Insolvency and corporate recovery in South East

Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner acts for a wide range of insolvency practitioner clients based nationwide from both large and smaller practices such as Grant Thornton, Fortus Recovery and Interpath Advisory. The firm is recognised for handling both contentious and non-contentious matters often with a cross-border element. Phil Smith heads the business support and insolvency team with a focus on administrations, LPA receiverships and insolvent business sales. Oliver Fitzpatrick handles contentious insolvencies on a personal and corporate level in addition to business sales.

Practice head(s):

Phil Smith

Other key lawyers:

Oliver Fitzpatrick; Donna Goddard

Testimonials

‘The insolvency team offers a very broad range of services and a completely joined up offering. They have depth and quality and huge experience within the team.’

‘Phil Smith is first class as an insolvency and restructuring partner. His experience is vast and he is great at problem solving and proving a clear route through problems. Donna Goddard is brilliant at debt collection and runs an extremely efficient and cost effective national team.’

‘Wide ranging knowledge of the subject. Offering innovative solutions.’

‘Phil Smith a hugely capable and knowledgable lawyer.’

‘Boyes Turner LLP remains my ‘go-to’ firm for all insolvency matters. They remain the most reactive, efficient and knowledgeable dedicated insolvency team in the region and in fact beyond.’

‘Phil Smith is technically fantastic but with a commercial problem solving brain. Leads the team effectively and is always available to assist.’

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick is a long standing and trusted advisor with an eye for detail and also an eye for finding a solution for any problem. Has assisted in resolving a number of technically and logistically challenging referrals for me. My No.1 legal advisor.’

‘An effective team which is highly responsive and pays close attention to detail. Phil Smith and Ollie Fitzpatrick are very personable and work well together.’

Key clients

Fortus Recovery Limited

Interpath Advisory

Grant Thornton UK

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP

Smith & Williamson LLP

Antony Batty & Company

Manolete Partners

C.Hoare & Co

Mazars

Azets

Work highlights

  • Acted for Smith & Williamson LLP in bankruptcy of an individual who has fled the jurisdiction.
  • Acted for joint administrators of a leading manufacturer on all aspects of the administration.

BDB Pitmans

The insolvency and restructuring team at BDB Pitmans has extensive sector experience in the retail, hospitality and leisure, construction, technology and real estate industries. The department provides advisory, transactional and contentious services to a range of clients including insolvency practitioners, banks, asset-based lenders, alternative funders and creditors. Stacey Jones is specialised in personal insolvency processes, voluntary arrangements, refinancing and restructurings.

Other key lawyers:

Stacey Jones

Testimonials

‘Stacey Jones is a first class insolvency lawyer. They are cost effective, experienced and no nonsense. They can deal with the simplest and most complex assignment equally efficiently.’

‘Stacey Jones is just brilliant. She is bright, experienced and so easy to deal with. I have complete confidence in her abilities.’

‘The team has experience of insolvency litigation at the highest levels and takes a proactive and commercial approach.’

‘Alexander Wood is an extremely experienced insolvency lawyer, with strong commercial sense, who is completely engaged on the cases he deals with.’

‘Stacey Jones has a very collaborative and creative approach with clients. When working in particularly difficult circumstances recently, she was able to successfully articulate complex issues to the management team in simple terms; by working with them and supporting them through the process she was able to help them to find a solution.’

‘BDB Pitmans has a skilled, close-knit insolvency team. This not only means that it is highly efficient, it means that a client can be confident that its case is being carefully and diligently managed. Partner engagement is superb.’

‘Stacey Jones is an absolute machine when it comes to litigation. She not only gets the job done, she gets it done quickly and with aplomb.’

‘BDB Pitmans is a well-established firm with a strong presence both in the capital and in regional centres.’

Key clients

Interpath

PricewaterhouseCoopers

FRP Advisory

BDO LLP

Begbies Traynor

Opus Advisory

Quantuma LLP

UHY Hacker Young LLP

RSM

Azets Holdings Limited

Antony Batty Company & Co

Harwood Private Equity

Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Limited

Secure Trust Bank Plc.

Resolve Advisory Limited

James Cowper Kreston

Mazars LLP

Bibby Financial Service Limited

Bibby Factoring Limited

Muse Corporation

Prime 5 Finance Limited

Natural Resources Wales

Carter Backer Winter

Smith and Williamson Limited

Advantedge Commercial Finance Limited

Work highlights

  • Provided advisory and transactional know-how to Discovery Yachts Limited.
  • Advised Katerra Inc on English law aspects of US$440m claim for transaction at undervalue.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides a comprehensive restructuring and insolvency service to a range of stakeholders including insolvency practitioners, banks, lenders, financial institutions and company directors. On the contentious side the team undertakes insolvency litigation and fraud cases, while transactional work often involves distressed sales and advice to boards of directors. James Hyne heads the team and specialises in contentious work with a niche in fraud and antecedent transaction recovery matters. Roger Elford handles property insolvency matters while Melania Constable has experience in non-contentious issues.

Practice head(s):

James Hyne

Other key lawyers:

Roger Elford; Melania Constable

Testimonials

‘The team is of a good size, staffed with experienced and diligent lawyers. This helps ensure they can deal with matters urgently where required, which is an important capability in insolvency matters where it is not unusual for court applications to need to be made or responded to urgently.’

‘I would particularly praise Roger Elford and Will Leney for their accessibility and sound judgment.’

‘One of the best insolvency and restructuring teams outside of London. The full range experience and seniority to be able to manage all and any insolvency jobs.’

‘James Hyne and Roger Elford are partners with vast experience of complex restructuring and insolvency. They are both extremely easy to deal with and deliver the best possible solutions. Melania Constable is an extremely able senior associate, capable of managing and running high value and complicated transactions and litigation.’

‘Fantastic, well informed cohesive team providing top notch commercial and strategic advice. I love working with them.’

‘James Hyne has a stellar reputation in the industry, is brilliant with clients with excellent leadership and fantastic instincts.’

Roger Elford has excellent legal and technical knowledge and particular expertise in commercial property and insolvency.

Key clients

Credit Suisse (UK) Limited

AlixPartners Services UK LLP

Teneo

Begbies Traynor Corporate Recovery

FRP Advisory Limited

RSM Restructuring Advisory

Central Bank of Bahrain

Grant Thornton UK Limited

Moore Kingston Smith LLP

KRE Corporate Recovery

Alvarez & Marsal

Leonard Curtis Business Recovery

James Cowper Kreston

MBI Coakley Restructuring and Insolvency

Work highlights

  • Advised the administrators of Haircare Limited on their appointment as administrators.
  • Instructed to advise on the potential liquidation of the Greensill Group.
  • Advised the Joint Liquidators of LBGP on the winding-up of 5 collective investment schemes arising out of the Lehman Brothers insolvency.

Cripps

Cripps focuses on contentious work in addition to advisory, turnaround, restructuring and transactional mandates. The contentious matters range from advice on antecedent transactions and acting in winding-up petitions to directors’ duties claims and general insolvency applications. The team also regularly acts for companies in relation to administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements. Practice head Joanna Ford is well-versed in handling claims against directors including misfeasance and wrongful trading. John Kirkwood advises on the corporate aspects of the insolvency process while Hannah Proctor focuses on contentious mandates.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Ford

Other key lawyers:

John Kirkwood; Hannah Proctor

Testimonials

‘The team’s foundations are built on commerciality and the legal advice given follows that general rule. The advice is clear and logical with consideration to the specifics of the matter. The firm also has a full breadth of legal services with clear sector focus and all of the solicitors I have instructed approach their work with consideration to the commercial aspects of the matter being advised.’

‘Joanna approaches her work with a clear commercial focus that filters down to the rest of her team. Her advice is thoroughly thought out, takes into account peripheral matters and adds value. Joanna is very personable with strong communication and negotiation skills. Her approach is always appropriate to the circumstances. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’

‘I have been extremely impressed with Cripps and their management of a complex, ongoing case. They have given careful, practical advice to their client and guided them through every step of what have been some unique challenges of the particular matter. They have taken a thoughtful and creative approach which has positioned the client well in advance of the forthcoming hearing.’

‘Tania Clench is an outstanding partner. She has been very hands on, despite her busy practice, and has always made time to attend key calls and meetings. Her experience and insight has been invaluable to the client.’

‘Accessibility, commercial approach, reasonable fees and communication.’

‘I have found the Cripps Pemberton Greenish team extremely knowledgeable within the insolvency sector. Not only do the partners lead from the front and by example, they are very commercial and willing to assist wherever they can.’

‘I find Jo extremely approachable and nothing is too much.’

‘I have recommended Jo on several occasions to other clients who are looking for similar excellent service.’

Key clients

The Conduit

Crowe U.K. LLP

Quantuma LLP

Cadogan Estates Limited

Greenbox Recycling (Kent) Limited

Chapel Down PLC

Oval Money Limited

Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP

FRP Advisory Trading Limited

Smith & Williamson LLP

Milk Visual Effects Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on the administration and subsequent business and asset sale of fintech company Oval Money Ltd together with its Spanish subsidiary.
  • Advised Chapel Down on the disposal of the business and assets of its Curious Drinks brand.
  • Acted for the Defendants in a reported 5-day High Court trial concerning breach of directors’ duties.

Gateley Plc

Gateley Plc has an excellent reputation across the full breadth of transactional and contentious matters with clients including insolvency practitioners, accountancy firms, banks, VCs, asset-based lenders and directors. The firm has an extensive client base consisting of major clearing banks and insolvency practitioners at Grant Thornton, PwC, Quantuma and EY. Nicola Kirk  heads up the restructuring team based in Reading and specialises in helping distressed businesses return to profitability by advising its board and stakeholders. Associate Jenny Grange specialises in restructuring and dispute resolution matters.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Kirk

Other key lawyers:

Jenny Grange

Testimonials

‘Nicola Kirk and her team have the rare combination of technical strength combined with a commercial and practical perspective, making them easy to work with and ensures they get the right results.’

‘Nicky is a great restructuring lawyer who has in-depth technical knowledge balanced with commerciality. She is able to build rapport with clients very quickly and is a much trusted advisor.’

‘The thing I like is that it is a local team, with real expertise. Departments all work together, and liaise, not merely recovery but corporate, Banking and others.’

‘The primary insolvency partner is Nicola Kirk. Incisive and intelligent; she doesn’t talk a lot but when she does it is considered and constructive. A real asset in negotiations.’

‘Excellent specialist skill sets.’

‘Nicola Kirk is hardworking, commercial and fun to work with.’

‘Global reach when dealing with overseas restructurings.’

‘Nicola Kirk is very friendly and has a proactive approach. Provides clear and commercial advice to help get transactions completed.’

Key clients

BDO LLP

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Quantuma Advisory Limited

Azets Holdings Limited

RSM Restructuring Advisory

Interpath Advisory Limited

Leonard Curtis Limited

Ernst & Young LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cable Capital Partners

Metro Bank Plc

HSBC Bank Plc

KRE Corporate Recovery

James Cowper Kreston

PKF Geoffrey Martin & Co Limited

FRP Advisory

Teneo

Secure Trust Bank Plc

RBS Invoice Finance Limited

Lloyds Banking Group

Thincats

UBS

Begbies-Traynor Group

Kroll

KPMG LLP

Mazars

Alvarez & Marsal

Deloitte

Antony Batty & Company

Work highlights

  • Acted for Cable Capital Partners for our client in the purchase and recapitalisation of the marine services firm, Marine and Towage Services Group Limited.
  • Acted for Quantuma Advisory Limited on a variety of corporate and personal insolvency matters.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP‘s restructuring and insolvency department is best known for its non-contentious corporate insolvency work. This involves advising on administration and liquidation appointments, insolvency transactions, demergers and procedural applications. The department has specialist sector knowledge in charities, hospitality and leisure. Nick Keitley specialises in corporate restructuring. Practice head Rebecca Walker has expertise in the financial services sector and Matthew Barrow is well-versed in enforcement of securities.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Walker

Other key lawyers:

Nick Keitley; Matthew Barrow

Testimonials

‘Lester Aldridge are a highly reputable firm in the Solent area. I have every confidence in the advice they provided. Their R&I team are also very commercial and able to cut through complicated legal matters with strategies designed to maximise return/outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend them to clients.’

‘Nick Keitley is a lovely guy, technically excellent and able to apply the law in a commercial way. Rebecca is friendly, technically excellent and is able to work under pressure and to tight timeframes when its required. Melia is friendly, technically excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend any of the R&I team to a client.’

‘Great wide ranging team that can offer services all around the subject.’

‘Nick Keitley is an excellent lawyer. Knowledgeable around his subject and surrounded by a great team.’

‘A widely experienced team who know what they are doing, particularly in non-contentious insolvency with a developing practice in contentious matters as well.’

‘Nick Keitley is one of the wise owls of insolvency on the south coast. Vast experience coupled with commercial awareness.’

‘A provincial footprint with city talent and expertise.’

Key clients

Azets

Begbies Traynor

BTG Advisory

FRP Advisory Trading Limited

Interpath Advisory

James Cowper Kreston

JWS Business Recovery

Mazars

Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group

Menzies LLP

Moorfields Advisory Limited

Portland Leonard Curtis

Quantuma Advisory Trading Limited

RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP

Santander Bank plc

Shawbrook Bank Limited

Smith & Williamson LLP

Work highlights

  • Advised FRP Advisory on the administration of G.I.Sportz Europe Ltd involving a sale of the business and assets to the Canadian-owned purchaser, Kore Outdoor.
  • Advised RSM Restructuring and Advisory on continued property aspects of the liquidation of Chiquito Limited including numerous assignments, surrenders and disclaimers of the restaurant leases.
  • Advised Quantuma Advisory in the liquidation of Aronex Developments Limited.

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow focuses on insolvency work across the full spectrum of contentious, non-contentious, restructuring and risk advisory issues. The firm has expertise in sectors such as education, charity, property and technology.  Practice head Heather Dobson has experience of a broad range of corporate and personal insolvency procedures and restructuring strategies. Rebecca Chaplin acts for insolvency practitioners on a range of corporate and personal matters. Peter Worrall is a notable practitioner.

Practice head(s):

Heather Dobson

Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Chaplin; Peter Worrall

Testimonials

‘Varied team with a high level females as well as men. Talent is recognised and promoted within the firm. Engagement terms are clear and well set out and truly feels like a close knit team that work together concisely.’

‘Rebecca Chaplin and Heather Dobson are professional, courteous and highly recommended. Work adheres to legislation but commercial viewpoint is always considered and fees are transparent, fair, reasonable and cost effective to the client. Goal posts are never moved and clients are informed at all times.’

‘I highly rate Moore Barlow. They have excellent solicitors whose technical knowledge is very good and their fees are very good value for money vs the quality of the advice received. I would have no hesitation in recommending Moore Barlow to clients.’

‘Heather Dobson is a joy to work with. Technically excellent, pro-active and commercial. Rebecca has assisted me on various matters and has always been able to work to tight timescales and deliver under pressure. Friendly personality and easy to work with.’

‘Good technical knowledge and very approachable / commercial.’

‘Very detailed knowledge of a highly technical area, good analysis, realistic, commercial approach and extremely hard-working. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Heather Dobson is extremely knowledgeable, committed, very approachable with an excellent analysis of client’s position.’

‘The restructuring team is approachable, reliable and willing to take a commercial view on fees.’

Key clients

Antony Batty & Co

Azets

Begbies Traynor

Cooper Young

FRP Advisory

Interpath Advisory

James Cowper Kreston

Kewans

Kirks

Mazars

McTear Williams & Wood

Menzies

Moore Kingston Smith

Moorfields Advisory

PKF GM

Portland Leonard Curtis

PWC

Quantuma

RSM Restructuring Advisory

SKSi

Smith & Williamson

Work highlights

  • Advised on a highly complex and contentious bankruptcy.
  • Advised liquidators of Experto Credite Limited on complex creditor claims.
  • Advised Fundsquire Limited who specialises in funding technology start-ups in respect of a borrower who defaulted.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP covers the entire spectrum of restructuring and insolvency such as security enforcements, distressed asset sales and related litigation with particular strengths in the insurance and financial services sector. The firm has also been increasingly involved in restructuring and refinancing mandates with a number of cross border assignments including jurisdictions such as Australia and Botswana. Tim Carter co-heads the practice with David Steinberg who specialises in distressed regulated financial institutions. Associate Matthew Padian is well-versed in handling reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Tim Carter; David Steinberg

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Padian

Testimonials

‘Complete level of experience and knowledge. Good coordination of strategy. Always seem to be ahead of the opposite side. Pleasure to deal with.’

‘David Steinberg has been as good as it gets in technical and resource knowledge and general efficiency.’

‘A well-supported and attentive team, able to respond quickly and comprehensively.’

‘Tim Carter is an affable, professional and highly-skilled practitioner. He is very supportive of his clients and has a strong, ‘can-do’ mentality. However, he always remains objective and is never vague in his recommendations.’

‘Technically on point and commercially focused. Drives a restructuring transaction from the centre to get to a swift and fair outcome. Hand offs between team members were seamless, allowing matters to be advanced at pace. Trusted and respected by all stakeholders, which is a rare thing in the contentious world of restructuring.’

‘Steinberg is a consummate negotiator. Confident in the legal position but commercially fair, he is pragmatic in delivering a balanced outcome and keeping parties on track. I would hire him every time.’

‘I was given excellent client service, prompt responses, and advice that was both commercial and technically strong.’

‘I have dealt mainly with Tim Carter who has provided excellent advice. Technically very capable, I have also been grateful for his commerciality and discussions around strategic approach. He is very approachable, responsive and has provided me with great service.’

Key clients

Airpush, Inc

Software Power Tools Limited

Pizza Hut UK Limited

BDO

The Directors of Sungard Availability Services (UK) Limited

Bank of Ireland

Grant Thornton

HCG Realisations 2021 Limited

Winchester MD Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Halsa Care Group Ltd and its administrators in relation to the sale of the business and assets.
  • Advising the administrators of CX Reinsurance Company Ltd on implementing a scheme of arrangement or restructuring plan.
  • Acted for Software Power Tools Ltd and its liquidators Quantuma, in pursuing Insolvency Act and Companies Act claims.

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP is a highly rated restructuring and insolvency practice with expertise in handling major administrations, advising boardrooms and advising on insolvent estates in litigation focused on antecedent transactions. Laurence Weeks and legal director Matthew Weston co-head the practice with experience in contentious and non-contentious matters. William Arran regularly acts for individuals facing insolvency claims.

Practice head(s):

Laurence Weeks; Matthew Weston

Other key lawyers:

William Arran

Testimonials

‘A resource with a wide knowledge and experience in many different areas of law and business.’

‘Matthew Weston is also on hand, methodical, knowledgeable, flexible and quick to respond.’

‘They are vastly experienced lawyers who provide excellent technical advice and are commercial. All round excellent lawyers.’

‘I was impressed with Will Arran’s attention to details. The case was basically handled by him with little partner involvement.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory

Price Bailey

CVR Global

Mazars

Ensors

RSM

Thornton Rones

McTear Williams & Wood

Haslers

RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP is home to a team of insolvency experts who act for the vast majority of insolvency practitioners in the Thames Valley area and Southampton. The practice represents banks, landlords, investors and directors of distressed companies including HSBC, Metro Bank PLC, Interpath and PwC. Practice head Katie James is well-versed in all forms of insolvency law including receiverships, bankruptcies, creditors and directors in relation to liquidations. Dan Geddes heads the firm’s offering in Southampton and represents insolvency practitioners in bringing claims against company directors and debtors. Andrew Murphy is a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Katie James

Other key lawyers:

Dan Geddes; Andrew Murphy; Chris Potts

Testimonials

‘Approachable and commercial.’

‘The team at Blake Morgan are clearly very capable and organised and are on top of the insolvency cases that they carry out. I always get my papers well ahead of hearings and the team are easily contactable.’

‘I work primarily with Katie Warner, Andrew Murphy and Katie James. They are all very personable and easy to work with. I am impressed by the quality of work that they produce.’

‘A contactable and very personable team. Keen to understand and meet requirements.’

‘Katie James is always very happy to assist and discuss situations, recognising the need to check with/bring in other colleagues where needed. This helps to inspire confidence in the advice being provided and develop trust in the relationship.’

‘Whilst many firms these days seem to be trying their hand at insolvency work, the insolvency team at Blake Morgan are a true first class offering and know their stuff inside out. Although still a relatively small team, their breadth and depth of knowledge makes them a stand-out player with an excellent grasp of legislation, practice and procedure.’

‘Katie James is quite simply a powerhouse of knowledge; and no matter how complex the matter, we know that our work is in safe hands and the best possible result will be achieved.’

‘The team are client friendly, efficient, highly effective and cost conscious.’

Key clients

Metro Bank Plc

Quantuma Advisory Limited

Begbies Traynor

RSM

Fraser Real Estate

Opus Restructuring & Insolvency

BDO

Rollings Butt LLP

Carter Clark

Ozo Innovations Limited

Global Corporate

Madar Corporation Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Rollings Butt LLP as the liquidators of STA Travel Limited.
  • Advised Quantuma Advisory Limited as the administrators of Arlington Infrastructure Limited in relation to a contentious appointment.
  • Advised Quantuma Advisory Limited as the administrators of QED Developments Limited in relation to an application for an injunction relating to the proposed sale of a property and the subsequent sale of the property.

Isadore Goldman

Isadore Goldman is a boutique insolvency and restructuring practice with expertise in undertaking complex insolvency disputes and litigation work. The team frequently handles personal insolvency, director disqualification claims and fraud matters. The firm is particularly well-versed in the property and banking sectors, acting for insolvency practitioners and purchasers of distressed businesses. Bankruptcy expert Nick Oliver leads the team with support from David Oliver who deals with business recovery and restructuring. Stephen Ryde-Weller handles non-contentious insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Nick Oliver

Other key lawyers:

David Oliver; Stephen Ryde-Weller

Testimonials

‘Responsive, helpful and also realistic about the issues to be dealt with.’

‘Nick Oliver is excellent, attentive and timely.’

‘Technically strong and very commercial/ approachable.’

‘Isadore Goldman have a strong reputation for insolvency work which has gone from strength to strength.’

‘I have worked alongside both Nick Oliver & Adam Macaw on a complex insolvency matter with us each representing different parties. Their approach has been collaborative, sensible and commercially astute. Whilst maintaining a clear focus on their own clients they have consistently been open to a joint approach with us.’

‘A highly effective team which dominates the insolvency market in the area.’

‘Adam McCaw is an incredibly hard-working, meticulous and effective contentious insolvency specialist. Always on top of his work, he stays ahead of the game and maintains a highly developed understanding of this area of the law.’

‘The level of knowledge and expertise across all levels of seniority makes working with Isadore Goldman a real team effort. The team is able to competently handle a broad range of insolvency matters, no matter how legally or factually complex.’

Key clients

Investec Bank Plc

Investec Asset Finance Plc

RSM

Portland Business and Finance Solutions

McTear, Williams & Wood

BDO

Griffins

Grant Thornton

Quantuma

Mazars

Purnells

Hereford Capital

Spotcap

Pay 4

FRP

Begbies Traynor

Haslers

Work highlights

  • Acted for insolvency practitioners at Grant Thornton as Trustees in bankruptcy of a high profile individual.
  • Acted for a number of banks and lenders including Investec to assist them with insolvency and restructuring issues including winding-up petitions.

Paris Smith LLP

Paris Smith LLP is a highly respected insolvency practice with a broad base of clients, acting for insolvency practitioners, directors, creditors, lenders, debtors and other stakeholders. Some of this work involves assisting insolvency office-holders in complying with their statutory duties and to effect realisations for the benefit of the creditor pool. The firm operates in a number of sectors including property and finance, Not-For-Profit, retail and leisure. Mike Pavitt heads the practice with expertise in contentious and non-contentious mandates in addition to technical advisory matters. Associate Christopher Parsons is a rated practitioner.

Practice head(s):

Mike Pavitt

Other key lawyers:

Christopher Parsons

Testimonials

‘A very approachable team with depth and strength of knowledge in the insolvency sector which is essential for my practice. Knowing that when I need their help I am going to receive quality and timely advice.’

‘A growing team that deserves more recognition, highly specialist and efficient. They act for all the major IPs on the south coast and cover both corporate and personal insolvency.’

‘Mike Pavitt is one of the leading insolvency lawyers on the South Coast. His knowledge of the area is detailed and vast, far exceeding many of his local competitors. Applied with practicality and care he achieves results others can only hope for. Chris Parsons is definitely one to watch out for the future. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable he will excel.’

‘This Southampton-based firm works hard at maintaining its longstanding and well-deserved reputation. Friendly, reliable and good value for money.’

‘Mike Pavitt is a great person to have on your side. He has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of insolvency law and is completely reliable and trustworthy.’

‘The team are a close-knit family who look after each other and their clients. This is evident in their collaborative approach and friendly bedside manner. Whilst other firms can appear as a forced group of individuals practicing in the same area, Paris Smith demonstrate a great team ethos and collective approach.’

‘Mike Pavitt is an exemplary solicitor who demonstrates very strong and thorough ethical and technical prowess with a sense of fun and genuine warmth in his dealings with clients.’

‘Chris Parsons has a keen understanding of the law and combines this with a pragmatic and commercial approach to his assignments, bringing great value to his clients.’

Key clients

Beacon Licensed Insolvency Practitioners LLP

Hampshire Trust Bank

Interbay Funding Limited

James Cowper LLP

Interpath Limited

RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP

Manolete Partners PLC

Portland Business & Financial Solutions Limited

Begbies Traynor Group PLC

SKSi Limited

Smith & Williamson LLP

Quantuma Advisory Limited / K3 Restructuring

Azets Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Manolete Partners PLC in a liquidation for breaches of duty against former directors and secured judgment with damages to be assessed against one de jure director.
  • Acted for Peter Hall Limited in connection with various legal issues and prospective claims against three directors.
  • Acted for Interpath Limited in connection with a lengthy dispute regarding a bankrupt’s estate assets.

Birkett Long LLP

Birkett Long LLP acts for insolvency practitioners as well as companies and individuals such as directors, partners, sole traders, creditors and debtors. The firm is predominantly known for its contentious recovery work with a reputation for pursuing recovery actions on behalf of office holders. Kevin Sullivan heads the practice and specialises in representing directors in connection with proceedings brought under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Sullivan

Testimonials

‘The firm has wide breath of knowledge and experience in a number of different areas of law and business meaning they can assist with most matters.’

‘Kevin Sullivan is technically very strong, methodical, and easy to work with.’

‘Birkett Long punches well above its weight in the field of insolvency and corporate recovery. They’re knowledgeable and commercially minded.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory Trading Ltd

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP

Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP

Larking Gowen LLP

LB Insolvency Solutions Ltd

Bretts Business Recovery Ltd

DKF Insolvency Ltd

Work highlights

  • Acted for the joint liquidators from Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP of a company in relation to misfeasance claims against the director.
  • Acted for two insolvency practitioners from FRP Advisory Trading Limited as liquidators of a company in the pursuit of a civil recovery claim against the directors.
  • Acted for two insolvency practitioners from Larking Gowen as liquidators of a company in the pursuit of a civil recovery claim worth £300,000 against the main director.

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP is an established restructuring and insolvency practice headed by David Murray . The team is experienced in advising clients including insolvency practitioners, banks, professional advisers, funders and company directors. The firm handles a range of contentious and non-contentious issues such as CVAs, administration, receivership, liquidations and debt recovery.

Practice head(s):

David Murray

Key clients

BDO LLP

Quantuma LLP

KRE Corporate Recovery LLP

Brachers

Brachers offers a full suite of pre and post appointment services to insolvency practitioners. The team’s day-to-day work generally involves realising assets for insolvent estates such as an interest in a property and undertaking forensic tasks such as asset tracing. Department head Michael Oatham  has extensive experience in corporate insolvency while Graham Wallis is well-versed in implementation, management and compliance with security regulatory requirements.

Practice head(s):

Michael Oatham

Other key lawyers:

Graham Wallis

Testimonials

‘Personable and technically capable team who take a commercial approach.’

‘Paul Abdey is an experienced practitioner who gets good results for his clients. Lacie Kerner is an astute litigator with an eye to the broader picture.’

‘The team at Brachers live and breathe officeholder briefs. They totally get what the client needs and deliver a quality work product with minimal fuss.’

Key clients

Mazars LLP

KPMG

Grant Thornton

Baker Tilly

BDO

Bretts Business Recovery

CCW Recovery Services

MHA MacIntyre Hudson

Kreston Reeves

Azets

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP offers a comprehensive service across all aspects of corporate and insolvency issues. The team advises directors, individuals, investors, lenders and security holders on both contentious and transactional matters. The firm holds a number of panel positions for banks and finance providers including high street and business banks. Practice head Oliver Jackson has a particular focus on contentious insolvency encompassing wrongful trading, antecedent transactions and the recovery of dividends and directors’ loans. James Colvin is an experienced insolvency litigator while Keith Pearlman handles unlawful dividends and directors loans.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Jackson

Other key lawyers:

Keith Pearlman; James Colvin

Testimonials

‘Great insolvency team.’

‘Keith Pearlman takes a fair and pragmatic approach and just gets the job done’

‘This practice is of the size where personal service is maintained at a senior level , with enough support to provide an efficient and affordable service. The practice provides services in a wide range of commercial, litigation and specialist areas.’

‘My chief contact is Keith Pearlman, who brings a wealth of experience to property, insolvency and other corporate matters. Keith is responsive and personable and I have enjoyed a great working relationship with him over many years.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory

Begbies Traynor

Quantuma LLP

Kreston Reeves LLP

WSM Marks Bloom

Firestones

Greenfield Recovery

Insolvency and Recovery Limited

White Maund

Work highlights

  • Acted for FRP Advisory in relation to a number of LPA receivership appointments and administration appointments.
  • Acted for Begbies Traynor in a wide range of instructions including administration appointments, antecedent claims against directors on behalf of office-holders and a wide range of bankruptcy applications.
  • Acted for Kreston Reeves in a wide range of insolvency applications and claims on their behalf as office holders.

Freeths LLP

Based in Milton Keynes, Freeths LLP has particular experience in the national drinks and hospitality sector, regularly acting on high-profile restructuring and reorganisations. The team is also well-versed in acting on purchases out of administration, phantom CVAs and winding-up petitions. Simon Hobbs heads the team with expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters with support from associate Adam Boyd who handles property litigation matters.

Practice head(s):

Simon Hobbs

Other key lawyers:

Adam Boyd

Testimonials

‘Great commercial awareness. Excellent client relations. Very good understanding of the client’s needs and objectives.’

‘Simon Hobbs has expert knowledge in this field. Sound, logical, commercial advice.’

Tom Holden is methodical with a good attention to detail.’

‘Freeths are a pleasure to work with, good at communicating with each other across offices and generally very proactive and thorough.’

‘Jonathan Hambleton is very considered, close to the detail but also has a great helicopter view of the overall project.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory Group Plc

Quantuma Advisory Limited

Mazars LLP

Opus Restructuring LLP

Wilkins Kennedy

Fortis Advisory Limited

PDT Solicitors

PDT Solicitors has a strong contentious and non-contentious insolvency offering with expertise in advising clients in the field of invoice finance and asset-based lending. The firm is frequently instructed on matters such as pursuing damages claims, personal insolvency matters, acting for directors in disqualification proceedings and drafting security documentation. Contentious corporate expert William Angas co-heads the practice with Dawn Shadwell who specialises in advising asset-based lenders on refinancing and restructuring matters. Ian Lindley and Craig Burton are notable practitioners.

Practice head(s):

William Angas; Dawn Shadwell

Other key lawyers:

Ian Lindley; Craig Burton

Testimonials

‘The team provides invaluable insolvency litigation advice and maintains diary entries without fail.’

‘Ben Ashworth is a tenacious and skilled lawyer and is always ready to give advice where needed. His approach may come across as fairly laid back but he is undoubtedly a determined and professional individual and key member of the team.’

‘Will Angas is a very good commercial litigator who understands the needs of his clients.’

‘Noel Ruddy is a very experienced commercial solicitor who brings his vast experience to each transaction.’

‘Always happy to adapt to the required fee structure, always quick to respond when advice is needed urgently and turn advice around quickly.’

‘Ian Lindley is always on hand to provide advice on complex matters and Will Angus proactively moves matters forwards.’

‘Knowledgeable team that will look to do its research and get response spot on, often going beyond the immediate point in hand to cover peripheral points.’

‘Ian Lindley is extremely knowledgeable, well informed, personable and keen to please and provide a great service.’

Key clients

Harrisons Business & Recovery Insolvency (London) Limited

Quantuma LLP

BDO LLP

SFP Restructuring Limited

Menzies LLP

Moorfields Advisory Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised SFP Restructuring in connection with an application to Court for an extension to the administration and Administrators’ subsequent submissions to Court.
  • Advised Quantuma with the negotiation of complex deeds of priority and a new financing facility.
  • Advised Leonard Curtis Recovery with an application to Court for an extension and with extensive property related matters relating to the leasehold premises.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a well-regarded insolvency and restructuring practice with strength in the key sectors of retail, property, technology, life sciences and healthcare. Oxford-based Rebecca Andrews-Walker  advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious restructuring matters while John Chater in Reading acts for insolvency practitioners, receivers and lenders.

Practice head(s):

Alex Fox; Matt Martin

Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Andrews-Walker; John Chater; David Kendall

Testimonials

‘In the case I worked on, the Insolvency and Restructuring Team were responsive and got to grips quickly with the client’s business even though in an unfamiliar and niche area. They provided excellent strategic advice to meet the client’s objectives.’

‘Andrea Nicholls is a senior associate with sound commercial sense and a great client manner.’

‘Absolute 100% dedication to achieving the very best outcome for every client’s case. The classic combination: vast knowledge of the law, exceptional common sense, hard work, confidence and calmness personified, and utterly charming.’

‘The Penningtons team showed clear expertise in the property aspects of a large scale, multi-jurisdictional liquidation. They were very easy to communicate with, responsive to queries and provided clear advice and instructions.’

‘Rebecca Andrews-Walker and Andrea Nicholls are both extremely capable and easy to work with. Supported by Matthew Letts, both were responsive and available to deal with queries throughout the duration of our instruction. They provided clear advice and practical solutions to any issues that were encountered.’

‘PMC’s insolvency team are innovative, tenacious and experienced. They know how to navigate clients safely through the insolvency process in order to maximise recoveries.’

‘Alex Fox is always enthusiastic about his cases. He brings an energy to them which ensures that positive results are achieved.’

‘The team punches above its weight, often acting in high-profile insolvencies or against well-resourced City firms in substantial disputes.’

Key clients

League Managers Association

Work highlights

  • Acted for the League Managers Association in a general capacity.

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors fields a multi-disciplinary team which advises on all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency including litigation, debt recovery and commercial property. Practice head Barry Niven is experienced in advising insolvency practitioners on the retrieval of assets for the benefit of the company estate. Robert Cherry acts for liquidators, administrators and trustees.

Practice head(s):

Barry Niven

Other key lawyers:

Robert Cherry

Key clients

KRE Corporate Recovery LLP

Debenhams Ottaway

The team at Debenhams Ottaway act on behalf of banks, financial investors, directors and insolvency practitioners on a range of work including directors claims, creditor actions and restructuring issues. Contentious expert Juliet Schalker co-heads the practice with Alex Neale who has built up a network of insolvency practitioners and accountants.

Practice head(s):

Juliet Schalker; Alex Neale

Testimonials

‘Alexander Neale heads up an extremely competent team focusing on insolvency and restructuring from the debt recovery end to large scale corporate restructuring.’

‘Alexander Neale is technically brilliant, charming and easy to deal with which means that as an opposing solicitor there is no game playing or unnecessary correspondence, just hard facts and options, which is very refreshing.’

‘I have instructed Debenhams Ottaway on many cases and they have never failed to deliver anything less than excellence. A practical, commercial and user friendly approach combined with expertise in the law, practice and procedure of contentious insolvency. ‘

‘I work with the commercial dispute resolution and insolvency teams. They are all hard-working, commercial and pragmatic lawyers who go the extra mile for clients. The firm has a good collegiate culture and a modern settlement-focused approach to litigation.’

‘Juliet Schalker is a brilliant leader of the dispute resolution team. She is super smart, client-focused and very commercial. She runs a happy, productive team.’

‘Alex Neale is a fantastic lawyer. Great to work with and always puts in the extra effort for clients. He is very capable and conscientious and is excellent at settling disputes.’

Key clients

Manolete Partners Plc

Access Property Finance Limited

Nicholas Nicholson

Work highlights

  • Acted for Manolete Partners Plc in an insolvency litigation against the sole director of a restaurant and bar.
  • Acted for a group of companies in defending claims against them for transaction at an under value.
  • Acted for Nicholas Nicholson as trustee in bankruptcy of Cheyne Ilett in an action to recover assets of the bankruptcy estate on behalf of creditors.

Downs Solicitors LLP

Chris Millar heads the corporate recovery and insolvency team at Downs Solicitors LLP with support from Godalming-based partner Martin Steer. Millar has extensive experience of contentious insolvency in both corporate and personal areas. He is supported by Julian Harvey who advises on acquisitions and disposals.

Practice head(s):

Chris Millar

Other key lawyers:

Martin Steer; Julian Harvey

Testimonials

‘Very practical and proactive.’

‘Chris Millar is down to earth, intelligent, practical and commercial.’

‘A technically good insolvency team.’

‘User friendly and capable partner group.’

‘They have all the appropriate technology in place allowing staff and clients to work flexibly. Additional lawyers have been recruited to support their already strong contentious team. They have always been understanding when billing for insolvency work.’

‘Chris Millar gives sound practical advice on how to proceed in difficult situations. He lets you know where you stand without any gobbledygook. Clearly has a great knowledge and understanding of insolvency law in particular and the law generally. He leads from the front an insolvency team which provides a very effective and efficient service. Laura Marchington has gained a good knowledge of both personal and corporate insolvency law. Laura is very efficient in dealing with the administration of contentious insolvency work and this efficiency assists her amicable approach when working with clients.’

‘A very reliable, user-friendly team which punches well above its weight in the quality of instructions that it is able to attract. The solicitors are always responsive and have good judgement in knowing what to leave to counsel and what to deal with themselves. Every barrister I know who has worked with enjoys working with them and trusts them to get the job done.’

‘Martin Steer is a robust, pragmatic solicitor who is always a pleasure to deal with. He is always responsive and calm under pressure. Whilst he has a good grasp of the substantive and procedural law he has the humility to take advice when needed.’

Key clients

Piper Thompson

PKF Geoffrey Martin

Begbies Traynor

Bailey Ahmed

MBI Coakley

WSM Marks Bloom

Crowe UK LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP is a notable corporate insolvency and restructuring practice which is instructed by national firms of insolvency practitioners and international accountancy firms. Ian Wood-Smith  leads the practice with vast experience in advising practitioners, funders and directors on corporate insolvencies and restructurings. Jeremy Parkes  advises on complex security validity while Bill Dixon  specialises in complex asset tracing.

Practice head(s):

Ian Wood-Smith

Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Parkes; Bill Dixon

Key clients

KRE Corporate Recovery Limited

Spratt Endicott

The team at Spratt Endicott draws on expertise from the corporate, employment and property litigation practices to advise clients in areas of contentious and transactional insolvency matters. Practice head Petra van Dijk‘s contentious experience includes defending winding-up petitions, transactions at an undervalue, applications for administration orders and freezing orders.

Practice head(s):

Petra van Dijk

Testimonials

‘Attentive pragmatic advice delivered with a friendly client led approach.’

Key clients

K & W Recovery Limited

BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency

Tees Law

Tees Law services both insolvency practitioners and individuals with a specialisation in acting for directors and individuals affected by insolvency issues. David Perry leads the practice where much of his work comes through referrals from accountants, insolvency practitioners and other solicitors.

Practice head(s):

David Perry

Testimonials

‘The team provide clear, reliable, commercial advice and are readily available to discuss case matters. The team strive to ensure the needs of its clients are met.’

‘Having worked with David Perry on a number of insolvency matters, I have found him to be extremely competent and provides in depth reliable advice to insolvency practitioners. David is extremely experienced in all areas of insolvency law and is able to assist with complex matters and can always advise on a suitable strategy.’

‘Tees have particular expertise in insolvency and restructuring. They are the go-to-guys for this in the East of England.’

‘David Perry is a stand out litigator. Commercially savvy, strategically canny and with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a director of a company in respect of insolvency proceedings brought against him by HMRC.
  • Advised the respondents in proceedings brought by the liquidators of a holiday business against its former directors and company secretary.
  • Provided bespoke insolvency advice to a parent company client on debts owed to its subsidiary.