Winding-Up Petition Service
Correct service of compulsory winding-up petitions on companies — precision execution for insolvency proceedings
When Delivery Cannot Fail
A winding-up petition is a mechanism to compel the compulsory liquidation of a company. Service must be on the company itself, at the correct address, and in the correct manner. Errors in service give the company grounds to challenge proceedings at the outset.
A creditor's winding-up petition, filed under Section 124 of the Insolvency Act 1986, asks the court to make a winding-up order against a company. Rule 7.9 of the Insolvency Rules 2016 provides for service of the petition on the company at its registered office or principal place of business.
Service on a company for winding-up purposes must be at the registered office unless the company has no registered office in England and Wales (in which case, service at the principal place of business). We confirm the current registered office with Companies House before attending. Where the registered office is vacant or inaccessible, we document this carefully to support any subsequent application for alternative service.
Operational Protocol
Registered Office Verification
We confirm the current registered office with Companies House immediately before attendance. Registered offices change, and service at an out-of-date address will not be valid.
Attendance and Service
We attend the registered office and serve the petition in accordance with the Insolvency Rules. We note the name and role of any person who receives the documents.
Documentation
We record time, date, address attended, name and role of recipient, and any other material observations. This record forms the basis of the proof of service.
Vacant Office Protocol
Where the registered office is a letter-box address, unmanned agent, or vacant premises, we document this and advise on the options available under the Rules.
Certificate & Affidavit of Service
Court-ready proofs compliant with Civil Procedure Rule requirements.
Frequently Asked
What is the correct address for service of a winding-up petition?
Rule 7.9 of the Insolvency Rules 2016 provides for service at the company's registered office. If the registered office is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, service is on the principal place of business in England or Wales. We verify the registered office before attendance.
Can service be on a director personally?
For a winding-up petition, service is on the company, not the directors personally. However, some petitioners also serve directors personally as a matter of practice. We can arrange both.
What if the registered office is an accountant or agent's address?
Service on an accountant's or agent's address which is the registered office is valid service on the company. We attend and confirm who we are leaving documents with.
How quickly can you serve a winding-up petition?
Winding-up petitions can be served same-day in London and major cities, and within 24 hours in other locations across England and Wales.
Instruct on Winding-Up Petitions.
Rapid scheduling across England & Wales. Immediate confirmation upon execution.