation becomes critical. Reach out today for independent, expert advice and practical funding options. #businessfinance #smefunding #cashflow #financebroker #firstbusinessrescue #businessloans #companydirectors #sherbertlemon
Steven Johnson – Finance Broker for SMEs
When a company is in distress, one of the most important steps is understanding the value of its assets. That’s where Stephen Battle of Blue Chip Asset Valuations plays a vital role. With more than 20 years’ experience in the insolvency industry, Stephen provides independent valuations that give directors confidence, clarity, and control during one of the toughest journeys a business can face.In this video, Stephen explains his role in supporting directors during pre-pack administration and liquidation processes. Often instructed by First Business Rescue, Stephen steps in to quickly assess both tangible and intangible assets, from machinery, stock, and equipment, to databases, websites, goodwill, and even phone numbers. Everything has value, and accurately assessing it is essential for a fair and transparent process.For directors, this stage can be daunting. Facing liquidation or enforcement action, with creditors pressing hard, the process can feel overwhelming. Stephen’s calm, independent approach helps reduce that fear. By producing detailed valuation reports and sale agreements, he ensures directors fully understand what they’re dealing with and can move forward with confidence. Beyond the technical side, Stephen’s role is about reassurance. He recognises that most directors have never been through insolvency before, and the uncertainty can be frightening. His experience allows him to guide them through each step, ensuring assets are properly accounted for and the best possible outcome is achieved.What you’ll learn in this video:- Why independent asset valuation is crucial in insolvency processes- The difference between tangible and intangible assets- How valuations can reduce uncertainty and protect directors- Stephen’s 20+ years of experience in the insolvency sector- How First Business Rescue works with asset valuation experts to support clientsIf your business is facing liquidation or enforcement action, knowing the true value of your assets can make all the difference. Stephen’s work ensures directors don’t go through the process blind, instead, they’re armed with clarity and confidence. #assetvaluation #businessrescue #insolvencysupport #firstbusinessrescue #companydirectors #businessrecovery #sherbertlemon
Stephen Battle – Blue Chip Asset Valuations
When your business runs into serious financial trouble, it can feel like the walls are closing in. Directors often find themselves personally exposed, especially if loans and credit facilities were backed by personal guarantees. That’s where Gary Whitehead from Safety Assist steps in. With over 20 years of corporate banking experience and a decade of hands-on support for directors, Gary provides clarity, structure, and a way forward when everything feels uncertain.In this video, Gary explains how he helps directors minimise personal financial damage when a company collapses. From negotiating reduced settlements with lenders, to arranging longer repayment terms that make debts more manageable, Safety Assist ensures directors don’t face the nightmare alone.Gary’s background makes his advice particularly valuable. Having started his career at Barclays in the 1980s, he witnessed first hand how financial systems work from the inside. Later, when the financial crisis hit, he found himself in the same position many of his clients now face, struggling to deal with personal guarantees after a company failure. That lived experience inspired him to launch Safety Assist in 2014, giving directors the expert guidance he once needed himself.This video also highlights Gary’s long standing partnership with First Business Rescue. While First Business Rescue advises on the company side of insolvency, helping directors assess their options when a business starts to fail, Safety Assist is brought in when personal guarantees are on the line. It’s a natural extension of the support journey, ensuring directors get specialist advice tailored to their situation.The key message Gary shares? Don’t bury your head in the sand. Facing financial problems early, with the right help, can make the difference between devastation and recovery. By tackling issues head on, directors have the best chance of protecting their financial future and reducing personal risk.If you’re a director worried about personal guarantees, insolvency, or lender claims, this is essential viewing. Gary’s practical insights show that even in the toughest times, there’s a way forward.What you’ll learn in this video:- Why directors can be personally liable when companies collapse- How personal guarantees work and what they really mean for you- Ways to minimise financial damage and negotiate with lenders- Gary’s unique journey from banker to business rescue adviser- Why acting quickly is crucial if your company is in distressGary is always open to a free, no-obligation chat. If anything in this video resonates, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. #businessrescue #directorsupport #insolvencyadvice #firstbusinessrescue #safetyassist #debtadvice #companydirectors #sherbertlemon
Gary Whitehead – Safety Assist & First Business Rescue
UK company insolvencies hit a 15-year high in 2024. But why? Rising interest rates, inflation, and the end of government support measures have put intense pressure on businesses. In this video, we break down the factors driving the increase and what directors can do to protect their companies. 📊 Understand why insolvencies are rising—and how to prepare. 📞 Need professional guidance? Contact us today.
Why Are Company Insolvencies Surging?
What exactly does an insolvency practitioner do, and when should you engage one? In this video, we break down their role in assessing financial health, negotiating with creditors, and managing rescue or liquidation processes. If your business is struggling, knowing when to seek help is critical. ⚠️ Understand how insolvency practitioners can support your business. 📩 Need expert insolvency advice? Get in touch today.
The Role of an Insolvency Practitioner: What Directors Need to Know
Insolvency doesn’t happen overnight—it builds up over time. Spotting the warning signs early can make all the difference. From cash flow issues to rising debt, this video explores why early intervention is crucial and how directors can take action before it’s too late. 🚨 Don’t ignore the warning signs—watch now. 📞 Need help managing financial distress? Contact us today.
The Importance of Early Intervention in Financial Distress
The Future of Corporate Debt: What’s Ahead for Businesses? With interest rates rising and borrowing costs soaring, corporate debt is more critical than ever. How will this impact businesses in 2025, and what can directors do to manage financial risk? In this video, we explore key trends, alternative financing options, and strategies to maintain financial stability. 💡 Learn how to navigate the changing debt landscape. 📩 Need expert financial guidance? Contact us today.
The Future of Corporate Debt: What’s Ahead for Businesses?
Insolvency law is changing, and directors need to keep up. From stricter director accountability to new rescue tools and ESG considerations, the legal landscape is evolving fast. In this video, we break down the latest developments and what they mean for businesses in 2025. ⚖️ Stay ahead of insolvency law changes. 📞 Need legal advice? Get in touch today.
The Evolution of Insolvency Law: What Directors Need to Know
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