About The Directors Helpline | The Directors Helpline

Free, Impartial Guidance – Built Around You, the Director

At The Directors Helpline, we’re here to support you with clear, independent guidance when your business needs it most. Our expert team works directly with company directors to explore the full range of options available. Whether that means restructuring, closing responsibly, or starting again with confidence.

We understand how isolating running a business can feel, especially when challenges arise. That’s why our approach puts you first. No pressure, no bias, just practical, honest advice designed to help you make informed decisions. It’s your business, your future, and ultimately your choice. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Speak to Experts – Practical Support When You Need It

Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, offering free, confidential and independent guidance 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on providing advice that is practical, honest and tailored to your individual circumstances. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome for both you and your business, while minimising stress and uncertainty.

We know that insolvency isn't always the right solution, but if it is, we'll guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. With extensive experience supporting company directors, we'll ensure you understand your options, know what to expect and feel supported every step of the way.

Over 30 years' experience

With 30+ years of combined experience, we've built a deep understanding of the challenges company directors face, allowing us to provide informed, practical support when it matters most.

40,000 directors helped

Supporting more than 40,000 company directors has shaped the way we work, listening first, understanding every situation, and always putting the director at the centre of every decision.

Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Proudly recognised for outstanding service, we've earned the trust of company directors through consistent support, positive feedback, and long-lasting relationships across multiple industries.

Get in Touch for Free Company Guidance

If you're not quite ready to talk to us, or you're unsure where your business currently stands, our quick and simple Business Health Check is a great place to start. In just a couple of minutes, you'll receive a personalised assessment to help you better understand your business's current position and whether it's time to take action. Many company directors continue to struggle simply because they're unsure how serious their situation really is. Our Business Health Check is designed to give you greater clarity and confidence, helping you understand where your business stands before deciding whether to seek further support. If you do need help, our team will be here to explain your options and help you make informed decisions for both you and your business.

Jonathan Cooper

Founder

Jonathan Cooper is the Founder and Director of The Directors Helpline and has more than 25 years of experience advising company directors through insolvency, restructuring, and financial distress. Throughout his career, he has supported businesses across a wide range of sectors, helping directors understand their responsibilities and identify the most appropriate solutions during challenging circumstances. Jonathan is committed to providing clear, practical, and straightforward guidance, ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every stage of the process. He leads the business with a strong focus on professionalism, transparency, and director protection, helping individuals navigate complex situations with confidence and clarity

Simon Dempsey

Head of The Directors Choice

Simon Dempsey has over 20 years of experience in the business industry and has founded and run multiple businesses of his own. He leads The Directors Choice, supporting directors with practical, strategic financial solutions during key decision-making periods. Simon specialises in assessing business challenges, exploring available options, and shaping clear strategies that help companies move forward with confidence. With a strong blend of hands-on entrepreneurial experience and corporate finance knowledge, he understands what it takes to navigate complex situations and make tough decisions. His approach is straightforward and focused on finding realistic, sustainable outcomes that work for both the business and its directors.

David Newton

Senior Consultant and Associate Director

David has been with the business since 2020. He serves as a key point of contact for directors seeking clarity on their options, working closely with a panel of licensed insolvency practitioners to ensure appropriate support is always available. Having previously run his own businesses and experienced insolvency personally, David brings both professional expertise and genuine first-hand understanding to every conversation. His background in financial advice enables him to assess complex situations carefully, explain available options clearly, and provide impartial support tailored to each director’s circumstances. David is committed to helping clients make informed decisions with confidence, ensuring they feel supported, understood, and guided towards the most appropriate solutions throughout the entire process.

Claire Mitten

Senior Consultant

Claire Mitten is a senior consultant here at The Directors Helpline, supporting Directors at every stage by acting as a support blanket and source of expertise for Directors to call on. Claire’s career in insolvency started with personal debt support, giving her a unique understanding of how overwhelming navigating debt can be. She offers a warm knowledgeable approach to help directors dealing with pressures and uncertainty. Claire provides clear communication between Directors and insolvency experts, ensuring everyone feels heard, answering questions and addressing issues so that Directors feel supported and guided throughout the process. Claire prides herself on being a voice for Directors during uncertain times.

Ollie Moss

Business Consultant

Ollie Moss works closely with directors from the outset to understand their circumstances and identify the most appropriate support. Speaking with over 1,000 directors each month, he assesses complex business situations, highlights potential risks, and guides directors towards specialist advice and services tailored to their needs. With high level qualifications in Business Management, Ollie combines strong commercial awareness with a people focused approach. Known for his professionalism, empathy, and ability to put directors at ease, he is committed to ensuring every director feels listened to, reassured, and supported.

Oliver Machin

Business Consultant

Oliver Machin is a consultant at The Directors Helpline and serves as a key first point of contact for directors of limited companies seeking support. He gathers initial details in a clear and straightforward manner, ensuring each director's situation is fully understood before connecting them with a senior consultant for more in-depth advice and practical next steps. Working with compassion and understanding, Oliver supports directors facing financial pressure, creditor issues, or uncertainty about their business's future, providing clarity, reassurance, and guidance to help them move forward with confidence.

If You Need Urgent Help, Get In Touch With Us Today

Speak to Jonathan and the team today to discuss your business needs.

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What Do Directors Ask Us?

Have a question? We're here to help!

Are you insolvency practitioners?

No. The Directors Helpline is an independent support service for limited company directors. We are not licensed insolvency practitioners, which means our role is to help you understand your circumstances, explain the options available and support you in making informed decisions. If formal insolvency advice is required, we'll introduce you to a suitable licensed insolvency practitioner.
How do you operate?

We start with a free, confidential conversation to understand your company's situation. We'll explain the available options, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps. If formal insolvency advice or services are needed, we'll introduce you to a suitable licensed insolvency practitioner from our trusted panel. We'll also remain on hand throughout the process, providing ongoing support and answering any questions you may have, so you're never left to navigate it alone.
Are you regulated?

No, as we are not an insolvency practitioner firm. However, every insolvency practitioner we work with is fully licensed and regulated by a recognised UK professional body, including the IPA (Insolvency Practitioners Association). We only work with qualified professionals authorised to provide formal insolvency services.
Are the Trustpilot reviews Genuine?

Yes. Every review on our Trustpilot profile has been left by a genuine client who has used our service. We believe honest feedback is one of the best ways for directors to understand the support we provide, and we're proud of the relationships we've built with the thousands of company directors we've helped.
What's the difference between The Directors Helpline and my accountant?

Your accountant understands your business and finances, but they may not specialise in business distress, insolvency procedures or director support. We work alongside accountants every day, providing specialist guidance when a business is under financial pressure. In many cases, directors speak to both their accountant and The Directors Helpline to ensure they have the full picture before making any decisions.
Is your guidance really free?

Yes. Your initial conversation with us is completely free, confidential and without obligation. We'll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions and explain the options available, allowing you to make an informed decision about what to do next.
Is everything confidential?

Absolutely. We understand how sensitive business difficulties can be, and every conversation with our team is treated in the strictest confidence. We won't contact anyone connected to your business without your knowledge or permission.
Do I have to use one of your insolvency practitioners?

No. There is absolutely no obligation to use one of the licensed insolvency practitioners on our panel. If you require formal insolvency services, we'll explain your options and you're free to choose whichever licensed insolvency practitioner you feel is right for you.