Alison Hammond has given fans a sneak peek of her new TV series with son Aidan, as they co-star in the travel show Florida Unpacked. The mother-son team set off on an adventure across Florida in the fresh BBC Two series, set to premiere on 27 January. Florida Unpacked is being touted as “escapism” for…
Alison Hammond has given fans a sneak peek of her new TV series with son Aidan, as they co-star in the travel show Florida Unpacked. The mother-son team set off on an adventure across Florida in the fresh BBC Two series, set to premiere on 27 January. Florida Unpacked is being touted as “escapism” for…
AAP’s ‘next-level’ trolling ahead of Delhi assembly election: ’BJP’s achievements’ book in stores — and it’s blank | Mintvar _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1:”2″, c2:”6035286″, options: {enableFirstPartyCookie: true, bypassUserConsentRequirementFor1PCookie:true }});( function() {var s = document.createElement(“script”), el = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.async = true; s.src = “https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/cs/6035286/beacon.js”; el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();SubscribeSign in
By NIGEL TISDALL Published: 06:56 EST, 22 January 2025 | Updated: 07:07 EST, 22 January 2025
Fusion food is one thing, but a fusion movie?
That was my first thought when I heard about “Baby Hero”, the new 2025 Chinese New Year film that blends Singaporean and Thai elements in ways I didn’t expect.
Photo from @hongpictures on Instagram.
As someone who knows Thai films for their horror, BL and rom-com genres, and Singapore films for their local flavours and slice-of-life storylines, I was eager to see how these two cultures would come together on screen.
About “Baby Hero”
“Baby Hero” is a high-energy action-comedy that brings the thrills, fighting scenes and cheeky humour typical of many action-packed Chinese New Year movies.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced drama with lots of stunts, this film might just hit the mark.
The movie, a joint production between Singapore’s Hong Pictures and Bangkok-based Hollywood Thailand, features a blend of rising stars and well-known faces like Hayley Woo, Ya Hui, Wang Wei Liang, Long Lee and Vithaya Pansringarm.
Photo from @hayleywoojiayi on Instagram.
Set in the picturesque Happy Village in Thailand, “Baby Hero” follows Sun (Long Lee), a young man caught between indecision and responsibility, as he unexpectedly returns to his hometown, on the verge of becoming the next village chief.
When Sun’s girlfriend, Leena (Hayley Woo), tracks him down, she becomes part of a diverse Singaporean tour group at Happy Village. Chaos ensues when a valuable statue is targeted for theft, forcing the villagers and visitors to unite in a race against time to save the village from impending disaster.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Here’s the trailer:
[embedded content]
&t=104s
Warning: spoilers ahead.
We all happy
The setting of Happy Village caught my attention — a charming little town in Thailand, nestled among lush paddy fields.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
It felt like the perfect retreat, especially for someone coming from a bustling city like Singapore.
While the village’s cheerful and colourful vibe was refreshing, I couldn’t help but wish for more depth in its cultural backdrop.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
For instance, there was the appearance of a local museum, but it didn’t seem to play much of a role in the story.
The word “happy” was frequently used by the village chief, Por Yai (Vithaya Pansringarm), during their tours, yet it felt somewhat superficial, lacking the significance it could have carried.
A richer backstory or cultural context could have elevated the village’s role in the narrative.
Perhaps an ancient legend, a generational curse, or even a blessing could have added layers of intrigue to the story.
Without that, I found myself leaving the village feeling that its potential was underutilised, especially considering the film’s dynamic cross-cultural collaboration.
Too many characters, too little clarity
One of the movie’s challenges lies in its many characters, each with their side quests.
The plot centres around a group of Singaporean tourists visiting Happy Village, each with different motives:
Jucker (Wang Wei Liang), a thief after the village’s prized statue, Meng Meng (Ya Hui), heartbroken over her ex; Leena, searching for her boyfriend Sun; Qi Qi (Tay Zo En), an eccentric influencer wannabe; and the uncle-nephew duo, Da Bo (Joshua Tan) and Wu De Yong (Chen Tian Wen), looking to strike a business deal.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
The film bounces between different storylines, making it hard to follow the overarching direction.
Subplots like Sun’s dream of becoming a singer, Jucker’s feelings for Meng Meng, and Da Bo’s wealthy family background feel rushed or underdeveloped.
It left me wishing for more depth and character development.
As someone who appreciates a clear narrative and well-rounded characters, I found myself a bit lost amid the film’s chaotic pacing.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Universal humour
Despite the complexity of the storyline, the film does a great job with humour.
The jokes are accessible and funny, transcending regional humour to deliver laughs that anyone could appreciate.
For example, Juker’s awkward but hilarious dance through the curse of the voodoo doll and Kit’s awful but endearing translations had the audience in stitches.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
This inclusivity is often missing in Singaporean films, which tend to be more locally centred.
“Baby Hero” does well in creating a humour that’s universal and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Kept on edge
For those who love intense fight scenes, “Baby Hero” delivers.
The film’s choreography and stunt work were some of the highlights, adding excitement and momentum to the narrative.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
These high-octane moments kept me engaged, balancing the comedy with adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
The characters’ bravery isn’t always showcased in grand gestures but in quiet, steadfast moments of determination.
The village chief, Por Yai, for instance, is ready to sacrifice everything to protect his people.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Despite the danger of facing the rebels, the Singaporean tour group and villagers returned to the village, where Por Yai and his men were holding off the attackers.
Each person played a role in the fightback, but it was Leena who, in collaboration with Wu De Yong, devised a plan to retrieve the statue.
Meanwhile, Kit made a heroic sacrifice, luring the enemies away to give the others a chance to fight back.
It’s a refreshing take on heroism, where strength is found not in perfection but in love and unity.
A sequel in the making?
The movie ends with a promising setup for a sequel.
After all, we see the police escorting Chang Mao’s (Lim Yew Huat) men away, while Chang Mao himself disappears without a trace.
This open-ended conclusion hints at more to come, and fans of the film might be hoping for another instalment.
A step forward for cross-cultural collaboration
“Baby Hero” represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Southeast Asian cinema, with a cross-cultural collaboration between Singapore and Thailand.
This fusion not only brings together different filmmaking styles but also paves the way for future regional partnerships.
The film is a nod to the growing potential for Southeast Asia to collaborate on projects that can resonate globally.
Co-productions like “Baby Hero” could help create a thriving entertainment landscape, expanding beyond borders to reach international audiences.
It’s an exciting time for the film industry in the region, with greater opportunities for cross-cultural storytelling that celebrates the diversity of Southeast Asia.
Final thoughts
While “Baby Hero” has its flaws — with a complicated plot and somewhat shallow character development — it succeeds in bringing energy, humour and action to the screen.
The movie’s universal themes of love, courage, and unity give it a meaningful, if somewhat formulaic, message.
The film is a fun watch for fans of action-comedy, especially those who appreciate a lighthearted, fast-paced story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Whether or not it will be remembered as a cultural milestone remains to be seen, but “Baby Hero” does a good job of delivering on its promise of a cross-border, fusion Chinese New Year film experience.
“Baby Hero” will be released in cinemas on Jan. 23, 2025, in both Singapore and Thailand.
Top images via Hong Pictures and Shaw Theatres.
Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the article (whether by speed-scrolling or otherwise). This alone qualifies you to apply for the role of an Editorial Intern (Nova) at Mothership. Click here to find out more.
Fusion food is one thing, but a fusion movie?
That was my first thought when I heard about “Baby Hero”, the new 2025 Chinese New Year film that blends Singaporean and Thai elements in ways I didn’t expect.
Photo from @hongpictures on Instagram.
As someone who knows Thai films for their horror, BL and rom-com genres, and Singapore films for their local flavours and slice-of-life storylines, I was eager to see how these two cultures would come together on screen.
About “Baby Hero”
“Baby Hero” is a high-energy action-comedy that brings the thrills, fighting scenes and cheeky humour typical of many action-packed Chinese New Year movies.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced drama with lots of stunts, this film might just hit the mark.
The movie, a joint production between Singapore’s Hong Pictures and Bangkok-based Hollywood Thailand, features a blend of rising stars and well-known faces like Hayley Woo, Ya Hui, Wang Wei Liang, Long Lee and Vithaya Pansringarm.
Photo from @hayleywoojiayi on Instagram.
Set in the picturesque Happy Village in Thailand, “Baby Hero” follows Sun (Long Lee), a young man caught between indecision and responsibility, as he unexpectedly returns to his hometown, on the verge of becoming the next village chief.
When Sun’s girlfriend, Leena (Hayley Woo), tracks him down, she becomes part of a diverse Singaporean tour group at Happy Village. Chaos ensues when a valuable statue is targeted for theft, forcing the villagers and visitors to unite in a race against time to save the village from impending disaster.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Here’s the trailer:
[embedded content]
&t=104s
Warning: spoilers ahead.
We all happy
The setting of Happy Village caught my attention — a charming little town in Thailand, nestled among lush paddy fields.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
It felt like the perfect retreat, especially for someone coming from a bustling city like Singapore.
While the village’s cheerful and colourful vibe was refreshing, I couldn’t help but wish for more depth in its cultural backdrop.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
For instance, there was the appearance of a local museum, but it didn’t seem to play much of a role in the story.
The word “happy” was frequently used by the village chief, Por Yai (Vithaya Pansringarm), during their tours, yet it felt somewhat superficial, lacking the significance it could have carried.
A richer backstory or cultural context could have elevated the village’s role in the narrative.
Perhaps an ancient legend, a generational curse, or even a blessing could have added layers of intrigue to the story.
Without that, I found myself leaving the village feeling that its potential was underutilised, especially considering the film’s dynamic cross-cultural collaboration.
Too many characters, too little clarity
One of the movie’s challenges lies in its many characters, each with their side quests.
The plot centres around a group of Singaporean tourists visiting Happy Village, each with different motives:
Jucker (Wang Wei Liang), a thief after the village’s prized statue, Meng Meng (Ya Hui), heartbroken over her ex; Leena, searching for her boyfriend Sun; Qi Qi (Tay Zo En), an eccentric influencer wannabe; and the uncle-nephew duo, Da Bo (Joshua Tan) and Wu De Yong (Chen Tian Wen), looking to strike a business deal.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
The film bounces between different storylines, making it hard to follow the overarching direction.
Subplots like Sun’s dream of becoming a singer, Jucker’s feelings for Meng Meng, and Da Bo’s wealthy family background feel rushed or underdeveloped.
It left me wishing for more depth and character development.
As someone who appreciates a clear narrative and well-rounded characters, I found myself a bit lost amid the film’s chaotic pacing.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Universal humour
Despite the complexity of the storyline, the film does a great job with humour.
The jokes are accessible and funny, transcending regional humour to deliver laughs that anyone could appreciate.
For example, Juker’s awkward but hilarious dance through the curse of the voodoo doll and Kit’s awful but endearing translations had the audience in stitches.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
This inclusivity is often missing in Singaporean films, which tend to be more locally centred.
“Baby Hero” does well in creating a humour that’s universal and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Kept on edge
For those who love intense fight scenes, “Baby Hero” delivers.
The film’s choreography and stunt work were some of the highlights, adding excitement and momentum to the narrative.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
These high-octane moments kept me engaged, balancing the comedy with adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
The characters’ bravery isn’t always showcased in grand gestures but in quiet, steadfast moments of determination.
The village chief, Por Yai, for instance, is ready to sacrifice everything to protect his people.
Photo from Shaw Theatres’ YouTube.
Despite the danger of facing the rebels, the Singaporean tour group and villagers returned to the village, where Por Yai and his men were holding off the attackers.
Each person played a role in the fightback, but it was Leena who, in collaboration with Wu De Yong, devised a plan to retrieve the statue.
Meanwhile, Kit made a heroic sacrifice, luring the enemies away to give the others a chance to fight back.
It’s a refreshing take on heroism, where strength is found not in perfection but in love and unity.
A sequel in the making?
The movie ends with a promising setup for a sequel.
After all, we see the police escorting Chang Mao’s (Lim Yew Huat) men away, while Chang Mao himself disappears without a trace.
This open-ended conclusion hints at more to come, and fans of the film might be hoping for another instalment.
A step forward for cross-cultural collaboration
“Baby Hero” represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Southeast Asian cinema, with a cross-cultural collaboration between Singapore and Thailand.
This fusion not only brings together different filmmaking styles but also paves the way for future regional partnerships.
The film is a nod to the growing potential for Southeast Asia to collaborate on projects that can resonate globally.
Co-productions like “Baby Hero” could help create a thriving entertainment landscape, expanding beyond borders to reach international audiences.
It’s an exciting time for the film industry in the region, with greater opportunities for cross-cultural storytelling that celebrates the diversity of Southeast Asia.
Final thoughts
While “Baby Hero” has its flaws — with a complicated plot and somewhat shallow character development — it succeeds in bringing energy, humour and action to the screen.
The movie’s universal themes of love, courage, and unity give it a meaningful, if somewhat formulaic, message.
The film is a fun watch for fans of action-comedy, especially those who appreciate a lighthearted, fast-paced story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Whether or not it will be remembered as a cultural milestone remains to be seen, but “Baby Hero” does a good job of delivering on its promise of a cross-border, fusion Chinese New Year film experience.
“Baby Hero” will be released in cinemas on Jan. 23, 2025, in both Singapore and Thailand.
Top images via Hong Pictures and Shaw Theatres.
Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the article (whether by speed-scrolling or otherwise). This alone qualifies you to apply for the role of an Editorial Intern (Nova) at Mothership. Click here to find out more.
Our Bright Young Collectors series continues today with Amelia Soth, an honorable mention in the 2024 Honey & Wax Book Collecting Contest for women collectors aged 30 and younger.Where are you from / where do you live?I live in Madison, Wisconsin, which is also where I grew up.What did you study at University? What do you do now for an occupation?I studied Islamic history and art. Today, I’m a freelance writer. I have a column for JSTOR Daily called Cabinet of Curiosities, which I love working on, although my bread is largely buttered by copywriting gigs.Please introduce us to your book collection. What areas do you collect in?I’ve had a lot of trouble defining exactly the parameters of my collection. One way of putting it would be “books that act in some way like reference works, but are not in fact reference works.” It’s a nebulous category and very hard to search for, but also very interesting (at least to me). It includes books like the Codex Seraphinianus, an encyclopedia of a fantastical world written in an indecipherable, invented language, and Édouard Levé’s Works, which is a catalogue of unrealized artistic projects.How many books are in your collection?The bibliography I shared with Honey & Wax lists 32, which is probably about right, and does contain some ‘edge cases’. But I also have a number of books that feel closely allied to the collection, even if they aren’t quite perfect fits – for instance, I also collect shuffle-books, like Anne Carson’s Float and Julio Cortázar’s Hopscotch, where the conceit is that they can be read in any order, another reference-work-esque quality that intrigues me, even if they didn’t feel quite on-point enough to list.What was the first book you bought for your collection?The first book I bought for my collection was The Dictionary of the Khazars, but I already owned a couple books that fit into it, notably Invisible Cities and The Tough Guide to Fantasyland.How about the most recent book? Ursula Le Guin’s Always Coming Home, an ethnography of a future culture of Northern California.And your favorite book in your collection? Of course, my favorite has to be one that was written by my grandmother, A Field Guide to Northfield, a really witty and loving guide to her sleepy college town.Best bargain you’ve found? Most of them, really. I found a lot of my collection serendipitously, by hunting through second-hand stacks.How about The One that Got Away? In high school I checked out from the library a strange little book of invented holidays, one for each day of the year. I loved it, but forgot the name, and have never been able to find it again.What would be the Holy Grail for your collection? Goodness. I don’t know. How about, dreaming big, a beautiful illuminated Book of Hours?Who is your favorite bookseller / bookstore? How am I supposed to pick! I love A Room of One’s Own and The Book Deal in Madison, and I spent a lot of time at the Seminary Co-Op, Powell’s, Myopic and Quimby’s in Chicago. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, the Hyde Park used book sale is a must-visit; all the UChicago professors offload their excess in one fell swoop, and you can find amazing stuff at a great price.What would you collect if you didn’t collect books? Actually, I do collect other things – perfume samples, seeds, craft skills, jewelry boxes (which I fill with other little things I collected).
A new ‘first of its kind’ two-year degree equipping students with the skills needed for a career in international business and artificial intelligence (AI) has been developed by the University of Derby and global industry giant Rolls-Royce.The accelerated BSc (Hons) International Business and AI programme has been created in response to demand from industry leaders and aims to fast-track students; equipping them with the skills required for work of both today, and the future.It will be available to study from September 2025 and focuses on the real-world application of AI – and the realities of business in an AI-enabled world.As part of the new degree, students will have the opportunity to develop technical skills with an emphasis on intellectual growth and, by integrating AI with international business, they will develop skills needed to thrive in global markets where traditional practices are no longer sufficient. Dr Mustabsar Awais, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Financial Economics at the University of Derby, said: “As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and disrupts traditional business models, there is a need for graduates with the skills and ambition to design the world of the future. “This exciting, accelerated learning degree will equip students with the skills to apply advanced technological solutions to today’s business problems, drive forward innovation and gain valuable experience for their CVs. We are delighted to be working with world-leading brand Rolls-Royce to power the next generation and future workforce.”Throughout the two years, students will cover topics such as managing big data, the global economy and the fundamentals of business analytics and AI, giving them an applied, real-world learning experience. They will also have the chance to take part in immersive activities and live briefs with Rolls-Royce to gain valuable insight into the world of business.The new degree builds on an existing strong relationship the University has with Rolls-Royce. The two organisations already work together on several world-class projects including the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.Dr Nicola Lynch, Head of Derby Business School at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be further strengthening our partnership with Rolls-Royce, working collaboratively to understand what our country and world needs to grow, and to develop the practical skills and future talent to help us meet those requirements.“Industry engagement is critical to the University of Derby, providing solutions to social and industrial challenges by delivering academic expertise, innovation and knowledge.“We believe in the transformational power of education and our mission is to develop a pipeline of student and graduate talent with the skills to improve business services and communities all around the world.“We are delighted to be partnering on such a unique and exciting programme, which we hope will provide students with a range of practical business and thought leadership skills, making them well placed for a range of high-quality graduate roles.”Stuart Evans, People Director – Future of Work, Capability & Learning at Rolls-Royce, said: “I am excited that we’ve been able to extend our partnership with the University of Derby.“Combining a fresh approach to traditional learning with the practical skills needed to succeed in the modern world of work will deliver meaningful value for students, employers and the University alike. It’s an absolute privilege to be revolutionising education in this space.”The University is set to open The Cavendish Building, which will be home to Derby Business School in the city centre, in 2025 – helping to create a blueprint for the business school of the future. Providing an outstanding learning environment designed for the highest quality collaboration, students are set to graduate with a wealth of demonstrable business experience and industry contacts ready to launch their career.The new course in partnership with Rolls-Royce is one of several business-related degrees offered by the University of Derby for undergraduate students, which will be available from September 2025.Others include Business Management and Sustainable Practice, Marketing Management, FinTech, and International Hospitality Management.
ANISA Khan is one of the contestants hoping to secure Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in the nineteenth series of The Apprentice. She hopes that her Indian-Italian pizza business will impress the billionaire and allow her to beat her fierce competition.4Anisa Khan thinks her pizza business could become a national brandCredit: BBC4Series 19 of The Apprentice will air on January 30, 2025Credit: BBCA life in business and sportsAnisa is a “self-described go-getter” from London and is also an English national Kabaddi player.Kabaddi is a game played between two teams of seven players, who take turns to chase and touch members of the opposing team.In her professional life, Anisa says that she is a “strong businesswoman with sharp acumen”.She thinks that her Kabaddi training is helpful in business as it makes her “ready to tackle every task head-on”.Read More on The ApprenticeUnique flavour combinationsAnisa’s business is named Bombay Pizza.She oversees everything from recipe development to marketing and has created some truly unique pies. Her Chicken Tikka Masala pizza is a hit with fans and she hopes that her brand’s success shows that there is a “demand” for more “bold and creative flavours”.Anisa wants to expand her business by using Lord Sugar’s investment to open more dark kitchens in high-demand areas. She believes that this will unlock her business’s “immense potential” and that it will transform it into a “nationally recognised brand”. The star says that she was inspired to launch her brand after watching her father run his own restaurant. 4Anisa’s business is growing in popularityCredit: Instagram4Karren Brady and Tim Campbell will be returning to the showCredit: BBCThe Apprentice Series 19Fans can catch The Apprentice when it airs live on January 30, 2025. The show will begin at 9pm but will also be available to watch on iPlayer. Lord Sugar has been confirmed to be leading the show once again, alongside his co-stars Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.
The global business landscape is a turbulent sea, where even the most robust companies can find themselves navigating treacherous waters. Economic downturns, disruptive technologies, crashing currencies, political upheaval and unforeseen crises can quickly send a once-thriving business into a spiral of financial distress. In these precarious situations, the responsibility falls upon company directors to steer the ship away from the rocks. They must act decisively, exploring all available avenues to salvage the company and safeguard the interests of stakeholders. One such avenue, often overlooked or delayed, is business rescue, a powerful legal mechanism designed to rehabilitate financially troubled companies. However, like a life raft in a storm, its effectiveness hinges on timely deployment. Delaying the implementation of business rescue can expose directors to a maelstrom of personal liability and severely jeopardize the company’s chances of survival.Advertisement
Understanding the Urgency: A Race Against Time
Business rescue, enshrined in the South African Companies Act of 2008, offers a structured and workable framework for companies facing financial distress to restructure their affairs, renegotiate with creditors, and recapitalize in a bid to avoid liquidation. It’s a lifeline; a chance to pause the downward spiral and chart a new course. But its success hinges on one crucial factor: timing.Advertisement
Here’s why acting swiftly is paramount:
Erosion of Value: A Sinking Ship: Every day a company operates under the weight of financial distress, its value haemorrhages. Assets depreciate, key employees seek safer harbors, and valuable customer relationships fray. Delaying business rescue only accelerates this erosion, leaving less to salvage and diminishing the prospects of a successful turnaround. Imagine a ship taking on water; the longer the crew waits to patch the hull, the more likely it is to sink.
Diminishing Options: Closing Doors: As a company’s financial woes deepen, its options dwindle. Creditors become increasingly agitated and overtly aggressive, lenders may withdraw crucial facilities, and the ominous shadow of liquidation looms larger. Early intervention, on the other hand, opens doors to a wider range of restructuring possibilities. It allows for more breathing room to negotiate with creditors, explore alternative financing options, and implement operational changes.
Increased Scrutiny: Under the Microscope: Directors occupy a position of trust, bound by a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the company. When a company is in distress, their actions are placed under intense scrutiny. Delaying business rescue, especially when it appears to be a viable option, can be construed as a breach of this duty, potentially leading to serious legal ramifications.
The Perils of Procrastination: A Heavy Price to Pay
Directors who fail to initiate business rescue in a timely manner can face a cascade of consequences, both personal and professional:
Personal Liability: A Financial Abyss: Directors can be held personally liable for debts incurred while the company trades recklessly or under insolvent circumstances. This can translate into crippling financial burdens, draining personal assets and jeopardizing their financial future.
Disqualification: A Tarnished Reputation: Courts possess the power to disqualify directors from holding office in the future if their actions are deemed negligent or demonstrate a lack of good faith. Such a disqualification can effectively end their career, casting a long shadow over their professional reputation.
Criminal Charges: The Ultimate Sanction: In certain circumstances, directors can even face criminal charges, particularly if their actions involve fraudulent activities or deliberate mismanagement of the company’s affairs. This can lead to imprisonment and severe damage to their standing in the business community.
Recognising the Red Flags: Early Detection is Key
To avoid the pitfalls of delay, directors must be vigilant in recognizing the early warning signs of financial distress. These can manifest in various ways:
Persistent Losses: A Bleeding Bottom Line: Consistent negative cash flow and declining profitability are clear indicators that a company is struggling financially.
Struggling with Debt Obligations: A Broken Chain: Missed payments to creditors, suppliers, or employees signal a growing inability to meet financial commitments.
Losing Ground: A Shrinking Customer Base: Significant declines in revenue streams, loss of key customers or contracts, and dwindling market share all point towards trouble.
Legal Action: The Writing on the Wall: Receiving demands or summonses for unpaid debts is a serious red flag, indicating that creditors are losing patience and resorting to legal action.
Taking Charge: A Proactive Approach
When confronted with the specter of financial distress, directors must act decisively and responsibly:
Seek Expert Counsel: Navigating the Maze: Engage with legal, financial and restructuring professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s situation and explore all available options. These experts can provide invaluable guidance on the complexities of business rescue and help navigate the legal and financial landscape.
Open Communication: Building Trust: Maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders, including creditors, employees, and shareholders. Keep them informed about the company’s challenges and the steps being taken to address them. Open communication fosters trust and can facilitate cooperation during the restructuring process.
A Roadmap to Recovery: A Well-Crafted Plan: If business rescue is pursued, develop a meticulously crafted business rescue plan that addresses the root causes of the financial distress and outlines a clear and realistic path to recovery. This plan should include measures to restructure debt, optimize operations, and secure new funding if necessary.
Act with Urgency: Time is of the Essence: Time is the most critical factor in business rescue. The sooner the process is initiated, the greater the chances of success. Delaying action only exacerbates the company’s problems and reduces the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Business rescue can be a powerful lifeline for companies teetering on the brink of collapse, but its effectiveness hinges on the swift and decisive actions of company directors. Delaying the implementation of business rescue can have devastating consequences, exposing directors to personal liability and diminishing the company’s chances of survival. Delay equates to an erosion of value and where there will be very little to rescue. By recognizing the warning signs, acting proactively, and seeking expert advice, directors can fulfill their fiduciary duties and navigate the company through turbulent times. The message is clear: when it comes to business rescue, procrastination can be fatal.
Written by Dr Eric Levenstein, Head of the Insolvency and Business Rescue Practice Group at Werksmans Attorneys