Firms To Watch: Insolvency and corporate recovery

Horwich Farrelly‘s North West insolvency and restructuring practice, led by Mark Dennis, was bolstered in September 2022 with the notable addition to its Manchester and York offices of partner Richard Drinkwater from Schofield Sweeney.
The April 2022 arrival of Richard Wolff from Pannone Corporate LLP established a distinct North West insolvency team at Myerson Solicitors LLP, which has since been bolstered with the arrival of solicitor Jack Ramsden from Freeths LLP in February 2023.

Insolvency and corporate recovery in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

The insolvency practice at Addleshaw Goddard is headed by its national and international head of restructuring Ged Barnes, who has significant experience advising key clients on the full array of often cross-jurisdictional and consistently high-stakes corporate insolvency matters, particularly in non-contentious contexts, a focus shared by Tim Taylor. Sarah Foster is a key team member, who also stands out for her capabilities handling the spectrum of restructurings and related issues. Notably, the team was bolstered in August 2022 with the arrival of managing associate Peter Speight who has particular expertise in administrations, receiverships and liquidations, from Hill Dickinson LLP. Contentious-focused legal director Jean Boldero departed to an insolvency litigation financing company in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Ged Barnes


Other key lawyers:

Tim Taylor; Sarah Foster; Peter Speight


Testimonials

‘The Addleshaw Goddard team are extremely responsive to any requests with excellent turnaround times when speed is of the essence on transactions. The advice received is also extremely commercial and provided in challenging circumstances and tight timescales.’

‘The team clearly have a strong and positive working relationship amongst themselves, which makes working with them easy. They have a lot of experience in the field and provide sensible and commercial advice. They understand what the client wants and make the client feel valued.’ 

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


PWC


EY LLP


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Interpath Ltd


Grant Thornton UK LLP


FRP Advisory LLP


Endless LLP


The HLD Group


Avison Young (UK) Limited


Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey


Kroll Limited


Alvarez & Marsal


Svella Plc


ANS Group Limited


Byrne Group Limited


JD Sports Fashion plc


Work highlights


  • Acting for Kroll Advisory as administrators of the business and assets of Doncaster Pharmaceutical Group Limited (DPGL) and other group companies.
  • Acting for Byrne Group Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of O’Keefe Construction (Greenwich) Limited from its administrators, RSM.
  • Acting for the Viscount of Jersey in his capacity as Administrator of en desastre estates in relation to matters of English Law and as a party to proceedings in the High Court.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s ‘high-quality and personable’ team is well-known for its multi-jurisdictional capabilities in significant restructuring and insolvency matters, which are consistently of high-value. The practice is co-led by north west head Christopher Roberts, who has expertise in non-contentious corporate restructuring, and national head of the firm’s restructuring offering Robert Russell; both excellent technical lawyers’. A key example of its high-profile work is its advising Alteri Partners LLP on its £55m debt and equity investment into the Missguided Group. Legal director Katy Seago has particular expertise handling the array of non-contentious work, whilst senior associate Rob Lyons heads the contentious side of the team.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Roberts; Robert Russell


Other key lawyers:

Katy Seago; Rob Lyons; Vivak Vaish; Grace Imafidon


Testimonials

‘The team at DLA are not only extremely knowledgeable in the legal aspects of our industry but have taken time to understand our businesses risk appetites and therefore are able to tailor their counsel accordingly; whilst all options are presented, time is managed effectively. Various team members have advised us on their individual specialties and expertise which we do not get from other firms. Cost expectations are also well-managed.’

‘Christopher Roberts demonstrates exceptional commercial knowledge.’

‘A high-quality, commercial and client-oriented practice.’

‘A high-quality and personable team with strength-in-depth, cross-functionality and multinational expertise. They are also very diligent.’

‘Robert Russell and Christopher Roberts are both excellent technical lawyers who are also very personable and great with clients. I have recommended them both to clients and used them on many jobs over the years.’

Key clients

Copenhagen VC Fund II K/S and Hastee HR Limited


Utopia Music AG


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Kroll Advisory Ltd


Alteri Partners LLP


Bank Leumi UK PLC


FTI Consulting LLP


HSBC


Close Invoice Finance Limited


BDO LLP


Work highlights


  • Acting on an ongoing mandate in relation to the appointment of the Official Receiver as liquidator and EY as special managers to a specialist cloud-based services provider to UK public sector organisations.
  • Acting for specialist business advisory firm FRP in connection with the disposal of the non-edibles division of Food Innovations Group to baking and cake decorating wholesaler Culpitt and the wind-down of the edibles division of the group.
  • Advising in relation to all aspects of contingency planning for Missguided group, including placing the group into multiple insolvency processes in order to effect a managed restructuring and sale of the assets.

Freeths LLP

The firm’s national head of restructuring and insolvency Joey Byrne, who is noted as a ‘leader in the field’, heads Freeths LLP‘s practice, which is formed of numerous solicitors who are dual-qualified insolvency practitioners. It has a strong reputation for its work for its extensive portfolio of clients in both contentious and non-contentious contexts. Expert in non-contentious work Kevin Pinkerton, who leads on many of the team’s most prominent matters, is recognised for his ability to form ‘outstanding client relationships’, whilst associate Miles Hacking, who ably handles high-value court applications and administration proceedings, is noted as ‘excellent’.

Practice head(s):

Joey Byrne


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Pinkerton; Miles Hacking; Matthew Kelly; Chris Ali


Testimonials

‘A growing team that has managed to retain all of its talent in a competitive market over the last decade. Every individual is a specialist in insolvency with their own further specialised skillset within the field.’

‘Joey Byrne has seen and done everything. He still has hands-on involvement in an active caseload that benefits from his in-depth knowledge. His judgment calls are second-to-none. Matthew Kelly is unflappable. He has excellent attention-to-detail and does not lose a winnable case. Miles Hacking is excellent at client management and is able to deal with urgent matters very well.’

‘The team has a varied approach but is always pragmatic, practical and commercial. They work alongside clients, providing sensible answers to complex scenarios.’

‘Kevin Pinkerton and Miles Hacking make a very good team. They work well together and provide a great service.’

‘The Freeths team has a number of dual-qualified solicitors and insolvency practitioners. It has specialists dealing with contentious and non-contentious work and has a very strong reputation for both.’

‘Kevin Pinkerton is a dual-qualified solicitor and insolvency practitioner who has outstanding client relationships. Kevin is intelligent, commercial and easy to deal with. Joey Byrne is a well-respected litigator with a reputation for his no-nonsense approach; he is a recognised a leader in the field.’

‘The team is large enough to deal with good-sized cases, but small enough to really offer the personal touch. There is a great deal of experience in dealing with contentious claims in corporate and personal insolvency, particularly arising out of tax schemes.’

‘Joey Byrne is a very experienced partner with a very good commercial sense for how to resolve cases. Chris Ali has acquired particular experience in relation to complex IVAs.’

Key clients

Adcroft Hilton Limited


Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners Ltd


Antony Batty LLP


Arkle Insolvency


Armstong Watson


Asertis Litigation Funding


Auker Rhodes


Bailey Ahmad


Ballard Business Recovery


Barringtons Corporate Recovery


Beesley Group


Begbies Traynor Group PLC


Bespoke Insolvency Solutions


BHP Corporate Solutions


Brailey Hicks


Bridgestones


Buchler Phillips Group LLP


Business Liquidation Ltd


Carter Clark


CFS LLP


Clarke Bell Ltd


CMD Partners UK Limited


Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP


Crawford Accountants LLP


Cromwell Insolvency


Currie Young Group


Debt Movement Ltd


DMC Recovery


Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery LLP


Durkan Cahill


Evelyn Partners


Expedium Ltd


Focus Insolvency Group


Fortis Insolvency Limited


FRP Advisory Group


FS Capital Limited


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Greenfield Recovery Limited


Griffins Insolvency Practitioners LLP


Henderson & Jones Ltd


Ideal Corporate Solutions


Interpath Ltd


Johnson Geddes Ltd


Kay Johnson Gee Corporate Recovery Limited


KBL Advisory Ltd


Keystone Recovery Ltd


Kroll


KW Recovery Ltd


Leading Business Services Ltd


Leonard Curtis Group


Lewis BRI


Lucas Ross Limited


Mackenzie Golderg Johnson


Manolete Partners PLC


Marshall Peters Limited


Mazars LLP


McTear Williams Wood


Menzies LLP


Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions Limited


Michael Chamberlain & Co


Milner Boardman & Partners


MB Insolvency


Moore Kingston Smith LLP


Opus Restructuring


Oliver Elliot


Oury Clark


Path Business Recovery


PWC


Quantuma


Resolve Advisory Ltd


Restart Business Turnaround & Insolvency


RG Insolvency


Rimes & Co


Robson Scott Associates


Royce Peeling Green Limited


RSM


SC Finance Limited


Seneca Insolvency Practitioners


Simply Corporate


SFP Restructuring Limited


Turpin Barker Armstrong


Umbrella Accountants LLP


West Gate Restructuring Ltd


Wilson Field Group


TH Financial Recovery Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted for Lucas Ross (as liquidators) and Asertis in relation to claims against over 30 individuals seeking recovery of circa £8.5m as unpaid share capital or by way of subrogation.
  • Acted for Mazars as administrators in relation to a sale of the business and assets of Grono Lawns Ltd – a Northwest based landscaping supplier.
  • Acted for Cowgills Business Recovery as administrators in dealing with their appointment and a sale of the business and assets of this business which operates as a forum for consumers who wish to sell clothes and other items online.

Gateley Legal

‘Standout partner’ Andrew Buchanan, who has expertise handling complex restructuring assignments as well as advising key bodies on directors’ duties and trading issues, is at the helm of Gateley Legal‘s ‘exceptionally skilled’ offering. The team frequently advises its notable portfolio of clients on high-value matters, many of which are multi-jurisdictional in nature, such as its management of the interests of secured creditors’ in connection with the failure of the Domus Group. It advises across the range of industry sectors, including energy, construction and healthcare. Stuart Tait has particular experience realising and maximising values for clients in distressed situations. Legal director Aneesh Prasad is considered ‘outstanding’.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Buchanan


Other key lawyers:

Gavin Clarke; Stuart Tait; Aneesh Prasad


Testimonials

‘Andrew Buchanan leads an exceptionally skilled team which has lots of experience, provides sensible solutions to issues and an aggressive stance when necessary.’  

‘Aneesh Prasad, Andrew Buchanan and Gavin Clarke combine to make an excellent team at different levels. They are particularly strong in construction and property aspects.’

‘The team is commercial and proactive.’

‘A value for money service.’   

‘There is a great diversity of expertise throughout the team, and a good and relevant industry knowledge. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help us reach our objectives and spend time with us to help us understand the intricacies of a case. I would recommended them, especially Andrew Buchanan, who has been excellent.’

‘The standout partner is Andrew Buchanan – he is contactable, has extensive, in-depth legal experience and is happy to impart this to help his clients achieve our objectives. He is diplomatic and very good in sensitive cases also.’   

‘Aneesh Prasad is excellent. His professionalism, expertise and advice is outstanding.’ 

‘We can speak to the team when we need to. They have the breadth of experience and expertise for dealing with any recovery issue. Advice is practical and understandable. They are a great firm to deal with.’

Key clients

Azets


Interpath


Teneo


SIG Plc


Euler


HSBC


Timpson Group


Domus


BDO


Tokio Marine


Mazars


Beechbrook Capital


QBE


Liberty


Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s practice, which has strong capabilities in handling complex restructuring, distress, corporate recovery and insolvency-related matters across a variety of sectors, has ‘standout’ James Cameron at its helm, who is renowned for his expertise in pension restructuring work in particular, such as his advising the Trustees of the Findel Group Pension Fund when its sponsor Studio Retail Group plc entered financial distress. The team specialises in key sectors, being education; charities; and energy, which associate Samantha Poulton has a developing focus on. Senior associate Samantha Latham frequently advises on high-stakes corporate restructurings, namely for well-known banking clients.

Practice head(s):

James Cameron


Other key lawyers:

Samantha Latham; Samantha Poulton


Testimonials

‘The team has a very practical commercial approach alongside an excellent grasp of the law and a seamless ability to work collaboratively with other teams.’

‘James Cameron is standout. An exceptional lawyer with oodles of sound commercial judgment. He does not miss a beat; he is calm and very intelligent, gets to the heart of a legal issue with ease and applies clear strategic input. A pleasure to work with, especially on complex knotty matters.’

‘Individuals who make difficult processes easier and faster in spite of obstacles. They work in an incredibly collaborative way, ensuring that all tasks are completed to the highest standard, on time. It felt like we were all working as one team, which was critical to the eventual successful outcome.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory


Teneo


Interpath Advisory


Grant Thornton


Kroll


Hilco Capital


PwC


EY-Parthenon


RSM


BDO


Work highlights


  • Advised Teneo on the administration of Piccolino and Restaurant Bar & Grill.
  • Advised an incumbent lender on the administration of Missguided, having previously advised on a partial refinance to Alteri.
  • Advised Interpath Advisory on the administration and Liquidation of Gas and Power Limited t/a Hub Energy following SoLR process.

Shoosmiths LLP

The ‘truly diverse’ team at Shoosmiths LLP has the ‘incredibly helpful’ Sarah Teal at its helm, who notably ‘champions the role of women, especially in the workplace’. It is well-equipped to act and advise on high-profile administrations, particularly in the retail sector, such as that of the four Joules entities which were sold to Next, a matter with a value of £40m; senior associate Hollie Wrigley was a key advisor on this. Bethan Moore, noted as ‘technically strong’, has significant experience advising clients, being large clearing banks, alternative lenders and distressed companies, on non-contentious restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Teal


Other key lawyers:

Noelle Petty; Bethan Moore; Hollie Wrigley


Testimonials

‘The team bring a commercial approach to every situation. They are adaptable, responsive and price their work sensibly. Sarah Teal and the team always find the answer and nothing is a problem.’

‘The team has particularly good knowledge of the retail sector, having had a high level of exposure to a number of high-profile insolvency matters in the sector over recent years.’

‘The team is very accessible, particularly principal associate Noelle Petty. Advice is prompt and clear, but the team is equally happy to discuss and tailor their advice in a collaborative manner.’

‘Sarah Teal is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.’

‘Sarah Teal’s input is consistently valued by our board of directors throughout tricky period sand her support and guidance is priceless. She is always clear and timely in her advice – nothing is ever too much. Rarely have I worked with an individual who I would so wholeheartedly recommend.’

‘Sarah Teal and Bethan Moore are very commercial, fast to respond and technically strong. Great way with clients.’

‘A truly diverse team that are a pleasure to work with. It has a great market reputation and is led incredibly well by Sarah Teal. They deliver a quality service offering and I especially value how responsive they are to urgent matters.’

‘Sarah Teal is a credit to the profession and is to be admired for how she champions the role of women especially in the workplace.’

Key clients

Interpath Limited


Kroll Advisory Ltd


RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP


Joules Limited, Joules Development Limited, Joules PL & The Garden Trading Company Limited


Moss Bros Group Limited


Bibby Financial Services Ltd


Santander UK plc


Close Invoice Finance Limited & Close Brothers Limited


Shawbrook Bank Limited


JLG Group Plc and Just Cash Flow Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised the national retailer, Joules group on a potential CVA, and thereafter, the administrators of the Joules group on a £40m disposal of the business and assets of Joules Limited to Next.
  • Advised national menswear retailer, Moss Bros Group Limited on the launch of its CVA and on the successful resolution of the subsequent challenge to the CVA brought by the company’s landlords.
  • Advised Kroll as the joint administrators of the ABL backed Ham Baker Group of Companies, a long-established Midlands manufacturing business, including advising on a pre-packaged sale of the business.

TLT

The ‘high-calibre’ offering at TLT, which is on the restructuring panel for all UK clearing banks, is led by ‘top-notch lawyer’ and corporate restructuring specialist Alastair Lomax. The team is well-equipped to advise on all stages of issue, an example being its work on all aspects, from pre-package sale to post-sale lease transfers, of the well-known retail company Go Outdoors to JD. Its workload frequently involves matters in the multi-millions in value, for both professional services and public sector clients. Claire Graham was, in 2022, notably appointed as chairperson of the board of the new North West Fraud Forum.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Lomax


Other key lawyers:

Claire Graham; Jon Hainey; Alastair Nokes; Lynsey Robinson


Testimonials

‘A high-calibre team with a great reputation in the market.’

‘The team is true quality with special mention to Alastair Lomax who is a top-notch lawyer and even better human being.’

Key clients

Boohoo


JD Sports Fashion plc


Quantuma


Insolvency Service/Official Receiver


Windfall Logistics


NatWest


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Interpath Ltd


BDO LLP


FRP Advisory LLP


Innova Capital


Grant Thornton LLP


Nationwide Building Society


Cumberland Building Society


Begbies Traynor


Work highlights


  • Completed the administration of retailer Go Outdoors having advised on the pre-packaged sale of the business to a purchaser backed by JD Sports.
  • Acted on an application by the Official Receiver re the destruction of records held in relation to SSI in the special manager appointment over Redcar Steel Works (SSI).
  • Acted for the Insolvency Service on the winding up in the public interest of Vanguard Insolvency Practitioners.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The ‘high-quality’ practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is well-equipped to advise its broad range of clients on an array of matters, from distressed acquisitions and trading issues therein, to matters involving the validity of debts and securities. The team’s workload is consistently high-value, a notable example being its advising the Administrators on the £80m administration of seven companies within the Urban Splash Group. Sarah Duignan was promoted to partner in May 2022, and she co-leads the team alongside David Gray, who continues to focus also on the building of the firm’s Yorkshire practice.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Duignan; David Gray


Other key lawyers:

Max Morrison


Testimonials

‘A high-quality team with a fantastic and respected market brand. A full-service offering delivered with consistent quality.’

‘Affable yet professional individual team members from partner through to associate grades.’

Key clients

Interpath Limited


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Ernst & Young


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Begbies Traynor


Quantuma


Alvarez & Marsal


Hill Dickinson LLP

The cohort at Hill Dickinson LLP is led by Paul Spence, who has noteworthy expertise handling high-value distressed real estate matters. The team ably handles high-value work for such well-known clients as Alvarez & Marsal and Leonard Curtis, on work ranging from the disposal of significant assets, to pre-pack sales. Will Jones is an experienced team member who regularly advises on high-profile administrations. The team was bolstered in May 2022 with the arrival from Kennedys of legal director Laura Smith, who now heads up the personal insolvency-related side of the practice. Senior associate Peter Speight departed to Addleshaw Goddard in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Paul Spence


Other key lawyers:

Will Jones; Laura Smith; Oliver Moore


Testimonials

Strong very experienced teams who take a commercial approach.

Key clients

FRP


Leonard Curtis


Grant Thornton


Begbies Traynor


Kroll


Alvarez & Marsal


Mazars LLP


Opus


Interpath


Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery


Campbell Crossley & Davis


KBL Advisory


Marshall Peters


Currie Young


Macintyre Hudson


PKF Geoffrey Martin


Voscap


Work highlights


  • Advising Mazars on the disposal of the Natex student development in Liverpool following a contested Court application.
  • Advising PKF Geoffrey Martin on the disposal of the assets of Finablr Plc, a listed company with global operations in the financial services sector.
  • Advising Alvarez & Marsal on the pre-pack sale of the business and assets of Special Needs Group Limited which won Corporate Rescue of the Year at the TRI Awards in November 2022.

JMW Solicitors LLP

The ‘experienced and diligent’ team at JMW Solicitors LLP has Gavin Jones at its helm, who is marked as having ‘a depth of experience unrivalled by many in Manchester’. It has broad focus on acting on matters in the accountancy and real estate sectors; ‘tenacious advisor’ James Williams has capabilities acting for lenders and practitioners on matters in the property sector in particular. The team has further strengthened its contentious capabilities with the joining of Simon Gerrard, experienced insolvency litigation partner and former team lead at Prosperity Law LLP, in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Jones


Other key lawyers:

Julie Agnew; James Williams; Simon Gerrard; Sam Baines


Testimonials

‘An experienced and diligent team which offers a pragmatic approach with creative solutions. They offer direct and concise advice and deliver value for money.’

‘James Williams is a tenacious advisor who helps drive real progress in often challenging circumstances, offering timely and well-reasoned advice.’

‘Nothing is a problem because they always find a solution. They provide clear advice, are nice to work with and always professional.’

‘Very quick to respond, whilst being diligent and thorough.’

‘Julie Agnew responds and reacts quickly, has excellent industry knowledge, gives reliable advice and help and is easy to work with!’

‘The individual lawyers at JMW who I work with are highly-experienced and skilled. I value the practical and commercial advice they give and the quality of service, particularly James Williams, Gavin Jones and Sam Baines.’

‘The Manchester headquarters has a growing team and burgeoning reputation. Their depth of knowledge and experience gives them the ability to challenge the ‘established order’ of the larger firms present in the city and they are winning key work by demonstrating strong client service and value for money.’

‘Gavin Jones is highly-regarded in the region for good reason; he has worked on a number of high-profile insolvencies and has a depth of experience unrivalled by many in Manchester.’

Key clients

Castle Trust Capital PLC


Tosca Debt Capital


Begbies Traynor


Alvarez & Marsal


Quantuma LLP


Moorfields Advisory LLP


Geoffrey Martin PKF


FRP Advisory LLP


Avison Young


Interpath Advisory


EY Parthenon (Ernst and Young LLP)


Assetz Capital Trust Company Limited


HJS Recovery (UK)


Manolete Partners PLC


Azets


Hampshire Trust Bank PLC


Aaron & Partners LLP

‘Great strategist’ Mark Davies is the leader of Aaron & Partners LLP‘s Chester-based team. It ably advises its portfolio of clients on the full range of matters arising from administration proceedings, predominantly the sale and purchase of assets. Additionally, the team has capabilities acting on bankruptcy matters of considerable value. Contentious specialist Chris Mitchell, described as having supreme technical expertise and fantastic market knowledge’, is a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Mark Davies


Other key lawyers:

Chris Mitchell; Jan Chillery; Vicky Burgess


Testimonials

‘Strong expertise evident throughout the team.’

‘This team is unique in Chester for the strength and quality of its insolvency and corporate recovery practice.’

‘Chris Mitchell has supreme technical expertise and fantastic market knowledge. He is solution-driven and has a great rapport with clients. Vicky Burgess is a very competent senior associate.’

‘Mark Davies is a great strategist. He is always able to contribute on a practical basis.’

‘I consider Chris Mitchell to be a very strong solicitor with an excellent grasp of insolvency law, particularly in the corporate sector. He is clearly very well-read and abreast of case law developments. He balances risk and commerciality and offers well-rounded advice. Mark Davies is a highly experienced solicitor, well-versed in insolvency.’

‘Chris Mitchell’s advice to be both technically excellent, and useful to IP’s who are obliged to balance practical commercial approaches versus the risks (real and perceived). I consider him the strongest solicitor in his field in this regard. Mark Davies has also positioned the department to balance quality advice with commercial costings.’

‘Excellent knowledge and skills of subject area. Innovative resolutions.’

‘Mark Davies has excellent, in-depth knowledge regarding insolvency and provides clear options and advice on resolving cases quickly.’

Key clients

Alvarez & Marsal


SPK Financial Solutions


RSM UK


Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery


Evelyn Partners


Opus Restructuring LLP


Menzies LLP


Bermans

The team at Bermans is headed by Phil Farrelly who has a strong reputation for his work on the remit of complex contentious and non-contentious work. Martin March is a name to note for his experience in corporate recovery and restructuring, and his recent involvements include advising on numerous failed investment fund property schemes. Senior associate James Whittaker is noted as a ‘standout individual’.

Practice head(s):

Phil Farrelly


Other key lawyers:

Martin March; James Whittaker


Testimonials

‘An excellent firm for mid-range insolvency work with suitable specialists at all levels.’

‘James Whittaker is a standout individual. He has in-depth legal knowledge and excellent judgment.’

‘A good north west-based independent law firm we use for insolvency litigation.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory LLP


IGF Invoice Finance


Bibby Financial Services


RSM


Begbies Traynor


Manolete Partners PLC


Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP‘s ‘well-established’ north west team has a strong reputation for its ability to advise on all aspects of administrations of significant value for its plethora of clients who span industry sectors including construction, financial services and energy. Experienced insolvency specialist Robert Turner leads the team and works from the Manchester office. Liverpool-based Jennifer Lockhart is also a name to note for her contentious capabilities.

Practice head(s):

Robert Turner


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Lockhart; Nicola Whittle; Graeme McParland; Reece Jones


Testimonials

‘A good quality, regional north west firm with a well-established insolvency team.’

‘Partners Robert Turner and associate Reece Jones are both notable in the Manchester office; Liverpool-based partners Jennifer Lockhart and Graeme McParland are also, as is Preston-based partner Nicola Whittle.’

Key clients

RSM Restructuring


Dow Schofield Watts


Begbies Traynor Group


CG&Co


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Cowgills


Interpath Advisory


Leonard Curtis


Mazars


Manolete Partners PLC


Quantuma


Opus Business Advisory Group


Finn Associates


BM Advisory


Kroll Advisory


SKSi


Work highlights


  • Acting for Administrators of a group of companies in relation to multi-million pound claims against the directors of the Company and other connected companies involving multiple and complex claims.
  • Advising Administrators appointed over a large furniture business and dealing with the sale of the business as a going concern.
  • Providing trading advice to the directors of a large manufacturing business.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s contentious-focused restructuring and insolvency practice is led by Chris Keane who is noted as a ‘client-focused problem solver’. Its workload predominantly consists advising on the complex and often cross-jurisdictional issues involved in both personal and corporate insolvencies, a key example being its acting for liquidators of a company involved in large-scale CIS fraud in the value of £11.7m. Rachael Bentley has left for Leonard Curtis Legal.

Practice head(s):

Chris Keane


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Martin; Keir Merrick


Testimonials

‘Chris Keane is a client-focused problem solver.’

Key clients

Grant Thornton UK LLP


Begbies Traynor Group


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Kroll Advisory Limited


Moorfields Advisory Limited


Path Business Recovery Limited


Cowgills


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group


Graywoods Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for liquidators, provisional liquidators and administrators of a group of entities involved in a connected, large-scale labour supply fraud; a matter led by HMRC.
  • Acting for liquidators of an entity involved in large scale CIS fraud, led by HMRC, involving pursuing claims against the entity’s sole director and its former accountant for values over £11m.

Harrison Drury & Co

Harrison Drury & Co‘s Preston-based team is headed by James Robbins who is described as one of the best insolvency lawyers in the north west’. It advises its growing client list across a range of industry sectors on matters including acquisitions of liquidated companies; advising in the administration and sale of businesses and their assets; and related disputes therein.

Practice head(s):

James Robbins


Other key lawyers:

Peter Barlow


Testimonials

‘James Robbins has a unique mix of specialisms in insolvency and dispute resolution. James is approachable, knowledgeable and very competent; he made himself available at short notice and helped us to reach an apt solution. I would not hesitate to recommend James.’

‘A small but helpful team who are always willing to assist.’

‘James Robbins is one of the best insolvency lawyers in the north west. Always willing to assist.’

‘James Robbins is an excellent operator. He takes time to understand the needs of the case, working parameters and desired outcomes. A response is then clearly tailored to these specific circumstances and he provides clear advice and commentary on the prospects of success.’

‘James Robbins is a reliable lawyer.’

‘Such a wealth of knowledge both of legalities and real world processes.’

‘Always friendly, happy to explain things and to ensure the client understands what’s happening next before proceeding.’

Key clients

RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


Begbies Traynor


Marshall Peters


Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited


FRP Advisory


Opus Business Advisory Group


Credit Limits International


Simply Corporate


Work highlights


  • Advising Opus Business Advisory as the administrator of three companies on the sale of the businesses and assets to companies operated by a celebrity clothing designer.
  • Instructed by a local authority to provide specialist advice to assist with a dispute between one of their key service providers.
  • Acting on behalf of a leading property management firm on the acquisition of a business park from a company liquidated in the Isle of Man.

Mills & Reeve LLP

The litigation-focused insolvency practice at Mills & Reeve LLP is led by London-based national insolvency head Neil Smyth, who is experienced in both advising companies in administration and preventing them from it. It advises such key clients as the Insolvency Service and the national Official Receiver from the Manchester office, where the key names to note in the team are Richard Dawson-Gerrard who manages these relationships, and disputes and insolvency-focused ‘standout’ senior associate Jacob Walker. Additionally, Mark Hovell is notable for his niche specialism in sports-related insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Neil Smyth


Other key lawyers:

Richard Dawson-Gerrard; Mark Hovell; Jacob Walker


Testimonials

‘A strong base of associates with great leadership from partners.’

‘Jacob Walker is a standout associate. He works hard, takes ownership and brings ideas to the table.’

‘When working with Mills & Reeve I am always confident I will receive sound advice from available lawyers. Someone is always available and happy to assist.’

Jacob Walker s highly skilled in reviewing instructions issued and providing clear, concise, thoroughly considered advice. He deals effectively and expeditiously with complex and contentious insolvency matters. We are always confident that all bases are covered and our position protected in a timely manner when working with Jacob.’   

Jacob Walker is thorough and well-prepared in his approach.’

Key clients

The Insolvency Service


Official Receiver Services


Begbies Traynor


Manolete Partners PLC (litigation funder)


Cage Litigation (bespoke purchaser of insolvency claims)


Mazars


Menzies


BDO, Manchester


FRP


Professional Footballers’ Association


Napthens LLP

The ‘highly capable and responsive’ practice at Napthens LLP is led from the firm’s Preston office by ‘brilliant technical lawyer’ Grahame Love. The ‘excellent’ Laura Hartley-Williams is an associate to watch in the team with a developing specialism in the array of business recovery work. The team does significant recovery work for its clients, namely insolvency practitioners and commercial bodies. Legal director Stuart Beatson notably bolstered the strength of the team in August 2022 with his arrival from Taylors LLP.

Practice head(s):

Grahame Love


Other key lawyers:

Laura Hartley-Williams; Stuart Beatson


Testimonials

‘A very knowledgeable and responsive team with good commercial acumen.’

‘Grahame Love is a genuinely good guy; he’s responsive, sensible and commercial.’

‘The team is highly capable and responsive. They are well-connected and friendly. They make good use of technology and are always available. They really go the extra mile in terms of their willingness to assist.’

Key clients

Armstrong Watson LLP


Begbies Traynor


Business Helpline


Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP


Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery LLP


FRP Advisory


Kay Johnson Gee


KBL Advisory Limited


Mackenzie Goldberg Johnson


Manolete Partners Plc


Opus Business Advisory Group


Quantuma


Reward Finance


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


TH Corporate Recovery


Work highlights


  • Advised Quantuma Advisory Limited as Administrators of SPA EPOS Solutions Limited and two associated companies in effecting appointments over all three companies and the sale of the business and assets split across those three companies to one purchaser.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s cross-departmental and ‘technically gifted’ offering is well-equipped to handle contentious, advisory and transactional work for its portfolio of clients. Specialist in commercial litigation Dan Butler established and leads the team from Manchester, and has a contentious focus, having advised on high-profile work such work, as well as notable expertise in asset recovery. There is a strong capability within the team to handle the advisory; turnaround specialist senior associate Seb Lang is adept in this area.

Practice head(s):

Dan Butler


Other key lawyers:

Seb Lang; Simon Banks; Adam Berman


Testimonials

‘A very commercially sound and technically gifted team who provides excellent service.’

‘Daniel Butler is technically and commercially excellent with a great client care manner.’

Key clients

Begbies Traynor (Central)


Quantuma Advisory


RSM Restructuring


Kroll


Mazars


Beever & Struthers


Kay Johnson Gee


Asertis


Kallis & Co


Edge Recovery


FRP Advisory


Menzies


Work highlights


  • Acted for Beever & Struthers as administrators of a trust in £4.2m litigation against a Regional Park Authority.
  • Acted for Kay Johnson Gee as liquidators and administrators of a number of property development companies, pursuing asset tracing claims valued at approximately £10m.
  • Advising Begbies Traynor in respect of the pre-packaged administration and sale of a high profile vegan chocolatier business – the directors of the company having received investment via Dragon’s Den.

DTM Legal LLP

Dual-qualified solicitor and insolvency practitioner Richard Thomas, who works across the firm’s Liverpool and Chester offices, leads DTM Legal LLP‘s practice. It is well-equipped to handle high-stakes contentious work as well as advisory, noted as ‘able to handle a wide-range of insolvency disputes’. Kate Roberts has particular expertise in this area and a strong ability in this context to handle business recoveries and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Richard Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Kate Roberts; Richard Harris; Anna Salisbury


Testimonials

‘The team is able to handle a wide-range of insolvency disputes and is very responsive.’

Kate Roberts is outstanding. She has excellent knowledge of her fields of expertise and is razor sharp. She is extremely thorough in her pursuit of a good outcome for her clients.’

‘A multi-disciplined firm who introduce suitable colleagues when a matter covers a number of legal disciplines. Experienced, collaborative and easy to engage with.’

Key clients

Typhoo Tea Limited


Parkin S Booth


Funding Circle


Philmore & Co


Opus Business Recovery


CVR Global (now Begbies Traynor)


Edge Recovery


Grant Thornton


Kreston Reeves


Kay Johnson Gee


Begbies Traynor


Handelsbanken Plc


CCI Credit Management Limited


NTF Financial Solutions


Leonard Curtis


Azzurro Associates Limited


Mercia Asset Management Plc


SPK Financial Solutions


Work highlights


  • Instructed by the Liquidators on a preference claim of circa £100,000 which is awaiting listing for hearing.
  • Instructed by the administrators to recover assets and funds that have been diverted to a newco incorporated by a purported shadow director of the company in Administration.
  • Advising Funding Circle on a significant number of matters with high values and complexities.

Farleys Solicitors LLP

The corporate recovery offering at Farleys Solicitors LLP is led by the ‘extremely motivated’ Mark Hague from the firm’s Preston office. The ‘strong team’ has a varied workload which includes advising administrators in the disposal of property of significant values. ‘Excellent’ Ella Holden is a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hague


Other key lawyers:

Ella Holden; Olivia Cooper


Testimonials

‘Mark Hague and Ella Holden are excellent in what they do. They are always there to give help and advice at all times. They always get great results and assist in so many ways.’

‘Mark Hague is exceptionally commercial and very good at client management. He has an unfailing energy to pursue or defend a case for his very good client base and is well-supported by his team to service the work he is generating.’

‘A strong team led by Mark Hague. It’s good value and my go-to firm. A technically excellent and a formidable team even in the most difficult of cases.’

‘Mark Hague stands out as a well-known partner across the UK and in London despite his regional location – he is really punching above the regional weight and is a good choice for serious disputes.’

‘The Farleys insolvency team continue to grow in both size and reputation. They have experience in the most complex of scenarios. Mark Hague is particularly successful at pursuing director misconduct.’

‘Mark Hague is extremely motivated and efficient solicitor. He is invested in client’s needs and claims and is driven to recover monies for the benefit of insolvent estates.’

‘Ella Holden has proved beyond measure her knowledge and expertise in her field.’

‘Ella Holden is a star in the making. She is a robust litigator, holding her own against those many more years her senior.’

Key clients

Menzies LLP


Mazars LLP


Begbies Traynor


Cowgill Holloway


Royce Peeling Green


Moore Kingston Smith


Manolete Partners PLC


McIntyre Hudson


Leonard Curtis


Kennway Francis


FRP Advisory LLP


JT Maxwell


T H Financial Recovery


Work highlights


  • Acting for the administrators of Sky Apartments 2018 Limited in the disposal of property worth £2.15m following the making of a Paragraph 71 Order and subsequent applications to Court.
  • Acting for the administrators of The Great George Street Project Limited in the disposal of a failed property development scheme in Liverpool.
  • Acting for an applicant insolvency practitioner in the largest Block Transfer Order ever obtained in England and Wales, which was obtained transferred 15,893 live insolvency cases.

Pannone Corporate LLP

Daniel Clarke, noted as ‘excellent technically and commercially’, is the corporate specialist team lead at Pannone Corporate LLP. The team assists its company clients on factors surrounding insolvency and in managing the relevant processes involved in liquidations and administrations involving significant sums. Richard Wolff departed to Myerson Solicitors LLP in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Clarke


Testimonials

‘Daniel Clarke is reliable, easy to get hold of and I trust his advice. He finds workable solutions and is robust but fair.’

‘The corporate and insolvency team have so much knowledge and expertise and are able to call on other colleagues in numerous departments for further expert opinion if necessary.’

‘Daniel Clarke provides precise and full advice alongside a clear breakdown of costs prior to commencing any work; he deals with matters in a confidential and professional manner, matters which often involve people suffering emotionally difficult situations.’

‘A very commercially sound and technically gifted team who provide an excellent service.’

‘Daniel Clarke is excellent technically and commercially, and fun to work with.’

‘Strong technically, very commercial, results-orientated and well-respected in the market.’

‘Daniel Clarke is a good communicator and always willing to take a commercial view.’

Key clients

MacIntyre Hudson


Asertis Ltd


Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP


BDO LLP


Kroll


Dow Schofield Watts


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Moore Kingston Smith


Horsfields


Quantuma


Maven Capital Partners UK LLP


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


Mazars


Manchester City Council


Focus Insolvency


Total Fitness


Primas

Primas‘unique’ practice was bolstered in March 2022 with the joining of ‘efficient and effective’ specialist consultant Dylan Quail from a private insolvency company , in addition to the May 2022 arrival of ‘responsive’ debt recovery and insolvency solicitor Alexia Savar from Bailoran Solicitors. ‘Experienced contentious insolvency partner’ Christopher Love leads the team from Manchester, which is active in advising companies in administration of the sale of their business and assets and related issues.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Love


Other key lawyers:

Dylan Quail; Alexia Savar; Usama Sheikh


Testimonials

‘The team at Primas are responsive and commercial in their dealings with us. They respond quickly to queries and help us to find workable solutions to the challenges identified.’

‘Christopher Love is always on-hand to talk through the potential risks of different courses of action and to assist in litigation which has resulted in some good outcomes for the creditors. Dylan Quail also assists us efficiently and effectively with transactions.’

‘Excellent technical legal ability blended with good overview on strategy in getting disputes to a resolution.’

Key clients

Asertis Ltd


Azets


Begbies Traynor


Bennett Verby


Bespoke Insolvency


Cowgills


DebtOn Limited


DMC Recovery


Dow Schofield Watts


FTS Recovery


Harrisons Business Recovery


Henderson & Jones Limited


Horsfields


Ideal Corporate Solutions


Jones Lowndes Dwyer


Lucas Ross


Manolete Plc


Menzies LLP


NTF Corporate Solutions


Path Business Recovery


Work highlights


  • Acted for Quantuma as administrators of Monva Limited, an online price comparison business, in the sale of business and assets to British Telecom.
  • Acted for Davrom Holdings Limited in the acquisition of the business and assets of All Retail Limited (in administration) from its Administrators Campbell Crossley & Davis.
  • Acted for Mectec Engineering (NW) LTD in the purchase of business and assets of Mectec Engineering Ltd from its administrators Dow Schofield Watts.