Insolvency and corporate recovery in South East
Boyes Turner
Boyes Turner's insolvency team offers a 'comprehensive' service, carrying out a range of work involving complex contentious and non-contentious insolvencies, often with cross-border elements. Clients include a wide range of insolvency practitioners based nationwide, from both large and smaller practices. Recent work highlights include acting for an insolvency practitioner in a £2m claim in the liquidation of a cash and carry. Phil Smith heads the team and boasts over 20 years' experience as an insolvency lawyer. Chris Branson, who specialises in contentious insolvencies, asset-tracing, fraud and bankruptcies, is another key name to note, as is the 'excellent' Ollie Fitzpatrick.
Practice head(s):
Phil Smith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great strength in depth, experience with practical no-nonsense advice.’
‘A unique team of lawyers who are flexible and able to cover much ground.’
‘The firm offers one of the region’s best staffed bespoke insolvency teams; providing a significant breadth of experience ‘
‘The Boyes Turner insolvency team offers the most comprehensive and experienced specialist insolvency team in the region. They are quick to react and balance their offer between the technical and practical implications of any given matter.’
‘Where bankruptcy is concerned, Chris Branson knows it all and has been there, seen it and done it – a fount of knowledge.’
‘Ollie Fitzpatrick is always on the ball, keeps litigation moving with an eye on the commercial outcome.’
‘Phil Smith is an excellent lawyer who has a wide knowledge of the area and whilst pragmatic and practical also has a steel to his opinions which gives confidence .’
‘Demonstrates a wide ranging technical knowledge and provides reassurance throughout the process of advising on any given issue.’
Key clients
Grant Thornton
BDO
Begbies Traynor
CVR Global
Quantuma
Cork Gully
Wilkins Kennedy
Smith & Williamson
Antony Batty & Company
Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency
Work highlights
- Acted for Grant Thornton in a £2m claim in the liquidation of MSD Cash & Carry Plc.
- Represented Cork Gully in the administration of Jamaica Tavern Limited, to successfully defend claims for breach of duty and removal from office.
- Acted for a client of Oyster Marine Limited after it went into administration, to secure delivery of the client’s £2m yacht.
- Acted for BDO LLP in the administration of Nordic Construction UK Limited, to bring claims for unlawful preference, misfeasance and avoidance of floating charges.
- Acted for Gore & Company in the bankruptcy of Dhabir Ahmed.
BDB Pitmans
The 'excellent' insolvency team at BDB Pitmans works on important and high value instructions across various industry sectors in relation to formal insolvencies, restructuring and advisory roles and recovery and asset tracing. Some of the team's specialist sectors include IT, telecoms, construction, retail, hospitality, healthcare and automotive and engineering. The team, based in Reading, is led by the Suzanne Brooker who is described by one client as 'absolutely first class'. 'Next Generation Lawyer' Stacey Jones is another key name to note, with one client describing her as 'absolutely charming but client's know that she will fight to the bitter end to advance their interests'.
Practice head(s):
Suzanne Brooker
Other key lawyers:
Stacey Jones; William Angus; Noel Ruddy; Dawn Shadwell
Testimonials
‘BDB Pitmans has an excellent insolvency and corporate recovery offering. In Reading, the firm does great work, which is worthy of much bigger, London-based firms.’
‘What makes them a fantastic firm is the advice, and the fact that I can rely on it implicitly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, creative and value for money. Nice people too’
‘They have a strong reputation in all aspects of corporate and commercial work.’
‘The safest pairs of hands’
‘Stacey Jones is an absolute star. Clients love her. She is absolutely charming but clients know that she will fight to the bitter end to advance their interests.’
‘Suzanne Brooker is absolutely first class – she is an excellent lawyer but where she really excels is as a tactician. She really understands and is able to exploit the pressure points of the other side.’
‘Suzanne Brooker is not only an outstanding lawyer but also a business woman with strong entrepreneurial flair. ‘
Key clients
Wilkins Kennedy LLP (London, Reading, Southampton and Egham offices)
KPMG LLP (Reading, London and Birmingham offices)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (Thames Valley offices)
Grant Thornton UK LLP (Reading and London offices)
BDO LLP (Thames Valley and London offices)
CVR Global LLP (London and Southampton)
Moore Stephens LLP (London and Watford offices)
Quantuma LLP (Marlow, Brighton and Southampton offices)
UHY Hacker Young LLP (London office)
RSM Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP (London and Southampton offices)
Work highlights
- Advised Oyster Marine Limited and Oyster Marine Holdings on options and and appointment of administrators
- Advising joint liquidators in a misfeasance claim against two directors of company in liquidation
- Advising the trustee in a bankruptcy on the bankrupt’s applications (i) to annul her bankruptcy, and (ii) to set aside the judgment underlying the bankruptcy.
- Acting for a trustee in bankruptcy in respect of a property developer with a portfolio of investment properties.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Described as 'an insolvency and restructuring team at the top of their game', Charles Russell Speechlys LLP 's Guilford based team carries out a full range of contentious and non-contentious work, acting for insolvency practitioners, lenders and financial institutions, companies, directors and stakeholders. The team specialises in a number of sectors including pharmacy, retail, sport, private wealth and real estate. James Hyne heads the practice and holds significant international insolvency expertise. Senior associate Daniel Moore is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
James Hyne
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Moore; Praveen Reddy; Hanh Nguyen
Testimonials
‘The team is technically good, very commercial and responsive to the needs of clients. The advice is couched in language that makes it accessible to non-lawyers and addresses the issues and questions raised.’
‘Highly commercial and practical, giving clear advice promptly and backing this up with solid law!’
‘James Hyne is exceptionally gifted, bright and great with clients. He has a wide range of knowledge and an ability to get to the heart of the problem…then find the answer.’
‘Dan Moore is a real one to watch for the future.’
‘Prav Reddy is exceptional: he is very knowledgeable, has excellent contacts and is a real pleasure to work with. He is hard working, yet gives off an air of sublime confidence which translates into sturdy and robust advice.’
‘Hanh Ngyuen is very responsive and actively involves the team in engagements. She can always be relied upon to put in the time to get the right result’
Key clients
Alix Partners Services UK LLP
Credit Suisse (UK) Limited
Turpin Barker Armstrong
Grant Thornton UK Limited
Alvarez & Marsal
Leonard Curtis Business Recovery
James Cowper Kreston
MBI Coakley Restructuring and Insolvency
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Central Bank of Bahrain
Work highlights
- Ongoing role for the External Administrator of Awal Bank pursuing the recovery of assets from creditors in high value litigation in both the English High Court and the Cayman Islands.
- Advising joint administrators on their court appointment and subsequent pre-pack sale of Pacepacker Services’ business and assets.
Cripps Pemberton Greenish
Cripps Pemberton Greenish's Tunbridge Wells based team specialises in contentious work as well as acting for companies and insolvency practitioners in relation to administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements. Headed by James Beatton, the firm works across a variety of sectors, including advertising, technology and media, healthcare, financial services, and retail, leisure and hospitality. Recent work highlights include acting for a creditor of a satellite internet company, which entered members’ voluntary liquidation. Described as 'approachable, empathetic, commercial and forward thinking', Joanna Ford is a key name to note at the practice.
Practice head(s):
James Beatton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are approachable and are trusted advisers to their clients giving clear and concise advice.’
‘Jo Ford is approachable, empathetic, commercial and forward thinking. She also provides clear practicable advice for clients’
Key clients
On Cannon SRL
BDO LLP
Kreston Reeves LLP
Crowe U.K. LLP
Day Lewis PLC
Holiday Extras
Smith & Williamson LLP
Hermes CMK
Cadogan Estates Limited
Greenbox Recycling (Kent) Limited
Work highlights
- Provided strategic advice to Hermes in relation to its position as landlord of the House of Fraser (HoF) store at centre:MK following announcement of the HoF CVA proposal in June 2018.
- Acting for Kreston Reeves as administrators in relation to the administration of Nason’s, a well-known family owned furniture and department store in Canterbury, Kent.
- Cripps advised on the cross-border merger of Foxflower Limited into Italian company On Cannon SRL.
- Worked with Crowe on the administration of Precious Cells International Limited and its Scottish counterpart Pharmacells Limited, both private tissue banks that offer services to bank cord blood and other biological materials.
Gateley Plc
The 'pragmatic' and 'knowledgeable' insolvency team at Gateley Plc's Reading office boasts considerable experience across the full-range of transactional and contentious matters, acting for insolvency practitioners, banks, VCs, asset based lenders, other lenders and investors, directors, shareholders, other business stakeholders and intermediaries. The team is headed by the 'personable and approachable' Nicola Kirk who specialises in contentious and non-contentious insolvency, restructuring, turnaround and dispute resolution matters. Kirk recently led a team acting for the joint trustees in the bankruptcy of a former hedge-fund manager. Another highlight includes acting for a client in the professional services sector in the restoration of a limited liability partnership.
Practice head(s):
Mark Wilson (national); Nicola Kirk
Testimonials
‘Nicola is a good and trusted lawyer with both a very good commercial and personal side to her. A joy to work with.’
‘Pragmatic and sensible approach to matters. Understanding our aims and highlighting unforeseen issues.’
‘Really strong team, with great experience and industry knowledge’
‘Nicola Kirk has that virtually unique quality of being technically brilliant whilst also able to explain points in plain English and with emotional intelligence, which was why we chose to use her for our very complex and sensitive work.’
Key clients
BDO LLP
GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
QUANTUMA LLP
WILKINS KENNEDY
KRE CORPORATE RECOVERY LLP
RSM RESTRUCTURING ADVISORY
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP
KPMG LLP
MOORE STEPHENS LLP/BDO LLP
DELOITTE LLP
BIBBY FINANCIAL SERVICES
LEUMI
ABN AMRO
PKF GEOFFREY MARTIN
LEONARD CURTIS
JAMES COWPER KRESTON
SMITH & WILLIAMSON
MHA MACINTYRE HUDSON
Work highlights
- Acting for the joint trustees in bankruptcy of a former hedge-fund manager.
- Acted for Wilkins Kennedy in the liquidation of a construction company.
- Acting for RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP regarding the administration of a construction company.
- Acted for Quantuma LLP on several administrations including those in the construction and education sector.
- Acting for the Administrators of two related companies and all ongoing issues relating to the proposed sale of the business.
Moore Blatch LLP
Led by specialist insolvency lawyer Heather Dobson, the insolvency and restructuring team at Moore Blatch LLP's Southampton office has rapidly grown its client base and volume of instructions over the last 12 months, doubling its turnover and exceeding its targets. The team undertakes the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious restructuring and risk advisory work. The team is also able to work in many complementary areas that cross over into insolvency, including financial services, banking and professional negligence, charity, property, family and probate.
Practice head(s):
Heather Dobson
Other key lawyers:
Heather Dobson; Rebecca Chaplin; Lisa Saxby
Testimonials
‘Moore Blatch has one of the strongest Insolvency Teams on the South Coast and are able to assist with all matters and involving the wider team where necessary. The team are approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. It is always a pleasure working with them’.
‘Heather Dobson is exceptionally knowledgeable and able to deal with clients in a friendly and confident manner to reach the desired outcome’.
‘They have been there, seen it and done it. Not phased by any complexity. A real can-do attitude. Brutally competent. I have a work referrer who is an extremely hard taskmaster. Once he used Moore Blatch he refuses to even contemplate any other solicitors’.
‘Supremely competent, value for money, can-do attitude and very nice people with it’.
‘Moore Blatch are able to demonstrate a very professional and competent approach to matters, whilst also having a very friendly, warm and engaging manner with clients. That’s not an easy balance and is not a balance always emulated by other firms’.
‘Beckie Chaplin provides a no-nonsense approach, whilst demonstrating a fantastic ability to work with and positively influence stakeholders at all levels to engage and move towards the desired outcome. Lisa Saxby is technically excellent and her skilful endeavours at working with opponents and those on the periphery of proceedings have brought great results’.
Key clients
Begbies Traynor
CVR Global
James Cowper Kreston
Mazars
Menzies
Moore Stephens
PWC
Quantuma
RSM
Smith and Williamson
Work highlights
- Advising the liquidator of Parnham Coaches Limited (in Liquidation) on the implications of a failed disguised remuneration tax avoidance scheme.
- Advising the administrator of The Royal National Rose Society (in Administration), a charity and the world’s oldest plant society, having been formed in 1876.
- Advising on the pre pack administration of Process Projects Limited (in Administration)
Stevens & Bolton LLP
The 'very strong' insolvency and corporate recovery team at Stevens & Bolton LLP's Guildford office has gone from strength to strength over the last year. Under the leadership of practice heads Tim Carter and David Steinberg, the team attracts complex and high profile matters, covering the full range of restructuring and insolvency matters. Recent work highlights include taking instruction from the administrators and then the liquidators of a telecoms company in relation to the ongoing trading of the company in administration and post-completion issues, including liquidation-only disclaimer of lease property.
Practice head(s):
Tim Carter; David Steinberg
Testimonials
‘A London team based outside of London! A dynamic and approachable team with experience in a large number of sectors. Efficient and with great communication, the team can act quickly on any number of difficult transactions.’
‘A very strong restructuring and insolvency practice which can more than hold its own against better known City law firms, both in terms of quality of advice, service and price. They give unequivocal advice and do not unnecessarily complicate matters.’
‘great on-hands attitude, exceptional responsiveness, legal work straight to the point and very useful for the client’s needs’
‘Tim Carter is excellent and always available. His commercial advice is appreciated and he is always quick to help.’
‘David Steinberg has a wealth of experience and gives technically strong but commercially savvy advice.’
‘Tim Carter is an urbane, affable individual who always goes the extra mile.
Key clients
Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants
Harrison & Makin Limited (in liquidation) – Liquidators from Rollings Butt LLP
Software Power Tools Limited (in liquidation) – liquidators from Quantuma LLP
True Telecom Ltd (in administration, now liquidation) – administrators/liquidators from Mazars LLP
SecurMed UK
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
BDO – administrators of Collateral UK Limited
The Home Insurance Company : Ernst & Young
Work highlights
- Engaged by liquidators (Rollings Butt LLP) to assist in pursuing the directors for various antecedent transactions.
- Instructed by the liquidators of Software Power Tools Limited, having originally acted for the petitioning creditor in petitioning for the company’s winding up in 2016, relating to various claims worth c£1m.
- Instructed by the administrators and then the liquidators of True Telecom in relation to the ongoing trading of the company in administration and post-completion issues, including liquidation-only disclaimer of lease property.
Birketts LLP
'A good strong team with skills to compete with London', Birketts LLP's Cambridge-based insolvency practice is led by partner Laurence Weeks. The firm frequently handles high-value matters for insolvency practitioners in the region and advises on both formal insolvencies and restructurings, backed by a full service offering from the wider firm. Administrations, pre-packs, insolvency litigation, refinancings, asset disposals and turnaround work all sit within its field of expertise. Weeks is also the lead partner in Birketts' disputes practice in addition to his role heading the insolvency team.
Practice head(s):
Laurence Weeks
Testimonials
‘A good strong team with skills to compete with London, but not as expensive.’
Key clients
FRP Advisory
Price Bailey Insolvency
CVR Global
Mazars
Ensors
RSM (formerly Baker Tilly)
Thornton Rones
McTear Williams & Wood
Haslers
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Work highlights
- The firm advised Price Bailey to recover funds for the benefit of a company’s liquidation estate and its creditors.
Coffin Mew LLP
Described by one client as a, 'forward thinking practice, of both technically competent and commercial individuals', Coffin Mew LLP joins Tier 2 this year. Led by Ian Dawes, the restructuring and insolvency team specialises in corporate and financial restructuring, working with lenders, investors, boards and insolvency practitioners. The team is also working with an increasing number of private equity houses. The 'excellent' Alexander Wood is a key member of the Coffin Mew team. With over 15 years' experience in corporate and financial restructuring, Wood often leads multi-disciplinary teams advising on complex transactions, including contentious matters within the UK, internationally and cross-border.
Practice head(s):
Ian Dawes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very responsive and diligent in trying to get to the bottom of matters.’
‘A forward thinking practice of both technically competent and commercial individuals.’
‘Realistic approach, good knowledge of a complex area of law.’
‘ Alexander Wood is excellent. He is hard-working, highly experienced in insolvency matters, and gives wise and practical advice. He has the gravitas to handle substantial matters.’
‘Thorough technical knowledge and a keen eye for detail.’
Key clients
Aspects Beauty Ltd
Kace Holdings Ltd
Leonard Curtis
Duff & Phelps
GetMyFirstJob Ltd
Hawk Consultancy LLC
RSM
EMW Law LLP
EMW Law LLP's Milton Keynes-based team focuses on entrepreneurial and scale up businesses, offering expertise in banking litigation, restructuring, refinancing and insolvency. The team boasts an able team working across a number of sectors including real estate, employment and corporate. The experienced Damon Watt leads the team. Recent work highlights include advising the administrators of a renewable energy company dealing with the Environment Agency.
Practice head(s):
Damon Watt
Other key lawyers:
Katie George
Testimonials
‘Excellent response time. Quality technical expertise. Good value for money’
‘Damon Watt and Katie George are both very good.’
Key clients
AIB Group (UK) Plc
MHA Macintyre Hudson
FRP Advisory LLP
Carter Backer Winter
Quantuma LLP
Moorfields
Begbies Traynor
CVR Global LLP
Manolete Partners plc
RSM Restructuring
PBC Business Recover
Scottish Pacific Tradeline
Work highlights
- We acted for the administrators of South Mids Hire Limited in respect of their appointment, and the subsequent sale of its business (via administration) to a 3rd party (cannot be named due to confidentiality).
- Providing bespoke independent legal advice to the proposed administrators of Timothy Whites Limited (now the administrators of that company) upon the proposed route to their appointment.
- Advising the administrators (Moorfields) of Growth Power Limited in dealing with the Environment Agency as regards dealing with a licence granted to it under the Gas Emissions Trading Regulations 2012.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell's restructuring and insolvency team in Gatwick comprises dedicated restructuring and insolvency lawyers who carry out the full-range work in the practice area. The team is headed by Andrew Walker who deals with both contentious and non-contentious matters, advising on high value and complex restructuring work. He has particular experience in restructurings involving defined benefit pension schemes and work involving banks and asset based lenders.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Walker
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Walker
Testimonials
‘The exceptional player in the Gatwick market. With excellent technical knowledge and a personable team, it is always a delight to deal with the Gatwick team.’
‘Rebecca Walker – a stand-out senior associate who is surely heading for bigger things. Her technical knowledge is second to none and her approachable personality means she is always a pleasure to deal with.’
Key clients
KPMG
Begbies Traynor
FRP
Quantuma
Mazars
CVR
Smith & Williamson
BDO
RSM
Kreston Reeves
Isadore Goldman
Isadore Goldman's Portsmouth-based insolvency/restructuring practice undertakes insolvency and litigation work, particularly focusing on personal insolvency, director disqualification and claims. With over 20 years' experience in the field, Nick Oliver heads the team. He is particularly known for dealing with insolvency disputes/litigation, technical insolvency advice, personal insolvency matters and fraud related work, and has advised on a number of high profile cases. Recent work highlights for the team include advising the liquidators of a publishing company in relation to potential breach of duty claims against the directors.
Practice head(s):
Nick Oliver
Key clients
Investec Bank Plc / Investec Asset Finance Plc (London)
RSM (Insolvency Practitioners – Southampton)
Portland Business and Finance Solutions (Insolvency Practitioners – Fareham)
McTear, Williams & Wood (Insolvency Practitioners – London and Norwich)
BDO (Insolvency Practitioners – London and Gatwick)
Griffins (Insolvency Practitioners – London)
Grant Thornton (Insolvency Practitioners – London and Manchester)
KPMG (Insolvency Practitioners – London)
Quantuma (Insolvency Practitioners – Southampton, Watford and London)
Parker Andrews (Insolvency Practitioners – Portsmouth and Norwich)
Purnells (Insolvency Practitioners – Dorset, Devon and Cornwall)
Hereford Capital (Private Equity Fund – London)
Work highlights
- Acted for the director of a large restaurant chain to defend claims by liquidator and director disqualification proceedings by the Insolvency Service
- Provided technical advice to Purnells as Supervisor of a Partnership Voluntary Arrangement (PVA) of a substantial hotel
- Advised Quantuma as liquidator of a publishing company regarding potential breach of duty claims against directors.
- Assisted liquidators of property investment company regarding complex investigations into alleged fraud/misconduct
Lester Aldridge LLP
With 'a good mix of technical knowledge and practical application', the Insolvency and Corporate Recovery team at Lester Aldridge LLP's Southampton office joins tier 2 this year. Led by the 'first class' Nick Keitley, the practice is best known for its non-contentious work, acting mainly for insolvency practitioners. The practice has a particular focus in advising and assisting on the appointment of administrators acting on trading administrations and insolvency transactional work. With 13 years’ of experience advising exclusively on corporate restructuring and insolvency matters, Melia Hirst is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Nick Keitley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experience and knowledge is excellent. Very easy to work with collaboratively.’
‘A good mix of technical knowledge and practical application.’
‘Nick Keitley and Melia Hirst both have a wealth of experience and provide sound advice.’
‘Nick Keitley is a first class legal mind.’
Key clients
JWS Business Recovery
Moore Stephens
Peter Hall Limited
Portland Business & Financial Solutions
Smith & Williamson
Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group
James Cowper Kreston
Quantuma
Begbies Traynor
Santander
Work highlights
- Advised Bebgies Traynor in relation to the administration of SEaB Energy Limited.
- Advised Smith & Williamson in relation to the appointment of Gregory Palfrey and Stephen Adshead as joint administrators of Bowlacre Home, a Cooperative and Community Benefit Society.
- Assisted Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group with the proposed appointment of David Smithson and Andy Beckingham as joint administrators of Dart Valley Foods Limited.
Paris Smith LLP
Paris Smith LLP's insolvency practice in Southampton acts for a number of major creditor and landlord clients but also maintains an extensive roster of owner-managed businesses. Key sectors in which the team are known for working include property, finance, retail, leisure, not-for-profit, SMEs, public sector, and recruitment. Mike Pavitt heads the team and is praised for delivering 'well thought out and thorough advice'. Pavitt also holds the respected post of Chair of R3 Southern. Work highlights for the team include advising shareholders and loan note holders of the UK's largest wholesaler to the convenience and forecourts market, which went into administration in 2017.
Practice head(s):
Mike Pavitt
Testimonials
‘Mike Pavitt delivers well thought out and thorough advice. Quick to respond and advise on ways forward.’
Key clients
BDO
Beacon Insolvency Practitioners
Begbies Traynor
Corporate Asset Solutions
CVR Global
James Cowper
Interbay Funding Ltd
KPMG
Mazars
Moore Stephens
Quantuma
RSM
Smith & Williamson
Work highlights
- Advice and court representation to trustees in bankruptcy in respect of realisation of shareholding in a London pub company
- Advice to shareholders and loan note holders as former employees of Palmer & Harvey, the UK’s largest wholesaler to the convenience and forecourts market which went into administration in 2017.
Birkett Long LLP
With particular expertise in contentious recovery work, the insolvency practice at Birkett Long LLP 's Colchester office has built a reputation in the region acting for both companies and individuals in nil-asset recovery actions. The team is also known as a 'directors friend', specialising in defending directors facing proceedings under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. Led by Kevin Sullivan, who has 20 years' experience in the field of contentious insolvency law, the team works for directors, partners, sole traders, creditors, debtors and bankrupts and their spouses, on a wide-range of corporate and personal insolvency-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Sullivan
Testimonials
‘Extremely prompt response, very practical & good commercial advice. Excellent value for money.’
‘Kevin Sullivan is a fantastic lawyer who has guided me through some very difficult decisions and still continues to do so.’
Key clients
CVR Global LLP
Larking Gowen
McTear, Williams & Wood Ltd
Kingston Smith & Partners LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
LB Insolvency Solutions Ltd
DKF Insolvency Ltd
Bretts Business Recovery Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for Bretts Business Recovery as liquidator of Callan Education Group Limited.
Blake Morgan LLP
Blake Morgan LLP's insolvency team in Reading regularly acts for banks, landlords, investors, insolvency practitioners and directors of distressed companies on the full spectrum of insolvency work. Working with other departments in the firm, the team is able to offer an all-encompassing service to clients. Leading the team is Katie James, who was promoted to partner in May 2018. James specialises in all forms of insolvency law and has particular expertise in distressed care homes, having previously dealt with the administration of eight different care home groups, comprising at least 50 care homes.
Practice head(s):
Katie James
Other key lawyers:
Dan Geddes
Testimonials
‘Blake Morgan are market leaders in Insolvency and Corporate Recovery in the South East. The team are able to handle complex, and high value cases with skill, efficiency, and commercial intelligence.’
‘We deal with Blake Morgan primarily in their capacity as an HSBC restructuring panel law firm.’
‘Dan Geddes is a stand out individual in the team. He combines an in-depth knowledge of insolvency law with a keen eye for detail and a down to earth, responsive, and pragmatic approach to resolving cases.’
‘Our dealings have primarily been with the Reading office where Katie James, is first class.’
Key clients
Gibson Hewitt
Metro Bank Plc
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Crowe Clark Whitehill
Critchleys LLP
Fieldstead Insolvency Limited
Lendy Limited
Beacon Insolvency Practitioners
McTear, Williams & Wood
Quantuma LLP
CVR Global
Work highlights
- Instructed to act on behalf of Oyster Yachts Limited to purchase the business and assets of Oyster Marine Limited, from the Administrators of Oyster Marine Limited.
- Instructed on behalf of Lendy Limited and Quantuma LLP to make a hostile appointment of Administrators.
- Instructed on behalf of Begbies Traynor as proposed administrators of Bestival Limited, Bestival Group Limited, and Camp Bestival Limited.
- Instructed on behalf of Metro Bank Plc to carry out a security review and to subsequently appoint LPA Receivers in respect of a property which was used for both commercial and residential purposes
Blandy & Blandy LLP
The Insolvency/Business Recovery team at Blandy & Blandy LLP covers the full range of contentious and non-contentious insolvency work, including corporate recovery and turnaround, company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), administration, receivership, liquidations, investigations and debt recovery. David Murray heads the team, which is also a member of the international Law Firm Network and receives recommendations and client instructions from a number of overseas companies with operations in the UK.
Practice head(s):
David Murray
Key clients
BDO LLP
Quantuma LLP
KRE Corporate Recovery LLP
KBC Bank Ireland PLC
Brachers
The insolvency team at Brachers LLP's Maidstone office is led by Michael Oatham who has over 20 years' experience working for insolvency practitioners. Under his leadership, the team offers the full suite of pre and post appointment services to insolvency practitioners and employs its own in-house insolvency practitioner, Tim Mayner, who specialises in bankruptcy appointments and connected assets recoveries.
Practice head(s):
Michael Oatham
Key clients
Mazars LLP
KPMG
Grant Thornton
Baker Tilly
BDO
Bretts Business Recovery
CCW Recovery Services
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Kreston Reeves
Wilkins Kennedy
Dentons
Dentons' Watford based insolvency team continues to focus on working with the UK's leading clearing banks. Working in conjunction with the firm's London office, it is able to cover the whole range of insolvency and restructuring work. With international and cross-border experience, Andrea Dunsby heads the team along with property and personal insolvency expert Steven Mills, who also heads the Watford office and Dentons' regional banking litigation practice.
Practice head(s):
Steven Mills; Andrea Dunsby
Other key lawyers:
Mark Goward
Key clients
Avison Young
BDO LLP
Begbies Traynor LLP
Eddisons Commercial Limited
GVA (Bilfinger)
Jones Lang LaSalle
Lambert Smith Hampton Group
Griffins
Moore Stephens LLP
Carter Backer Winter
Work highlights
- Acting for Moore Stephens as trustees in bankruptcy of a bankrupt solicitor.
- Acting for Moore Stephens as joint trustees in bankruptcy of an individual property investor.
- Acting for Griffins as joint liquidators of a company.
- Acting for Moore Stephens as liquidator of an historical friendly society in relation to how surplus assets should be distributed to members where the Companies Act is not necessarily determinative.
- Acting for a former director of a company against whom the joint liquidators are threatening legal action.
DMH Stallard LLP
Since practice head Tim Symes joined the team in 2013, the restructuring and insolvency team at DMH Stallard LLP 's Gatwick office has become firmly established firm within the region for insolvency matters. The 'well-balanced' team acts predominantly for insolvency practitioners working on both contentious and non-contentious cases across corporate and personal insolvency.
Practice head(s):
Tim Symes
Testimonials
‘Prompt. commercially sensible and practical with good attention to detail.’
‘Tim Symes always maintains high levels of service and is always able to provide exactly what I need.’
‘Down to earth, friendly and professional.’
Key clients
FRP Advisory (London)
Begbies Traynor
Menzies
Carter Backer Winter
Compass Financial Recovery
CVR Global
Firestones
McTear Willams and Wood
Quantuma
Apollo Insolvency
Downs Solicitors LLP
The 'impressive' Chris Millar heads the 'experienced and knowledgeable' corporate recovery and insolvency team at Downs Solicitors LLP 's Dorking office. Millar spends most of his time working in this practice area and is supported by staff from across the firm's offices who bring their specialist areas of expertise into the insolvency/corporate recovery field when required. In addition to advising individuals on personal insolvency matters the firm also advises businesses on matters including administrations, CVAs, bankruptcy and restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Chris Millar
Testimonials
‘An experienced and knowledgeable team with good commercial awareness.’
‘Chris Millar is a very impressive lawyer and great litigator; a real pleasure to work with.’
‘Straight talking, realistic and determined. Good to have in your corner.’
Key clients
Piper Thompson
PKF Geoffrey Martin
CVR Global
Bailey Ahmed
MBI Coakley
WSM Marks Bloom
Crowe UK LLP
Field Seymour Parkes LLP
Field Seymour Parkes LLP's Reading-based team is well connected in the region with a range of professionals advising on corporate insolvency and restructuring matters. The team is regularly instructed by national firms of insolvency practitioners, as well as companies looking to restructure, investors, funders and company directors. With over 20 years' experience advising on corporate insolvencies and restructurings, Ian Wood-Smith heads the practice and has led his team on matters including the appointment of administrators and sale of assets of an engineering company.
Practice head(s):
Ian Wood-Smith
Key clients
KRE Corporate Recovery LLP
Thames Valley Capital Limited
Work highlights
- Advised KRE Corporate Recovery as administrators in a pre-pack sale of a high quality furniture manufacturer.
- Acted for KRE on the appointment of administrators and subsequent sale of the assets of a digital media company
- Acted on appointment of and sale by administrators of a construction and development company.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP 's Milton Keynes-based insolvency team is particularly known for advising in relation to restructurings and insolvencies in the drinks and hospitality industries, in addition to advising across other industry sectors. Partners are often instructed by insolvency practitioners to advise on the disposal of assets of national pub chains, or by existing operators to purchase the assets of those in administration. The team is led by Simon Hobbs who has expertise in a broad range of contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters.
Practice head(s):
Simon Hobbs
Testimonials
‘Simon Hobbs is very approachable and well-liked. He is a good litigator and I have personal experience of the insolvency side of his work, which is excellent.’
Key clients
PwC
BRI (UK) Ltd
Quantuma
RSM
Mazars
Opus Restructuring & Recovery LLP
Wilkins Kennedy
PDT Solicitors
The insolvency and restructuring practice at PDT Solicitors advises on all aspects of insolvency including both contentious and non-contentious matters. On the non-contentious side, the firm's lawyers work with financiers on high-value restructuring and refinancing transactions, and on the contentious side, the firm assists with issues such as misfeasance and breach of statutory duties. Practice head William Angas is 'always accessible and commercial in his advice'.
Practice head(s):
William Angas; Dawn Shadwell
Testimonials
‘A niche firm with a big market presence. Very well experienced in personal insolvency’
Key clients
R2 Advisory Ltd
CVR Global LLP
Moorfields Advisory Limited
SFP Restructuring Limited
Moorfields Advisory Limited t/a Moorfields Corporate Recovery
Alliance Asset Management
Work highlights
- Acted for liquidators of Pinetum Limited with a claim against the company’s directors for repayment of dividends and remuneration
- Acted for Simon Thomas and Arron Kendall of Moorfields, as Joint Administrators in the high-profile insolvency of Toys “R” Us Limited, in pursuing and recovering large disputed balances owed by trade vendors based in the United Kingdom, North America and Asia.
- Acted for SFP Restructuring Limited as administrators of a company supplying mobility equipment.
- Acted for Moorfields Advisory Limited as administrator of the London College of Creative Media in an emergency appointment by the College’s funder.
Spratt Endicott
The insolvency team at Spratt Endicott's Banbury office deals with formal insolvency proceedings, as well as offering advice on debt restructuring and finance. Although the team is best known for contentious work, it also undertakes non-contentious work, working closely with the firm's Debt Recovery team. The team’s experience in working with creditors and insolvency practitioners means it is ideally placed to advise debtors and companies who face creditor claims or claims brought by insolvency practitioners. With a 'comprehensive knowledge of insolvency law', associate Petra van Dijk heads the team,
Practice head(s):
Petra van Dijk
Testimonials
‘A high degree of commercial awareness, coupled with good technical knowledge.’
‘A friendly boutique practice with a small but dedicated insolvency practice.’
‘Petra van Dijk has a comprehensive knowledge of insolvency law and very strong client relationships’
Key clients
Critchleys LLP
BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Mazars LLP
John Harlow Insolvency & Corporate Recovery Limited
stevensdrake
Led by Gavin Pickering , the insolvency team at stevensdrake advises large creditor clients. The department also advises directors in relation to Insolvency Act claims, and guarantees and disqualification matters. It also acts for landlords with insolvent tenant issues. The team has been retained by ALD Automotive Limited to advise on its insolvency matters.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Pickering
Key clients
Paccar Financial PLC
ALD Automotive Limited
Bialson Bergen & Schwab
BDO
Quantuma
FRP
Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors
Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors regularly advises on all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency. The team, which is headed by Barry Niven, contains specialists in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency law and advises on all aspects of insolvency-based work ranging from administrations to receiverships and liquidations, through to voluntary arrangements and bankruptcies.The majority of instructions come directly from insolvency practitioners or the directors of insolvent companies.
Practice head(s):
Barry Niven
Key clients
KRE Corporate Recovery LLP
Wilkins Kennedy
Furley Page Solicitors
The team at Furley Page Solicitors provide a comprehensive and thorough service covering a range of corporate and personal insolvency matters. The team has a particular emphasis on clients in the manufacturing and construction sector. The 'well-seasoned' and 'highly intelligent' Peter Hawkes leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Peter Hawkes
Testimonials
‘A fantastic boutique disputes and commercial solicitors practice – one of the best performing practices in the South East.’
‘Furley Page provides a comprehensive service that covers a wide array of specialities.’
‘Peter Hawkes is an extremely experienced practitioner and has a wealth of knowledge in commercial dispute resolution and is a go-to name in the South East market.’
‘Peter Hawkes is a well-seasoned and highly intelligent solicitor. He has an excellent understanding of the law and procedure and is a great person to bounce ideas off.’
Key clients
University of Kent
Kreston Reeves LLP
Strong Healthcare Ltd
The Farm Energy Partnership
GDL Construction (UK) Ltd
Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co Ltd
Canterbury Academy
Grupo Antolin Leamington Ltd
Breakthrough Funding Ltd
South Events Ltd
Venture Telecom Ltd
Goody Demolition Ltd
The Duke of York’s Roya Military School
Geerings Ltd
Cathay Cleaning Co
Mr and Mrs Johnson
Touchtec Solutions Ltd
Mr N Hornsey
The Change Organisation Ltd
Work highlights
- Dealing with opposing bankruptcy proceedings for a client in the advertising/promotion industry.
- Advising in relation to a potential claim by a commercial ventilation system supplier for sums incorrectly paid to liquidator and a potential claim against the client.
Tees Law
Tees Law advises clients on a broad range of restructuring, corporate rescue and insolvency matters, with its lawyers handling matters including receiverships, administrations and liquidations. Examples of the type of work the firm carries out include obtaining an injunction to prevent the presentation of a winding-up petition, advising on complex claims against company directors and advising liquidators. The practice is headed by David Perry, who advises both insolvency practitioners and individuals or directors faced with proceedings against them.
Practice head(s):
David Perry
Key clients
Begbies Traynor Central LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
Brett Business Recovery
Work highlights
- Acting for a director faced with a substantial claim for wrongful training, unlawful dividend and misfeasance.
- Defending a client faced with a claim by a liquidator relating to unlawful dividends, misfeasance and transaction at an undervalue.
- Advising the beneficiaries of a trust on a claim by a trustee in bankruptcy that the settlor had settled the trust unlawfully, and/or the settlement of the trust had been a transaction at an undervalue.
- Acting for liquidators, Begbies Traynor and McIntyre Hudson in relation to a matter that included investigating contracts and advising on potential claims against directors.