a payment break to ride out worst of the storm?

[cafeowner]

We're currently about 16 months into our IVA - its a constant struggle to meet the repayments as we run a cafe/restaurant and trade is down and all our food costs are rocketing!
The town itself is becoming very run down with many empty shops/businesses closing.
Looking ahead now to next year.....we are faced with really MAJOR competition next in the shape of a multi national opening in the town which we beleve will cause a massive if perhaps temporary slump in our takings.
We are already only paying 26p in £ so obviously no chance of a variation there.
Would we be allowed a payment break of say 6 months when this new business opens to allow us to ride out the worst of the storm so to speak?
Being pessimistic, but we are already in difficulties - working every hour and using family to help us out - dont know where else to turn.
Its soooo hard being self employed and not having a regular income and at the moment there are no "good times" the stress and anxiety is becoming unbearable and this is one major worry we feel is looming over us capable of bringing us down totally.

[Adam Davies]

Hi
Yes that is possible,speak with your IP as they will need to call a variation meeting.The missed payments can be added to the end of your IVA.
If business does not pick up after the break then you could look at other options including bankruptcy,this will at least draw a line under you constant struggle.
Good luck and keep posting

Andy Davie
IVA.co.uk Spokesperson

About me:
http://www.iva.co.uk/andy_davie_profile.asp

IVA Helpline: 0800 197 4838
http://www.iva.co.uk/iva_helpline.asp