Insolvency and corporate recovery in South West

Burges Salmon LLP

Offering the ‘highest level of technical advice’ to a client base that spans from financial institutions to distressed investors, Burges Salmon LLP handles an array of domestic and cross-border distressed situations, including administrations, debt restructuring and schemes of arrangement. Practice head Andrew Eaton has extensive experience of advising on formal insolvency in the public and private sector. Colin Ligman frequently leads on matters concerning commercial property, while Emily Scaife is especially well-placed to act for administrators.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Eaton


Other key lawyers:

Colin Ligman; James Sutherland; Clive Pugh; Emily Scaife; Nick Middleton


Testimonials

‘Great team; very responsive and very commercial. Their practical and economical approach is key.’

‘Emily Scaife is a very experienced and diligent restructuring lawyer; very calm and to the point. Emily has been invaluable for the resolution for our cases.’

‘Strength in depth throughout the team and the firm.’

‘Andy Eaton is bright, measured, commercial and always remains calm and confident. The attributes of a super team leader.’

‘Burges Salmon represent the highest level of technical advice and practical experience. The breadth of experience they bring to bear, and the calibre of the teams they can provide, are second to none.’

‘Nick Middleton was an invaluable colleague and genuinely a member of the team when working on a recent instruction. He was a great right-hand man and ally in an extremely challenging set of circumstances.’

 

Key clients

Cork Gully LLP


Arena Coventry Limited, Arena Coventry (2006) Limited and IEC Experience Limited


PwC


FRP Advisory


Work highlights


  • Acted for Stephen and Anthony Cork as joint administrators of Wireless Network Developments (UK) Ltd concerning the sale of certain assets to Sigfox Germany GmbH.
  • Acted for the joint administrators of Arena Coventry Limited and others on their appointment and the sale of the Arena business and assets to Frasers Group.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Known for its ability to handle pensions-related insolvencies, insolvency practitioner assignments, and other complex mandates – most recently for clients in the construction sector – Osborne Clarke LLP is also gaining momentum in work connected with distressed supply chains. Team lead Nigel Boobier, ‘a genuine market leader in the insolvency field’, frequently handles cases for clients from the built environment and the energy sector. Claire Bundy - whose practice focus encompasses both contentious and non-contentious work - notably advises on the sales and acquisitions of insolvent businesses.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Boobier


Other key lawyers:

Claire Bundy


Testimonials

‘High quality sector expertise and knowledge coupled with the ability to provide strategic rather than simply technical solutions.’

‘The London and Bristol based team works seamlessly to deliver superb client service.’

‘Nigel Boobier is superb at relationship management and has a tremendous understanding of the industry.’

‘Claire Bundy is the glue and star of the team.’

‘Osborne Clarke take a highly commercial approach, whilst also demonstrating a strong technical understanding of restructuring/insolvency.’

‘Nigel Boobier is a genuine market leader in the insolvency field and always demonstrates a remarkable level of skill and professionalism.’

‘A highly qualified and experienced team with particular expertise in relation to restructuring and court applications arising in the course of administrations.’

‘Claire Bundy is very experienced and always goes the extra mile to support her clients and get the best result for them.’

Key clients

Barclays


Interpath Limited t/a Interpath Advisory


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Deloitte LLP


Pension Protection Fund


Alder King LLP


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Rcapital


Begbies Traynor Group


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the directors of UKCloud Ltd through various funding and contingency planning issues and work relating to the directors’ petition for a funded compulsory liquidation.
  • Advising the administrators RSM in respect of their appointment, and a number of issues which have arisen post-administration.
  • Advised FRP in respect of the various administrations, including multiple sales processes whereby certain businesses, assets and subsidiary shares were sold.

TLT

Noted for its strong links to numerous financial institutions, TLT‘s ‘very responsive’ restructuring and insolvency practice caters to a diverse range of stakeholders. In addition, the practice has wide-ranging expertise in loan portfolio transactions, renewables sector restructurings, and CVA cases connected to the retail space. James Forsyth leads the team; he maintains a far-reaching practice, and is noted for his niche focus acting for receivers appointed under proceeds of crime legislation. Peter Carney is singled out for his international banking acumen, while Abigail Hadfield‘s client base includes a broad spectrum of lenders. Richard Clark and Tom Ward further strengthen the team.

Practice head(s):

James Forsyth


Other key lawyers:

Peter Carney; Abigail Hadfield; Richard Clark; Tom Ward; Danielle Borthwick


Testimonials

‘The team at TLT is very responsive and always puts the client needs first.’

‘TLT Bristol provide a first-class insolvency litigation service, are proactive and commercial with great attention to detail.’

‘James Forsyth’s attention to detail and his advice from both legal and commercial aspects is second to none; a pleasure to work with.’

 

Key clients

State Bank of India


Official Receiver – Public Interest Unit


boohoo


Axis Bank Limited


American Express


Santander


The Insolvency Service


The Pensions Regulator


FRP Advisory


Teneo (formerly Deloitte)


Interpath (formerly KPMG)


State Bank of India


Work highlights


  • Acting for a consortium of 13 Indian banks re the registration of an Indian Judgment in England & Wales against Dr Vijay Mallya, as well as obtaining a freezing injunction.
  • Acted for joint administrators on their appointment to Oxis Energy (UK) Limited; completed the sale of world-wide IPR and other assets to Johnson Matthew PLC.
  • Acted for the Public Interest Unit at the Official Receiver (OR) re the liquidation of eight companies involved in the provision of specialist cancer care treatment prior to the OR’s appointment.

Ashfords LLP

The ‘quality commercial service’ at Ashfords LLP is noted for its capabilities in transactional and restructuring matters, cross-border work, and litigation. Bristol-based practice head David Pomeroy handles a broad range of contentious and non-contentious work, including pre-pack administrations. The Exeter-based Anna Thompson, who specialises in finance and restructuring, joined the team from Michelmores LLP in January 2023, while contentious insolvency expert Nicola Brastock and Melissa George joined from Thrings LLP in November 2022 and May 2023, respectively. Meanwhile, Katie Farmer and Alan Bennett left in July and December 2022, respectively.

Practice head(s):

David Pomeroy


Other key lawyers:

Anna Thompson; Nicola Brastock; Melissa George


Testimonials

‘The Ashfords team has quality lawyers providing a quality commercial service.’

‘David Pomeroy is really excellent. He has great technical knowledge, quality of service and practical solutions to complex situations. He deals with difficult defendants in a polite but decisive way, and his approach leads to clear solutions quickly.’

‘An excellent insolvency team; good partners and excellent support.’

‘The team at Ashfords has always been well known for the quality of their legal advice.’

 

Key clients

Albert Goodman LLP


Azets (formerly Wilkins Kennedy)


Begbies Traynor LLP


Bishop Fleming LLP


Bishop Fleming LLP


Evelyn LLP (formerly Smith & Williamson LLP)


Grant Thornton UK LLP


FRP Advisory


Manolete Partners plc


Mazars


Menzies LLP


Milsted Langdon LLP


PKF Francis Clark LLP


Quantuma LLP


Turpin Barker Armstrong


Westcotts


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended joint Administrators (at Begbies Traynor) who were challenged on validity of their appointment and their conduct by shareholders.
  • Advising Tim Sloggett and Richard Easterby of Quantuma on the pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of a tech company.
  • Successfully defended an individual client who faced claims brought by Liquidators in excess of £3.8m.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Regarded by clients as ‘innovative and commercial', Clarke Willmott LLP‘s restructuring and insolvency team’s varied workload sees them advising on breach of duty claims against directors, pre-packs, and civil recovery claims for multiple clients. The team is co-led by Martin Askew, described as a ‘leader in the sector’, and Ken MacLennan,whose expertise extends to CVAs and trading bankruptcies. Contentious insolvency expert Ruth Hartnell-Thorne and the ‘fiercely pragmatic' Stephanie Bishop are further key contacts at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Martin Askew; Ken MacLennan


Other key lawyers:

Ruth Hartnell-Thorne; Stephanie Bishop


Testimonials

‘An excellent team with great strength and depth. Certainly one of the best in the UK.’

‘Martin Askew is probably one of the best solicitors I have ever worked with. His knowledge is unsurpassable.’

‘Stephanie Bishop is a shining star. She is fiercely pragmatic, a great team player and widely knowledgable.’

‘High quality partners. Martin Askew is a leader in the sector. Ken MacLennan is commercial and astute.’

‘I enjoy working with Ken MacLennan, he takes the time to take an interest in me as well as the work, and I feel that we can work together as a team to get the job done.’

‘Clarke Willmott’s full service provision, high quality advice, local nous and premier status in the South West, make them both an exceptional option for nationally located work, but also as an option for regional work.’

‘Ken MacLennan continues to provide an excellent, commercially minded and high-quality service offering in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring services.’

Key clients

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


C F Moller A/S


CVR Global LLP


Evelyn Partners (formerly Smith & Williamson)


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Interpath Ltd (t/a Interpath Advisory)


Kingston Smith & Partners


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group


Mazars LLP


Menzies LLP


MHA MacIntyre Hudson


Neveya Cosmetics Co PTY Ltd


Quantuma LLP


The Insolvency Service


WSM Marks Bloom LLP


Work highlights


  • Advising the Rugby Players Association, and by extension its members, on the insolvencies of Worcester RFC and Wasps RFC.
  • Acting for the joint liquidators of two companies in liquidation operating as cryptocurrency exchange platforms and joint trustees of the bankrupt director.
  • Acting for a liquidator from Moore Kingston Smith in pursuing claims against over 60 respondents (initially) who had used a NIC and PAYE avoidance scheme.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP provides assistance to insolvency practitioners with contentious issues, advising clients on matters such as formal insolvencies, accelerated M&A, and restructurings. The practice offers specialised expertise in the health, insurance, retail, and manufacturing sectors, among others. The Bristol-based team is jointly led by ‘sharp operator’ Giles Hindle and Kevin Hawthorn, who is praised for ‘supporting insolvency practitioners and business owners’ through a range of processes. Chris Stoate is a further key contact.

Practice head(s):

Giles Hindle; Kevin Hawthorn


Other key lawyers:

Chris Stoate


Testimonials

‘The most respected insolvency and restructuring team in the South West. Their support and insight is a huge advantage on any assignment.’

‘Kevin Hawthorn has built an incredible and well-deserved reputation for supporting insolvency practitioners and business owners through no end of different processes, and never fails to be there when I need him.’

‘DAC Beachcroft have an excellent reputation in the insolvency and restructuring sector. They provide honest, quick, thorough and pragmatic advice to achieve the best results for all stakeholders.’

Key clients

Evelyn Partners LLP


Paragon Development Finance


Mitie Group Plc


Quantuma


PWC


Teneo


Natwest Trustee and Depository Services


Royal Mail Group


Dura Automotive


Equifax


Nuffield Health


CHG – Meridian


SIKA


Shiloh Industries


AJ Gallagher


Wincanton Plc


Baker Tilly


Boost & Co


Leonard Curtis


Mazars


David Exell Associates


Hawkins Insolvency


Milsted Langdon


Warrington Borough Council


Savills


Hazlewoods


Moore Kingston Smith


Work highlights


  • Advising Gallagher on a cross-jurisdictional reorganisation involving 45 group companies.
  • Advising Evelyn Partners LLP on the winding-down of the business of General Satellite Corporation in the UK and France.
  • Advising Tiffany & Bosco (US) on Letters of Request following US Bankruptcy Code Rule 2004 examination and document production against UK registered financial institutions.

Foot Anstey

Boardroom advisory work, special administrations of investment banks, and company turnarounds make up some of the varied work handled by the ‘strong and responsive' restructuring and insolvency team at Foot Anstey. Practice head Joanne Rumley is a special administrations expert who is praised for her ability to give sensible ‘advice to directors in very pressurised times’. Tim Pritchard has longstanding experience of advising banks on lending issues in distressed situations, while Lydia Lloyd has a notable focus on pre-pack administration and administration sales, especially in the charity and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Rumley


Other key lawyers:

Tim Pritchard; Lydia Lloyd


Testimonials

‘I often see strong collaboration across teams in Foot Anstey, finding the right blend of experience and expertise to deliver clear, valuable advice.’

‘The individuals understand their clients and ensures that their advice meets client expectations.’

‘Technically very strong and responsive. Good guidance on practical application of the law to all scenarios.’

‘Joanne Rumley and Tim Pritchard are knowledgeable and attentive, with first-class advice across the board. Particularly strong in financial services restructuring advice.’

‘Jo has a very nice bedside manner about her, giving advice to directors in what are usually very pressurised timescales. It is her sensible, pragmatic and easy to understand advice that makes her stand out.’

‘In-depth technical knowledge and hugely well-connected, and with supporting teams in other areas that the firm can rely upon.’

‘A great mix of practical advice and technical knowledge, and they look to make connections to suitable other professionals to ensure the job gets done.’

Key clients

Evelyn Partners LLP


FRP Advisory LLP


Interpath Ltd


BDO LLP


PKF Geoffrey Martin & Co Limited


Alvarez and Marsal


Mazars LLP


Quantuma Advisory Limited


Kroll Advisory Limited


Richard J Smith & Co


Manolete Partners plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for both Holdings and MAL in relation to their joint acquisition of the business and certain assets of Proquo AI Limited.
  • Assisting the joint special administrators (“SAs”) of Reyker in a distribution of client monies and assets using separate processes.
  • Assisted with the negotiation of a pre-pack administration sale of stock and plant & machinery of Bearmach to Border Holdings (U.K.) Ltd.

Keystone Law

Office holders, companies, lenders and creditors put their faith in the ‘tenacious' Keystone Law to handle a broad range of contentious, advisory and transactional insolvency mandates. The ‘well-respected’ Stephen Young is the key contact in the South West, advising insolvency office holders and other stakeholders affected by insolvency forms the bedrock of his practice.

Other key lawyers:

Stephen Young


Testimonials

‘Stephen Young is well respected in the region; he has a can-do attitude and is very responsive.’

‘Hardworking, tenacious, robust in all legal matters.’

 

Key clients

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Hazlewoods LLP


Evelyn Partners


Countrywide Group Limited


MHA Monahans


Undebt.co.uk


Resolve Group


Manolete Partners


Work highlights


  • Acting for a shareholder of a former car hire business to seek the urgent appointment of a Provisional Liquidator to successfully recover £5m of funds.
  • Acting for a UAE creditor in connection with a hostile administration order application and in an application that concerned the validity of our client’s floating charge.
  • Pursuing transaction at an undervalue proceeding in connection with the pre-liquidation transfer of an insolvent company’s business.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

The Cheltenham-based team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP maintains a broad practice, acting for insolvency practitioners on transactions, advising directors on issues related to formal insolvency, and handling an array of contentious work such as asset recovery and security enforcement. Practice head Daniel Moore is praised for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of cross-border insolvency and financial markets.' Ben Moore and Hannah Gornall bolster the group's disputes offering.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Moore


Other key lawyers:

Ben Moore; Hannah Gornall; Carris Peacey; Joseph Evans


Testimonials

‘The insolvency team at Charles Russell Speechlys are a match for any top City law firm in this area. They punch way above their weight. The partners and associates are all first-rate.’

‘Dan Moore has unparalleled knowledge of cross-border insolvency and financial markets, as well as a solid grounding in general commercial law.’

‘Recent associates of note are Joseph Evans and Carris Peacey. Both write extremely well, are always up on the issues, and are future partners in the making.’

 

Key clients

RSM Restructuring & Advisory


Begbies Traynor


Quantuma


Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Handling a wide array of contentious and non-contentious insolvency work, the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is increasingly focused on early involvement in restructurings. Practice chair Robin Koolhoven's broad Cheltenham-based practice includes advising on fixed charge receivership appointments. Deanne Hamilton has significant expertise in director disqualification work, while Paul Grundy specialises in contentious work such as breach of trust matters.

Practice head(s):

Robin Koolhoven


Other key lawyers:

Deanne Hamilton; Paul Grundy


Testimonials

‘The team can call on a wide variety of talent. There is plenty of diversity amongst the team and they are solution driven.’

‘Robin Koolhoven is a practical adviser and can see commercial solutions to difficult problems.’

 

Key clients

BDO LLP


Grant Thornton


Teneo


Mazars


Menzies


Durkan Cahill


McAlister & Co


RSM Restructuring and Insolvency LLP


Begbies Traynor Central LLP (Bristol Office)


Quantuma


Work highlights


  • Advising the joint administrators of a property investment company on the realisation of a property asset and issuing a paragraph 71 application to sell the property free from security.
  • Advising the joint administrators of Arboretum Devon Limited on a professional negligence claim relating to valuation of property interests.
  • Advising the joint liquidators of TNG Realisations Limited on asset recovery and realisation of a significant property portfolio.

Stephens Scown LLP

Stephens Scown LLP‘s ‘tenacious but fair and balanced’ practice handles a wide range of insolvency and restructuring matters, including advising liquidators on investigations into director conduct. Andrew Knox, who chairs the practice from the firm’s Exeter office, has significant experience of insolvency in the mining and minerals sector. Qualified mediator Toby Claridge‘s contentious expertise is frequently drawn upon by banks, insolvency practitioners, and LPA receivers. Sean Jenner is active across both corporate and personal insolvencies.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Knox


Other key lawyers:

Toby Claridge; Sean Jenner


Testimonials

‘Very competent in their field.’

‘Andrew Knox is friendly and approachable with many years experience. He comes up with novel and sensible solutions to difficult issues.’

‘Great experience and superb ability to be creative whilst achieving the desired outcome. Tenacious but fair and balanced.’

Key clients

Corporate Recovery Specialists Limited t/a Purnells


Richard J Smith & Co LLP


Bishop Fleming LLP


PKF Francis Clark LLP


Lameys


Leonard Curtis Business Recovery Limited


Thomas Westcott Business Recovery LLP


Moorfields Advisory Limited


Brailey Hicks Limited


Jones Giles Clay Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the administrators on appointment process and procedure together with undertaking a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of a chain of opticians to a third party.
  • Acting for the liquidators in a successful case at trial against the estate of a deceased director to recover damages following the director’s misfeasance/breach of duty to the company.
  • Advised the administrators of on appointment process and procedure together with undertaking a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of an accountancy practice.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘technically astute and commercially sensible‘ practice handles a range of transactional mandates, advisory work, contentious insolvency matters, and restructurings. Katie Farmer joined the practice from Ashfords LLP in July 2022; her recruitment is praised for adding ‘focus and expertise‘ to the South West team. Co-department heads Dan Butler and Navinder Grover are based in Manchester and London, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Dan Butler; Navinder Grover


Other key lawyers:

Katie Farmer


Testimonials

‘Very technically astute and commercially sensible.’

‘Able to work on complex matters and deliver projects well, but also willing to work on straightforward matters and see through to completion.’

‘The addition of Katie Farmer provides focus and expertise to the team in the South West. Since her arrival, the team’s work has expanded significantly. The go-to team in Exeter.’

‘Katie Farmer is very experienced and a safe pair of hands. She provides a practical and commercial service to her clients.’

Key clients

Richard J Smith & Co


Bishop Fleming LLP


Milsted Langdon LLP


Menzies LLP


Kirks


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


KPM Business Recovery


Castle Hill Insolvency Limited


Brailey Hicks


Azets


Work highlights


  • Acted for Kirks in bankruptcy proceedings on a realisation of solely owned matrimonial home where the spouse claimed a beneficial interest.
  • Acted for Richard J Smith in connection with a sale of assets of an insolvent company.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is well regarded for its work with distressed energy suppliers, as well as its broader capabilities in restructurings and insolvency cases – including multi-jurisdictional and contentious mandates. Bristol-based team lead Alan Bennett joined from Ashfords LLP in December 2022; among his wide-ranging focus, he notably advises on matters involving distressed law firms. Bennett’s practice benefits from Christopher Towner‘s energy acumen, Craig Moore‘s real estate expertise, and Stephen Dilley‘s longstanding experience in contentious work.

Practice head(s):

Alan Bennett


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Towner; Craig Moore; Stephen Dilley


Key clients

Santander UK plc


Lloyds Banking Group


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP


Teneo Restructuring Limited


Interpath LLP


PwC LLP


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


FRP Advisory LLP


Grant Thornton (UK) LLP


Begbies Traynor


Evelyn Partners


The Insolvency Service, an executive agency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy


Work highlights


  • Instructed to prepare a court application for directions concerning a number of untested issues in the domestic energy supplier sector.