Administrations are designed to be a constructive way of trying to save a company's business, and aim to hold a business together whilst rescue plans are drawn up. Administrations also look to maximise asset realisations or put forward alternative procedures such as a CVA or a scheme of arrangement.

The Administration procedure, introduced by the 1986 Insolvency Act, has undergone major changes as a result of the introduction of the 2002 Enterprise Act.

The biggest advantage of an Administration is the period of moratorium (protection against legal action being taken against the company). The moratorium gives the company breathing space in which a rescue package can be put together and implemented - in the best interests of the company and its creditors.

The provisions of the Enterprise Act were aimed at improving the Administration process. For example, an Administration can begin without an application to court. The Administration period is usually limited to 12 months during which the Administrator, as an officer of the court, is required to carry out their functions as quickly as possible and seek a suitable exit route.

An application for an Administration Order can be made to court by either the company, the Supervisor of a CVA, the directors or creditors of the company. However, it is more likely that a qualifying floating charge holder, the company or the directors will appoint an Administrator without an application to court as this is the quickest route of entering Administration. If the company or the directors wish to appoint out of court, they must give written notice of their intention to appoint an Administrator to any floating charge holder. The floating charge holder has to be made aware of the intended appointment of an Administrator whereby their consent may be necessary. Documents are filed at court and as long as no objection is raised by those notified, the Administrator is appointed.

Once appointed, the Administrator takes control of the day-to-day running of the company, whilst formulating proposals for achieving the objectives of the Administration. He must present these proposals at a meeting of creditors to be held within ten weeks of his appointment.

Once in Administration, the company is protected from creditors who cannot disturb the business or recover any assets, e.g. cars and buildings, without the Administrator's or court's consent.

An Administrator has a great deal of power concerning the continuation of employment for company employees and directors, in addition to entering into contracts on the company's behalf. He literally takes over running the entire company.

The Administration may be followed by the rehabilitation of the company and its return to the control of its directors, a Company Voluntary Arrangement, Liquidation or dissolution.