@Sanj - There are now 2 'factions' it seems, trying to get their money back in different ways. Essentially, it's a race to get your claim done before the others complete a winding up order. I personally believe I am better off making a claim because I think I'll get more of my money back (I should get all of it, plus fee's and interest), unless a winding up order goes into effect in the meantime which would mean that the money I spent on the claim will be wasted (and in my case it's not the Small Claims process, so it's cost me significantly more to make the claim). I may also be in the situation where I have a successful claim but Alpha hasn't paid yet. If the winding up action occurs in that situation I have still lost the fee's & interest of the claim and would have no choice but to jump on the 'winding up bandwagon' by contacting the liquidator.
Putting my own claim process to the side for a moment, I believe that Alpha are pushing through their 'hard times' and still want to succeed in their business. I don't beleive that winding them up is in anyone heres interest. If they are allowed to 'push through' these hard times then everyone who wants a refund should get one, eventually. If you're making a claim, then you're elligible for interest from the date that you officially requested your refund. i.e. the date of the official letter you send at the start of the claim process.
From my perspecitve therefore, I am not too concerned when I get my money back (within reason) because it'll be gaining significant interest all the time it's still unpaid.