Andy Bates leads the restructuring practice at Addleshaw Goddard, an ‘excellent’ team with a specialism for distressed real estate work. Acting for both creditors and debtors, the team is appreciated by its bank, corporate entity and board clients for its commercial approach and its ability to 'value add in challenging, time-pressured situations'. Legal director Emma Sadler, managing associate Dan Saunders, and associate Emma Atkinson complete the group.
Insolvency and corporate recovery in Yorkshire And The Humber
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Andy Bates
Other key lawyers:
Emma Sadler; Emma Atkinson; Dan Saunders
Testimonials
‘They have an excellent understanding and are always readily available to provide ad hoc advice. Excellent firm.’
‘Andy Bates stands out, always responsive, extremely knowledgeable, personable and happy to provide ad hoc advice where appropriate. Also, very commercial.’
‘Dan Saunders stands out as a managing associate. If there is a knowledge gap he will go out of his way to find the answer and provide a response. Emma Atkinson also stands out as an associate. Responsive, happy to take responsibility, hands on.’
‘Breadth of experience across the firm locally, nationally and overseas. I have been impressed with the individuals from junior grades through to partner all of which add value across the engagement lifecycle.’
‘Ability to bring multi-disciplinary approach to situations at pace has been a real value add in challenging, time-pressured situations. Transparent in dealings, time charging and pragmatic in terms of billing which provides strong advice and value for money.’
‘Standout partners and directors are Andy Bates and Emma Sadler.’
‘They are commercial in their approach, responsive and build relationships based on doing the right thing and also foster open, honest conversations with clients thus creating an environment where their advice is highly value and often sought.’
‘I have worked on a number of complex situations with the individuals and their ability to focus on what really matters and take a commercial, pragmatic approach has been incredibly helpful in formulating key strategies and options. They also make themselves available and have been a useful sounding board when working through key options and strategies.’
Key clients
Interpath Advisory
Grant Thornton
BDO LLP
FRP Advisory
Ernst & Young
Begbies Traynor
PwC
Teneo
Azets
Sunrise Senior Living Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Ernst & Young. as administrators of Complete Business Solutions, on the sale of the business and assets to Evo Business Supplies.
- Advised Interpath, as administrators of Troy Foods, on the sale of the business and assets to Fylde Fresh and Fabulous.
- Advised BDO, as administrators of John Munroe Group, on the appointment and sale of various care home properties following the closure of the homes.
Clarion
Clarion‘s Leeds-based business restructuring and insolvency team is led by Ryan Millmore, who specialises in administrations and restructuring assignments, with notable experience working with clients in the retail sector. Millmore acts as joint managing partner alongside ‘outstanding leader’ Roger Hutton, a specialist in pre-insolvency situations. Ben Slack regularly advises both insolvency practitioners and corporates on business and asset sales and acquisitions in the insolvency space. Alice Pratt's broad practice spans administrations, receiverships and liquidations. The team has particular strength in working for alternate and asset-based lenders. Senior associate Estelle Oates is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ryan Millmore
Other key lawyers:
Roger Hutton; Alice Pratt; Ben Slack; Estelle Oates; Victoria Kay; Emma Lowe; Philip Mudd
Testimonials
‘Roger Hutton has a wealth of experience, a very sound commercial approach to solving issues and fantastic people skills, especially with lay clients.’
‘The team has great strength and depth. Particularly strong for contentious insolvency, with a number of very experienced individuals within the team. This I would say makes Clarion the lead contentious insolvency law firm in the region.’
‘Ryan Millmore, Emma Lowe, Estelle Oates and Alice Pratt all stand out as leading senior advisors in the contentious insolvency arena. All are both expert in their field and user friendly. Roger Hutton also remains highly regarded for his wisdom and experience; also his market contacts within both insolvency and Yorkshire commerce more widely.’
‘Clarion’s insolvency team is a unique and dynamic group of lawyers who are passionate about helping clients navigate the complexities of insolvency and restructuring matters. The team has a wealth of experience in advising a broad range of clients, including insolvency practitioners, creditors, directors, and individuals, across a variety of industries.’
‘What sets Clarion’s insolvency team apart is their commitment to finding innovative and commercial solutions to complex insolvency issues. They understand that every client and situation is unique, and they work closely with clients to tailor their advice to their specific needs and goals. The team is known for its proactive and strategic approach, and they are not afraid to take a creative and collaborative approach to problem solving.’
‘I have dealt particularly with Ryan Millmore, Estelle Oates and Emma Lowe. They are all fantastic and are my favourite Leeds-based law firm for onsolvency. They are superb in their approach to cases and I would recommend them to anyone.’
‘Roger Hutton is an outstanding leader: excellent judgment, very collaborative, knows when to speak and when to listen.’
‘Emma Lowe is extremely hard working, very personable and devoted to her client’s cause. Roger Hutton is very creative, has sound legal and commercial knowledge, and knows when (as partner) he needs to get involved, and when not.’
Key clients
Interpath (formerly KPMG)
Begbies Traynor
Teneo (formerly Deloitte)
RSM
Armstrong Watson
Ernst & Young
Mazars
FRP Advisory LLP
Alvarez & Marsal
Kingsbridge Corporate Solutions Limited
Leonard Curtis
Manolete
Orsted Power
Frasers Group
Leo Group
Baker Tilly
Opus
Work highlights
- Advising Redcentric on its acquisition of Sunguard Availability (UK) Services from its administrators Teneo.
- Advising Frasers Group on its acquisition of the business and assets of online fashion retailer Missguided.
- Acting for VE Vegas Investors IV in a £126m claim against former administrators.
DLA Piper
Barney Smedley leads the restructuring team at DLA Piper in Leeds, providing ‘invaluable’ advice and insight regarding high-value, often cross-border insolvency and restructuring mandates. ‘Commercial and engaging’ James Davison has particular expertise assisting retail and hospitality clients. The team is able to bring in experts from around the firm’s network locally and nationally in order to provide specialist advice to a wide range of clients, from consumer-facing sectors to public equity bodies and private equity sponsors.
Practice head(s):
Barney Smedley
Other key lawyers:
James Davison; Ruth Ranton; Susannah Dingley
Testimonials
‘James Davison is a joy to work with. He’s not only a great lawyer but he’s commercial and gets to grips with relevant elements of the business quickly. He’s responsive and thoughtful and considers all issues carefully. James is genuinely helpful, offering guidance and thought from all angles, whilst not sitting on the fence.’
‘The team at DLA have been exceptional on recent cases that I have worked with them on. In particular we have recently worked together on an extremely intense case that had created significant workloads against tight timelines for the DLA team. The team reacted extremely quickly to all requests and were available to discuss this case at short notice to meet the timelines that the case required. I enjoy working with the team at DLA who have provided excellent service and advice.’
‘Barney Smedley recently worked with me on an extremely challenging case which evolved over a period of time with a client who proved very difficult. Against this challenging backdrop, Barney’s expert advice and insight proved invaluable, often having to be provided at very short notice. Barney’s proactive solutions to the problems posed were also valued.’
‘Technically able, big-ticket practice.’
‘This team has an exceptional reputation in the region and nationally for restructuring innovation, best practice and delivery. This has been many years in the making and has been maintained through promotion of internal talent and new hires.’
‘James Davison: commercial and engaging, with a personal commitment to giving back to the community, including the promotion of best practice in relation to company rescue, and the promotion of and support for new talent.’
‘Barney Smedley: smart and focused. Barney has a strong profile and reputation for delivery across restructuring situations, and plays a significant role in developing the turnaround community in the region.’
‘Very experienced and knowledgeable team. They work collaboratively and amend/adjust strategies and advice as required through, often, challenging situations.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Teneo Advisory
FTI Consulting LLP
FRP Advisory
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
National Westminster Bank Plc
Kroll
Clydesdale Bank PLC (trading as Virgin Money)
Michael Chamberlain & Co
Work highlights
- Assisting Teneo Financial Advisory with the pre-packaged sale of the Missguided retail brand to Frasers Group for £20m, which was transacted through an acquisition from various companies in administration and one BVI entity acting by receivers.
- Advised Clydesdale Bank, trading as Virgin Money, as secured creditor, on the restructuring plan proposed by Houst.
- Advised FTI Consulting on the sale of Gieves & Hawkes.
Walker Morris LLP
The restructuring and insolvency team at Walker Morris LLP in Leeds comprises ‘outstanding individuals’ who deliver an ‘excellent service’, evidenced this year by their landmark work in delivering the GoodBox restructuring plan, which was the first of its kind sanctioned outside of London. Gawain Moore and Duncan Lole jointly lead the group; the former has particular expertise regarding cross-border insolvencies, while the latter oversees the specialist financial services and regulated sector insolvency practice, with a focus on FCA-regulated businesses, assisted by director Olivia Prescott and senior associate Ashley Armitage. ‘Exceptional lawyer’ Claire Askew was promoted to partner in May 2022, and regularly takes the lead on bank-led restructuring work. Director Olivia Prescott is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Gawain Moore; Duncan Lole
Other key lawyers:
Claire Askew; Michael Taylor; Olivia Prescott; Ashley Armitage; Simon Clark; Oliver Wheeler; Owen Ormond
Testimonials
‘Very hands-on involvement from the partners down; really good tacticians and technical knowledge of insolvency; brilliant at responding and drafting and advisory services really solid.’
‘The insolvency team is close knit and comprises outstanding individuals, with the confidence and ability to deliver on heavyweight and challenging insolvency litigation.’
‘Straight talking, no nonsense, sound advice from good people.’
‘Claire Askew is an exceptional lawyer. She understands all aspects of her practice and you can rely on her to provide you with sound commercial advice in an easy to understand way.’
‘The team at Walker Morris are adept at dealing with fast paced, complex situations. They invariably grasp the commercials quickly and use their experience and expertise to provide easy-to-digest and robust advice to their clients.’
‘Gawain Moore and Oliver Wheeler go above and beyond to support their clients. Based on my experience of working with them both, it is unsurprising that they were integral to the first creditor-led restructuring plan in the country.’
‘Excellent service. Colleagues used to London firms were very impressed and refreshed by ease of access and direct approach.’
‘Claire Askew can be relied upon to provide top quality, clear advice in a timely manner with an appropriate degree of commerciality.’
Key clients
Endless LLP
Teneo (formerly Deloitte restructuring)
Interpath (formerly KPMG restructuring)
FRP
Santander
Harrisons Business Recovery & Insolvency
EY
Grant Thornton
Iona Capital
Together Finance
Alvarez & Marsal
Alix Partners
Work highlights
- Advised NGI Systems & Solutions on all aspects of the creditor-led GoodBox restructuring plan.
- Advised Alix Partners on the administration of the high-cost lender Indigo Michael, including assisting with continued consumer lending by the administrators.
- Advised Alvarez & Marsal on the pre-pack sale of businesses within the Newbridge Energy Group, which also included a debt for equity swap.
Freeths LLP
The restructuring and insolvency team at Freeths LLP is led by Oliver Jackson in Sheffield, and Helen Bates in Leeds. The team specialises in complex corporate insolvency and restructuring for clients in industries from retail to construction, as well as the banking and financial services sectors. Managing associate Isobel Callaghan has experience leading on high-value work in this space, both contentious and non-contentious.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Jackson; Helen Bates
Other key lawyers:
Isobel Callaghan; Thomas Childs
Testimonials
‘They are personable and very easy to work with. Restructuring and insolvency knowledge and expertise is second to none without the jargon and they work hand in hand to solve matters.’
‘Helen Bates is an expert in her field and kept me informed from start to finish. Very professional.’
‘Open, honest and transparent advice is given. Fee quotes are transparent and adhered to, without any surprises materialising when a bill is received. Most importantly advice is commercially realistic.’
Key clients
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Interpath Ltd
BDO LLP
Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Begbies Traynor (SY) LLP
Smith & Williamson LLP
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Quantuma Advisory Ltd
Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited
James Cowper LLP t/a James Cowper Kreston
Manolete Partners PLC
Redwood Bank Limited
Wilson Field Limited
Maxim IP Limited t/a Maxim Business Recovery & Insolvency
BHP Corporate Solutions LLP
Seneca IP Ltd
The Springs Partnership Limited (trading as Graywoods)
ELS Advisory Limited
Focus Insolvency Group
Opus Restructuring LLP (Nottingham)
Clough Corporate Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advising TGTC on the acquisition of the business and assets of The Garden Trading Company, which is in administration.
- Advising the administrator of Bio Pack, a company which manufactures and distributes compostable eco-friendly sustainable packaging.
Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal‘s business restructuring team is based in Leeds and led by Matthew Brown. The team has specialist expertise regarding distressed debt and equity work, alongside a strong insolvency litigation practice. ‘Fantastic’ Matt Leech manages the team’s principal bank relationships, and was promoted to partner in May 2022. Associate Kulsam Mulla has a particular focus on dishonesty and fraud work, including multi-jurisdictional carousel fraud.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Brown
Other key lawyers:
Matt Leech; Kulsam Mulla; Liz Russell
Testimonials
‘We’ve found the Gateley Leeds office restructuring practice excellent to deal with and Matt Leech in particular proving very effective in providing clear commercial advice, often in some pretty time-critical situations.’
‘Matt Leech is a safe pair of hands when advising appointment takers in recovery situations. Always on hand with the provision of sound commercial advice.’
‘Gateley Legal has an extensive team with the necessary skills. The team are very thorough and provide strong legal advice. The team took the time to understand the business and the challenges faced by the business during the transaction.’
‘Matt Leech is very knowledgeable and strong on the detail while appreciating the bigger picture. The support and advice from Matt extended beyond legal – his commercial acumen and strategic perspectives were invaluable. Matt is personable and pleasant to work with. Matt is very accessible and queries are usually dealt with on the same or next day. We would highly recommend Matt Leech and look forward to working with him again in the future.’
‘Gateley Legal is a trusted adviser willing to work effectively and taking a team approach to the assignments. The firm is highly professional and approachable and commands respect, and has operated at a consistently high level over a number of years.’
‘Gateley Legal has strength in depth, its lawyers are very supportive, technically excellent and solution oriented. Relationships are uniformly strong.’
‘The team offer a great mix of technical know-how with strong commerciality and a commitment to great service.’
‘Matt Leech is fantastic to work with. Knowledgeable, amiable and extremely pragmatic. Liz Russell is an excellent associate.’
Key clients
BDO LLP
Interpath Advisory Limited
RSM UK Restructuring & Recovery LLP
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Teneo Restructuring Limited
Lloyds Banking group
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Handelsbanken plc
Aldermore Bank PLC
Work highlights
- Advised BDO on the administration of three operating companies within a national bus and transport group.
- Advised the directors of a 36-store specialist shoe retailer, Shuropody Retail, and subsequently RSM UK Restructuring Advisory, the joint administrators, on the accelerated sale of the company through administration.
- Advised the directors of internet retailer XBite, and subsequently Interpath Advisory, the joint administrators, on the accelerated sale of the company.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell‘s ‘excellent’ restructuring and insolvency offering is headed up by Doug Robertson in Leeds and Tom Paton in Sheffield. The Leeds team specialises in acting for banks and other lenders, with particular expertise in LPA/FCR work. In Sheffield, the team assists insolvency practitioners both locally and nationally with corporate restructuring and insolvency assignments. Andrew Walker leads the national practice.
Practice head(s):
Doug Robertson; Tom Paton; Andrew Walker
Other key lawyers:
Byron Massarella; Sophie McKelvey; Philip Middleton;
Testimonials
‘Excellent team with diverse skills in commercial and contentious insolvency litigation. Transparent billing and always available for advice/updates.’
‘Tom Paton and Byron Massarella and their support staff are a formidable team with keen knowledge of insolvency and related legislation and are a pleasure to work with.’
‘The team handles a high volume of excellent quality insolvency work. The work includes complex and challenging multi-party litigation including in relation to the litigation of tax avoidance schemes and cross-border matters.’
‘They are very client focused, delivering commercial outcomes tailored to the interests of clients and offering a range of fee options. The excellent reputation of the team among their peers and sensible commercial approach has also facilitated the swift settlement of claims on excellent terms for the clients.’
‘The team is brilliantly led by the popular and energetic Tom Paton. Tom manages a large caseload with the help of his very able team. Tom is available and on-hand to offer strategic advice based on his wealth of experience.‘
‘Byron Massarella’s command of the law and procedure is second to none and he works tirelessly for clients on his cases. He gives clear and detailed instructions to counsel and is particularly skilled at the tone of correspondence, including in challenging circumstances such as dealing with defaulting litigants in person.’
Key clients
Interpath
RSM
Mazars
FRP
Begbies Traynor
BDO
Duff and Phelps
Grant Thornton
Evelyn Partners (Smith & Williamson)
Wilson Field
Chamberlain & Co
EY
Bridgewood
PWC
Graywoods
Armstrong Watson
Quantuma
Opus
Manolete Partners plc
HSBC Bank plc/HSBC UK Bank plc
National Westminster Bank plc
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Metro Bank plc
SME Invoice Finance Limited
Close Brothers Invoice Finance
Lloyds Bank plc
Shawbrook
Alvarez and Marsal Europe LLP
BHP Corporate Solutions LLP
Asertis
Work highlights
- Advised the joint administrators of Delicious Alchemy.
- Advised the directors of a company on duties and actions to be taken in respect of creditors.
- Represented Manolete Partners in the Edengate litigation.
Pinsent Masons LLP
‘Market leader’ Dawn Allen heads the restructuring team at Pinsent Masons LLP in Leeds. The team has ‘deep sector knowledge’, particularly in the energy space, and Allen also has notable expertise regarding distressed wholesale markets. Senior associate Faith James focuses particularly on AMAs and SVAs, carrying out transactional restructuring work.
Practice head(s):
Dawn Allen
Other key lawyers:
Faith James
Testimonials
‘Impressively combines local client leadership within a national practice of expertise and experience.’
‘Dawn Allen is fast becoming a market leader in the changing Leeds legal insolvency market. Dawn is very approachable and open minded to solutions that maximise impact/value.’
‘Highly knowledgeable team with a depth of experience and the ability to react quickly.’
Key clients
Opus Restructuring as administrators of MST Legal Limited (in administration)
BDO LLP as administrators of Cartwright King Limited (in administration) (Project Crown)
Interpath as administrators of Timber Angel Limited (in administration)
Work highlights
- Advised Opus Restructuring, as administrators of MST Legal, on the regulatory aspects of the administration of the law firm and the drafting and negotiation of a pre-pack sale of certain of the firm’s assets.
- Advising BDO on the administration of Cartwright King, a large national legal aid practices operating from over 11 offices with approximately 80 employees.
- Advising Interpath on the pre-pack administration sale of the business and assets of Timber Angel.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s restructuring and insolvency team in Leeds is led by Andy Stirk, who also acts as head of the wider banking and financial services team. The group maintains strong relationships with bank restructuring teams. Sam Dixon specialises in matters which require complex stakeholder management. Legal director Victoria Procter has left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Andy Stirk
Other key lawyers:
Sam Dixon; Laura Beardsmore; Beth Kalischer; Scott Nodder; Lewis Sanderson
Testimonials
‘Sam Dixon has a thoughtful approach, excellent technical skills and is calm under pressure.’
Key clients
BDO
Alvarez & Marsal
FRP
RSM
PWC
Interpath (formerly KPMG’s restructuring team)
Work highlights
- Assisted the administrators of Source One Environmental with a pre-pack disposal of its business and assets.
- Advising the administrators of Together Energy, a domestic energy supplier to 176,000 customers which entered administration in 2022.
DWF
James Moore leads the finance and restructuring team at DWF in Leeds, which focuses on complex insolvencies and restructurings in the financial services sector, with additional expertise in the sporting and energy sectors. The practice operates jointly with the firm’s finance offering, led nationally by Iain Shurwood.
Practice head(s):
James Moore; Iain Shurwood
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Murphy; Foluke Onafowoken
Testimonials
‘James Moore is the standout partner at DWF, particularly in the financial services sector where he has an excellent reputation and is our lawyer of choice. He balances highly technical matters well by combining helpful and excellent advice with the clear ability to manage the commerciality of the situations.’
‘We have had a number of cases with James Moore, each with a different nature, and each time James’ knowledge of the industry and commercial application of the relevant legislation has been exceptional.’
‘James Moore is approachable, practical and has a “let’s get it done” attitude.’
Key clients
UHY Hacker Young LLP
Evelyn Partners Limited
RSM Advisory LLP
Path Business Recovery Limited
Quantuma Advisory Limited
Alvarez & Marsal Europe Limited
Interpath Advisory Limited
Teneo Financial Advisory Limited
FRP Advisory LLP
KBL Advisory Limited
DS Insolvency Limited
Begbies Traynor Limited
Lloyds Banking Group PLC
BDO LLP
Mazars Limited
Azets Limited
Grant Thornton Limited
Ernst and Young Limited
Kroll Limited
Armstrong Watson LLP
MacIntyre Hudson LLP
Work highlights
- Advised the director of Hartley Pensions on putting the company into administration and has subsequently been advising UHY, as the administrators.
- Advised the board and subsequent special administrators of Dolfin Financial (UK) on placing the company into special administration.
- Advised the directors of Regis Mutual Management on placing the company into administration, assisted the company with the drafting and implementation of a wind down plan and liaised with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Gosschalks
Stephen Dillon leads the Hull-based restructuring and insolvency team at Gosschalks, which assists clients nationally with a range of insolvency issues, ranging from advising companies and their directors on restructuring options, to enforcement of bank securities. Chris Adams specialises in complex and high-value director and shareholder disputes, as well as banking matters and office-holder claims.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Dillon
Other key lawyers:
Chris Adams; Farhana Young
Testimonials
‘Available and approachable, very good knowledge.’
‘Stephen Dillon has very good knowledge of insolvency law and is pragmatic in difficult situations.’
‘Regional law firm punching well above its weight in this specialist legal area. Highly skilled and specialist partners morphing in to banking, litigation and insolvency/restructuring which is what is required to perform well in the insolvency legal advisory space.’
Key clients
Begbies Traynor
RSM (formerly Baker Tilly)
One Stop Business Finance Limited
Handelsbanken PLC
Kingsbridge Corporate Solutions
TFG Security / Capital Limited
Restart BTI
Interpath Advisory
Avison Young
Redman Nicholls Butler
Leonard Curtis Business Solutions
Work highlights
- Instructed by TFG Capital to recover an initial lend of £1.4m that has risen to over £2m with interest, default interest and costs.
- Advising Handelsbanken on strategy regarding approximately £5.5m of liabilities.
- Advising Begbies Traynor on various office-holder matters, including administration of the Burningnight Pub Group.
Schofield Sweeney
Led by the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Richard Fergusson, the restructuring and insolvency team at Schofield Sweeney in Leeds primarily carries out work for insolvency practitioners. The group also has experience regarding insolvency litigation, and regularly provides advice to corporates and their boards in collaboration with the firm’s corporate department. Zoe Oates has notable experience regarding property and personal insolvency.
Practice head(s):
Richard Fergusson
Other key lawyers:
Zoe Oates
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, efficient and supportive. Commercial and friendly.’
‘Richard Fergusson – extremely knowledgeable, affable, commercial and experienced.’
‘Always on the ball and quick to respond.’
‘Great team, able to assist well with all aspects of restructuring and insolvency both contentious and non-contentious. Willing to go the extra meal.’
‘Richard Fergusson and Zoe Oates are my main contacts within the firm – both are excellent and are always on the ball with a solution to any problem.’
Key clients
Armstrong Watson LLP
Begbies Traynor Group
FRP Advisory LLP
Interpath
Walker Singleton
Manolete Partners Plc
Springfields LLP
DL Partnership
Poppleton & Appleby
DSI Insolvency
Mazars
Booth & Co
Re10 (Finance) Limited
Beevers & Struthers
Work highlights
- Advised the board and subsequently Neil Morley and Howard Smith of Interpath on the disposal of the business of Advanced Digital Innovation (UK) to a Canadian aggregator in the healthcare sector.
- Advised Charles Brook of Poppleton & Appleby, as liquidator of Bower & Child, on all aspects of its insolvency and subsequent realisation of its assets and mitigation of claims.
- Advised Paul Whitwam of FRP on the pre-packaged administration sale of recruitment business Three Way Solutions.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs’ Leeds-based restructuring and insolvency team is led by John Alderton, and specialises in corporate advisory work, complex reorganisations and distressed disposals. The team has extensive experience in the energy sector, as well as the retail, manufacturing and mining industries. Notably, the department works collaboratively with firm’s international offices to facilitate cross-border restructuring and insolvency work. Senior associate Jon Chesman is recommended as ‘an excellent and well-rounded practitioner’.
Practice head(s):
John Alderton
Other key lawyers:
Jon Chesman
Testimonials
‘SPB gives no-nonsense, practical advice.’
‘John Alderton is willing to take a view on situations and have robust conversations with challenging messages. He helps to move a transaction forwards and provides strong advice in a potentially risky scenario. Jon Chesman is an excellent and well-rounded practitioner who is more than capable of representing his firm in calls wihtout a partner present.’
‘A very skilled team that can take on the highest level matters and achieve results, despite the circumstances. Of a number of instructions, two particularly impressive challenges have both resulted in positive outcomes and indeed become reported cases for the insolvency profession. This has demonstrated the ability to operate at the leading edge of insolvency law.’
‘They are very thorough in their approach, and the results obtained have demonstrated the justification for this. They are clearly rightly very respected in the legal profession and the insolvency profession. A go-to team for those looking for excellent solicitors.’
‘Jon Chesman can only be described as a practitioner with brilliant legal knowledge, and yet a very personable individual. He deserves the success he achieves, and works hard for his clients.’
‘John Alderton leads a very impressive team in Yorkshire, and is highly respected for his and their achievements. He can summarise a situation, and you soon are aware of the approach to take.’
‘Level of service is second to none.’
Key clients
Interpath Advisory
Teneo
BDO
EY Parthenon
RSM
PwC
Grant Thornton
CRG Recovery
Alvarez & Marsal
Leumi ABL
Work highlights
- Advised the board of Studio Retail, a national online and catalogue retailer listed on the main market of the FTSE, on its working capital challenges, which ultimately resulted in it being placed into administration.
- Advised the board of Eaglemoss Capital on the group’s financial challenges, and co-ordinated the insolvencies in multiple jurisdictions.
- Advised Sun Securities, a creditor, on its objection to the substantial restructuring plan of China Fisheries Group, a Peruvian company.
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
The insolvency team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP operates across the region from bases in York and Hull, and is led by ‘highly respected’ Azher Quyoom. The firm has specialist expertise regarding the shipping, transport, logistics and agricultural sectors, and carries out a range of contentious and non-contentious work, with a focus on acting for insolvency practitioners and providing directors’ duties advice.
Practice head(s):
Azher Quyoom
Other key lawyers:
Grace Moreton; Mike Wilson
Testimonials
‘Responsive, commercial, flexible and sound knowledge of insolvency law.’
‘Azher Quyoom is available and pragmatic, very knowledgeable.’
‘Grace Moreton is a good asset to the team.’
‘Excellent commercial and technical skills. Azher Quyoom is a highly respected restructuring advisor who is able to think laterally and provide innovative solutions to his clients.’
‘Hugely approachable and knowledgeable team, who are commercially astute and can ably assist with complex and unusual assignments.’
‘Highly responsive and adaptive to the varying demands the insolvency restructuring market places on our legal partners.’
‘Azher Quyoom provides a great solutions-focused legal advisory offering for clients, providing great commercial as well as legal advice.’
Excello Law
The insolvency and corporate recovery team at Excello Law in Leeds is co-chaired by Steve Thomas, a CEDR-qualified mediator, and Anna Shaw, who has specialist experience regarding directors’ duties and disqualification proceedings. The team acts for insolvency practitioners, individuals, and companies, and has particular expertise regarding unfair prejudice, and just and equitable winding up petitions.
Practice head(s):
Steve Thomas; Anna Shaw
Testimonials
‘Very flexible and creative, great for director work, a good all-round team.’
‘Steve Thomas is an exceptionally bright partner, fabulous in difficult cases.’
‘Anna Shaw is a very good lawyer in the team.’
‘Adaptive, reactive and solutions focused.’
‘Steve Thomas is a highly experienced, solutions focussed and knowledgeable solicitor in the insolvency and restructuring space. His ability to get to the nub of the issue quickly is key to driving good commercial solutions.’
Key clients
Begbies Traynor
Quantuma Advisory LLP
Independent Tax LLP
Flexible Accounting Ltd
Park Homes Ltd
Ellis Breese Insolvency
DS Insolvency
Wine & Co Chartered Accountants
McCormicks
David Birks leads the Harrogate-based insolvency and restructuring offering at McCormicks. The team’s practice focuses on sporting clients, with notable ongoing work for the Premier League. It also acts for and alongside local insolvency practitioners. Former practice head Philip Edmondson left for Ward Hadaway LLP in November 2022.
Practice head(s):
David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Peter McCormick
Key clients
The Premier League
Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited/Legal and Professional Insurance
DFS Furniture Company Limited
Oracle Finance Limited
Leeds United Football Club Limited
Walsh Taylor Business Support Group
Rudding Park
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club
Work highlights
- Advising and representing the Premier League, with recent insolvency-related matters including providing advice relating to Portsmouth FC, representing the client in a challenge to the Football Creditor Rules, and representing the client in arbitration proceedings brought by Leyton Orient in relation to West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium.
- Represented the Premier League in proceedings threatened by its former landlord pursuant to an Authorised Guarantee Agreement, providing insolvency advice as to the tenant’s status throughout.
- Representing Wycombe Wanderers in its eight-figure claim in the insolvent estate of Derby County Football Club.
Tyr
The business restructuring team at Tyr in Leeds is jointly led by Ashley Jaques, who specialises in property-based insolvencies and receiverships, and Alistair McHenry, who joined the team from Walker Morris LLP in May 2022. The acquisition of McHenry added a contentious element to the practice through his specialist expertise in post-appointment contentious work.
Practice head(s):
Ashley Jaques; Alistair McHenry
Testimonials
‘Our dealings with the firm so far have been excellent. Fast and efficient and professional from start to finish. High quality service and quick to respond.’
‘I am a client of Ashley Jaques who is extremely knowledgeable in his field of expertise. He provides excellent service, providing regular updates and promptly responding to queries. Very pleased with the service and would certainly continue to use their services again and highly recommend. Hassle-free service.’
‘Specialist insolvency and sports law knowledge – very good profile in the industry.’
‘Alistair McHenry – great judge of commercial tactics and litigation momentum – excellent client skills.’
‘Tailored solutions and highly personable service.’
‘Alistair McHenry – pragmatic, commercial and technical, a unique combination which means his advice is always on point and manages risks/benefits, at value. Highly personable.’
Key clients
Transform Healthcare Holdings Limited
The Oak Touch Limited
Cartwright King Limited
RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP
FRP Trading Advisory Limited
Leonard Curtis Limited
Quantuma
Gibson Booth Business Solutions & Insolvency
Begbies Traynor
Manolete Partners PLC
Work highlights
- Advising Transform Healthcare Holdings, as purchaser of the business and certain assets of Transform Hospital Group from the joint administrators.
- Representing Begbies Traynor in numerous section 127 claims for values exceeding £100,000 leading to significant recoveries to the insolvent estate.
- Representing Manolete Partners on an assigned claim pursuing directors of a company for breaches of duty for sums in excess of £200,000.
Wilkin Chapman LLP
Gary Taylor leads the Beverley-based insolvency recoveries team at Wilkin Chapman LLP, alongside divisional head Chris Grocock. The group also fields experts dual-qualified as insolvency practitioners who take appointments as insolvency office holders. The team works with clients on both pre- and post-appointment matters, providing services for insolvency practitioners as well as companies and individuals. The firm also offers creditor services.
Practice head(s):
Gary Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Chris Grocock; Louisa Shilleto; Matthew Dix
Testimonials
‘Wilkin Chapman has the ability to offer a complete restructuring and insolvency service via its IP offering alongside its legal expertise.’
‘Gary Taylor is an extremely knowledgeable and able insolvency practitioner with a very client-friendly manner. He is an absolute pleasure to deal with.’
‘Louisa Shilleto combines an excellent in-depth knowledge of the law with excellent problem-solving ability and good commercial sense.’
Key clients
RSM
Haringey Council
Manolete Partners
Wakefield Council
Stoke City Council
Bridgewood Financial Services Group
Rexel UK
Npower Limited
Wilkin Chapman Business Solutions Limited
Cornerstone Business Turnaround and Recovery Limited
Redmans Insolvency Service
FRP Advisory
Opus Business Advisory Group
Asertis
Redman, Nicholls, Butler
Work highlights
- Acting for a large litigation funder in pursuing a director and an associated company for misappropriating the entire net sale proceeds of a £4m property.
- Acting for liquidators in a claim against former directors for providing reckless and unregulated pension advice to thousands of the company’s customers, ultimately resulting in a £20m loss to the company.
- Acting for joint trustees on a trading bankruptcy, the bankrupt’s committal to prison, and the realisation of 27 of his investment properties.