If the Dalai Lama handled director stress and Mother Teresa specialised in business rescue, you’d still call Chris Worden first. He brings clarity, calm, and straight-talking solutions when director... See more
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Welcome to Director First – Your Helping Hand In Business Insolvency At Director First, we’re here for UK directors facing tough times with their businesses. We understand it’s not easy dealing with money problems, and we offer free, friendly advice to help you out. Whether it’s about closing a business (liquidation), rearranging your business debts (debt restructuring/cva), getting your business back on its feet (turnaround),setting up a new company and purchasing the assets back, or just some advice around how to deal with business debt, we’ve got your back. We also help with sorting out big problems for directors, such as overdrawn directors’ loan accounts. Our past work at 1st Business Rescue was a big hit, earning us over 400 top reviews on Trustpilot. We’re really proud of helping so many directors understand their options and move forward. At Director First, we keep things clear and simple. We’ll guide you through every step, explain your choices in easy words, and make sure you know about any risks. Our goal is to help you feel confident and ready for a new start. Director First – Clear, Friendly Advice for a New Beginning in Business
The Old Dock House, Watery Lane, Preston, PR2 1AU, Preston, United Kingdom
When I first saw Chris on my socials it left me wondering who this guy was, let me tell you, if you've got your head in the sand about the state of your business, this guy drags you out feet first..no bull no flannel, tells you straight what needs to be done and helps you every step of the way, he's team are excellent but for me most importantly Chris is always on the end of the phone, I've had 7am chats with him after sleepless nights by 8am the world has a different outlook. His connections and advise is 2nd to none. As company directors most of us carry the weight of the world, especially in a struggling business, Director First have the ability and knowledge to lighten that load.

Reply from Director First
A great and a friendly service by a team who helped me through all parts of the process from start to finish. They made the process very easy and answered all my questions and concerns with comprehensive knowledgable answers. Thank you and I would fully recommend
their services to anyone.

Reply from Director First
Chris Teal responded by phone within 5 minutes of me sending the initial contact form and we discussed my situation for 30minutes. We then set up a follow up video call for a few day later with both Chris Teal & Chris Warden. They offered clear, no-nonsense and helpful advice for how I might best tackle the situation in the coming months. Very supportive and easy to talk to with no pressure just sensible, practical suggestions. it is clear they are experienced in their industry and look for the best outcome for their clients. Very helpful and highly recommended.

Reply from Director First
Chris was fabulous. In a short 10 min phone call he confirmed that my thinking on the way to resolve my clients situation was correct and also gave us an additional avenue to try to resolve his outstanding debts. All of a sudden there was light at the end of a very long tunnel. Thank you so much.

Reply from Director First
Shaun has nothing but incredible. He has calmed me throughout what was a really difficult and stressful period of my life. He has been professional and kind, and was always ready by phone or email when I had any questions or just needed someone to talk to. I'd recommend Directors First for anyone facing difficulties with their company. Thank you, Shaun!

Reply from Director First
Shaun was so helpful. I’ve been having such a hard time wondering what to do with my business but Shaun went through all my options with me and really put my mind at ease.
Thank you

Reply from Director First
Seamless from initial advice to final delivery.
Provided great clarity and professional guidance in a worrying and otherwise cloudy period.

Reply from Director First
Helped me through a difficult time, easy to talk too, made the situation feel less daunting.

Reply from Director First
I can’t speak highly enough of Chris and his team! I stumbled across there website when I was going through the worst time in my life with my business! The stress that I was under was immediately relieved after speaking to them ! They have helped me through the whole process of closing my business in the right way and the difference it has made to me and my family cannot be put in words. All I can say is if you’re a director in the same situation don’t hesitate to contact directors first - trust me!!!!

Reply from Director First
I honestly cannot speak highly enough about Director First.
From the very first conversation they put me completely at ease during what was an incredibly stressful time. The whole process was explained clearly, handled professionally, and was far more straightforward than I ever imagined it would be.
Their expertise and experience were obvious from the start, and that reassurance made a huge difference. For months I had been carrying an enormous amount of pressure, and after speaking with them I slept through the night properly for the first time in a long time.
A special thank you to Shaun, who was brilliant throughout. Supportive, knowledgeable, and always quick to respond whenever I had questions.
If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation as a director, I would not hesitate to recommend Director First. I genuinely wish more people knew about them. At a time when many business owners are under huge pressure, the work they do really does change lives.
Massive thank you to the whole team.

Reply from Director First
I spoke to Chris Teal who was absolutely fantastic pointed me in all the right directions gave me all the information that I needed absolutely would use them 100%

Reply from Director First
Helpful and supportive all the way through. Accessible whenever needed always willing to guide and answer questions.

Reply from Director First
This man is an absolute genius. It makes your mind so comfortable. I haven’t slept in weeks since speaking to Chris I’ve slept like a baby. He explained to me in detail, highly recommend him absolute gentleman.

Reply from Director First
Towards the end of 2025, my business ran into cashflow problems that were no longer manageable. I realised I would need to place the company into some form of administration. After doing some initial research online, I contacted a couple of insolvency firms and found myself being steered toward a specific route — the preferred option of those particular companies.
Whether this was due to their own business models or because I had unintentionally guided the conversation based on my own research, I later realised I was being led down the wrong path for my situation.
I then met Director First, working with Chris and his team, who took a detailed look at my business. They explored the possibility of the business continuing and recommended a solution tailored specifically to my circumstances.
I’m extremely happy — and genuinely feel lucky — to have come across Director First. What really stood out to me was their attention to detail and their excellent communication. They are very forward‑thinking and make great use of WhatsApp, which made it incredibly easy to reach them at any time: during the day, after hours, evenings, and weekends. This was invaluable, because when your business is facing administration, you’re dealing with huge amounts of stress, worry, and uncertainty.
These guys really put my mind at ease. After moving forward with their recommended solution, I’m sleeping better, feeling more relaxed, and far less stressed. The situation has moved into a new phase, and many of the urgent challenges I was facing have now been dealt with and resolved. I’m now moving forward again.
I’m truly grateful to Director First for their holistic and supportive approach — looking at the business from the director’s perspective, understanding the issues, recommending appropriate solutions, and genuinely guiding me through the process in as stress‑free a manner as possible.

Reply from Director First
After receiving a call back the conversation I had with Chris was super helpful straight to the point but brought up some important topics that I need to look into to help myself out. Highly recommend this service. If you’re struggling a little bit, give them a ring. And have a chat

Reply from Director First
Had a pleasant experience with this company in what was not very pleasant times, Chris made us feel reassured and we felt we was in safe hands. Would highly recommend

Reply from Director First
Very quick to respond and extremely helpful with the free advice he gave me in this difficult situation.

Reply from Director First
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