The other cases discussed are plumbing firms which were limited companies. The fact they complain that its a problem because they can't sell on the business or

The other cases discussed are plumbing firms which were limited companies. The fact they complain that its a problem because they can't sell on the business or pass it to their children tells you that the liability is with the business, not the individual. That's actually a pretty good situation to be in. Plumbing strikes me as a very easy business to walk away from - just take your contact list with you and you'll be back in business in no time.