The non-profit cited a ‘challenging and turbulent’ economic environment for the ‘shock’ closure, which has left 30 staff members without a job.
The charity appointed liquidators earlier this month (Image: Getty)
A major UK charity has plunged into liquidation after 20 years in business with over £430,000 in debts. Auditory Verbal, which described itself as the “leading provider of auditory verbal therapy in the UK”, appointed liquidators on May 8.
The organisation, based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and founded in 2003, confirmed it had ceased operations in a statement published on its website. It read: “Like many charities, AV UK has been operating in an increasingly challenging and turbulent environment for some time.
“Over recent months, despite strong progress pursing our strategy and continued delivery of high-quality, life-changing support, the financial pressures facing the charity have intensified to a point where it is no longer possible for us to operate sustainably.” The non-profit acknowledged that the news may come as a “shock” to community members, describing it as “an incredibly difficult decision, taken with the greatest care for the families professionals and supporters who have placed their trust in AV UK over the years”.
The organisation was based in Bicester for over 20 years (Image: Getty)
The latest company accounts showed debts to creditors mounting to £430,000 within a year.
Documents also indicated that the charity had 30 employees, all of whom have now lost their jobs.
A spokesperson said alternative provisions were underway for those currently receiving support, and celebrated the “thousands of children” who had benefited from its work.
“This has been made possible by the extraordinary generosity of individuals, families, trusts, foundations and partners who believe deeply in our mission, and we are hugely grateful,” they added.
“We are hugely proud to have been part of the collective determination to see a world where all deaf children have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.
“We hope the progress we made will continue to shape a future where all deaf children have access to the early, effective support needed to thrive at school and beyond.”
S&W Partners, an accounting firm based in London, was appointed as liquidator this month.
The first five months of 2026 have seen company failures jump higher amid financial difficulties linked to the Iran war and tax rises, including National Insurance and the minimum wage.
