
Jim Hamilton
The Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) provides small and micro businesses with a fast, low-cost alternative to examinership. Designed specifically for SMEs in financial difficulty, SCARP enables directors to restructure the company’s debts through a binding arrangement with creditors — without significant court involvement. Whether your business is facing short-term cash flow issues or deeper structural challenges, SCARP offers a chance to reset — protecting jobs, preserving value, and giving viable companies the breathing space they need to recover.
At BDO, we help eligible businesses assess their position, prepare for the process, and implement a viable Rescue Plan. Our SCARP team offers practical, hands-on support to guide you through the procedure with clarity, confidentiality, and confidence.
SCARP was introduced under the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act to create a more affordable restructuring pathway for businesses that meet the definition of an SME. The process is administrative in nature, meaning there is limited court involvement, which helps reduce legal costs and timeline.
To be eligible, a company must meet at least two of the following criteria:
Unlike examinership, SCARP can be initiated by company directors without court approval. With careful preparation, it can deliver a binding agreement with creditors in as little as 42–70 days — enabling companies to restructure quickly and get back on track.
BDO’s SCARP specialists provide end-to-end support to company directors, from initial viability reviews to the implementation of a Rescue Plan. We work closely with all key stakeholders — including creditors and legal advisors — to ensure the process runs smoothly and delivers a workable outcome.
At BDO, we understand the pressure faced by business owners navigating financial distress. SCARP is a powerful tool — but its success depends on experience, preparation and clear communication. That’s where we come in.
Working with BDO means:
We work with directors, shareholders, lenders and advisors to deliver outcomes that protect the business and give it a path back to viability — efficiently and cost-effectively.