Head of Ward Hadaway LLP’s insolvency team Jane Garvin advises directors of financially distressed private and public companies, shareholders, creditors, landlords, debtors and public sector bodies as well as administrators on insolvency procedures, insolvent business sales and high value asset recovery claims. Steven Petrie, leads the commercial dispute resolution department, frequently advising creditors on recovery strategies and defends individuals and companies facing insolvency. Petrie also assists trustees with bankruptcy matters. Claire Robertson, who was promoted to associate in 2023, is a key contact for clients seeking advice on property sales that form part of insolvency procedures. The team, based in Newcastle, frequently works with practitioners in Leeds and Manchester, and often uses its expertise in the debt collection and creditor services spaces to advise clients on both disputes and transactional matters.
Insolvency and corporate recovery in North
Ward Hadaway LLP
Practice head(s):
Steven Petrie; Jane Garvin
Other key lawyers:
Claire Robertson
Key clients
FRP
Begbies Traynor
Mazars
Manolete
Work highlights
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP frequently advises administrators of regional and national companies on ownership and sale of assets and businesses. The firm also handles contentious matters involving personal bankruptcies involving directors who have breached their duties. Julian Gill leads the non-contentious restructuring and insolvency practice, advising insolvency practitioners, banks, asset-based lenders and companies as well as charities, while Sally Dallow is a key advisor to clients regarding public interest winding up of companies and the disqualification of directors who have misused their positions. Peter Maxwell leads the asset recovery team, acting for liquidators in investigations and litigations to secure recoveries for creditors in cases involving misfeasance, fraud and misconduct.
Practice head(s):
Julian Gill; Sally Dallow; Peter Maxwell
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group
Santander
FRP Advisory Trading LLP
Begbies Traynor
Interpath Advisory
PwC
RSM UK Group LLP
Grant Thornton (UK) LLP
Leonard Curtis
The Insolvency Service
Mazars
Manolete Partners plc
BDO
Azets
Work highlights
- Acting for the Administrators of Together Energy Limited (“TEL”) and Together Energy (Retail) Limited (“TERL”) as the contracting parties for the wholesale gas and electricity supply to 175,000 customers.
- Acted for the Administrators of Fullwell Mill Limited, a producer of sports and nutrition foods, on the pre-pack sale of the business and assets.
- Acted for the Administrators of Wack Wholesale (Building Supplies) Ltd, a wholesaler in the construction industry sector, to enable the sale of the business as a going concern to an unconnected party and safeguarding employees’ jobs and livelihoods.
Clarke Mairs LLP
Clarke Mairs LLP’s insolvency and corporate recovery team, led by Paul Rushworth and supported by recent promotion to partner level, Louise Ager, is routinely sought out by insolvency practitioners for advice on a range of matters, including pre-insolvency advice, administrations, liquidations, and winding up orders. The pair frequently work on matters that have a cross border element, such as locating undeclared assets, and selling them. Claims concerning breach of directors duties are also routine mandates for the firm.
Practice head(s):
Paul Rushworth
Other key lawyers:
Louise Ager
Testimonials
‘Clarke Mairs is far superior in all aspects compared to others that I have dealt with in the commercial litigation, corporate restructuring and insolvency market.’
‘The partners have all particularly impressed me and I have also been impressed by all other members and employees of the firm. They are excellent in all fields in which I call upon them, in particular with corporate insolvency matters.’
‘Clarke Mairs LLP has a unique focus on several particular areas of law, such as commercial property and corporate. I believe they have a standout practice in insolvency and insolvency litigation.’
Key clients
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Begbies Traynor
KSA Group
Manolete Partners Plc
Northpoint Associates
Freeman Rich Insolvency
PS Wallace Insolvency
Work highlights
Muckle LLP
The cross-disciplinary expertise of Muckle LLP’s banking and restructuring team enables the firm to handle a wide range of areas of restructuring and insolvency, such as financial preparedness, insolvency investigations and asset recovery. Head of the banking team Louise Duffy is a key contact for financial institutions, while the recent arrivals of practitioner Sarah Farish and Laura Keegan strengthens the firm’s expertise in litigious insolvency, including post-insolvency investigations, asset recoveries and directors’ duties. Georgia Sproat is a key name to note for clients. The team, based in Newcastle, routinely guides directors on insolvency risks when moving assets.
Practice head(s):
Louise Duffy
Other key lawyers:
Laura Keegan; Sarah Farish; Georgia Sproat
Testimonials
‘Muckle LLP’s insolvency team is made up of a group of experienced lawyers who specialise in advising clients on a range of insolvency and restructuring matters.’
‘The team has a strong reputation for providing practical and commercial advice to insolvency practitioners, creditors, debtors, directors, and other stakeholders in a variety of sectors, including construction, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.’
‘Muckle LLP’s insolvency team is known for taking a collaborative and pragmatic approach to their work, working closely with clients to understand their specific needs and goals.’
‘The insolvency team strives to find innovative and cost-effective solutions to help clients navigate the complexities of insolvency and restructuring situations. Additionally, the team works closely with other departments within the firm, such as banking and finance, dispute resolution, and corporate, to provide a comprehensive service to clients.’
Overall, Muckle LLP’s insolvency team is highly regarded in the legal industry for their technical expertise, commercial awareness, and client-focused approach.’
‘Laura Keegan and Sarah Farish are the key lawyers. I have worked with both previously and would recommend them to others.’
Key clients
Begbies Traynor
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Interpath Advisory
Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited
Manolete Partners PLC
RMT Accountants and Business Advisors
Work highlights
- Advised Begbies Traynor Group in respect of the post liquidation investigation and asset recovery work against directors of a recruitment company.
- Advised FRP Advisory Trading Ltd in the post-liquidation sale of intellectual property assets of a beverage company.
- Advised Leonard Curtis Business Recovery Group regarding the administration application and pre-pack sale of an online gaming company.