Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Insolvency and corporate recovery

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP ‘s Leeds team is undergoing notable growth, with the recruitment of Barney Smedley in April 2024 from DLA Piper.
Ward Hadaway LLP ‘s Leeds office has undergone notable expansion, adding Owen Ormond from Walker Morris LLP in January 2024.

Insolvency and corporate recovery in Yorkshire And The Humber

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard fields a ‘hard-working, responsive team’ experienced in both creditor and debtor-side work. The group has particular strength in distressed real estate, with key expertise in the retail sector. Team lead Andy Bates covers the full range of issues relating to corporate restructurings and insolvencies, and is active on behalf of a broad client base. Emma Sadler made partner in 2023 and is a key contact for major clearing banks as well as alternate lenders. Emma Atkinson and managing associate Dan Saunders are names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andy Bates


Autres avocats clés:

Emma Sadler; Emma Atkinson; Dan Saunders


Les références

‘We work with Andy Bates, who has good availability and a willingness to offer quality, ad-hoc advice in a fast moving situation. Provides quick drafting in time-constrained circumstances.’

‘We value the responsiveness, commerciality and flexibility the team provides.’

‘It was easy to very quickly build a trusted relationship with Dan and team.’

Principaux clients

Grant Thornton UK LLP


Lloyds Pharmacy Limited


Accelerated Payments Limited


Begbies Traynor Limited


VFC Foods Ltd


BDO LLP


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Lloyds Pharmacy Limited in relation to the disposal of 750 pharmacies.
  • Advised Grant Thornton as administrators on the pre-pack sale of Repair Maintenance & Overhaul Limited and Gatley Fluid Power Limited.
  • Advised a lender on the restructuring and refinance of a care home group.

Clarion

Clarion‘s ‘down to earth and practical’ team is experienced in advising both lenders and borrowers, including alternate and asset-based lenders. The group demonstrates particular strength in the retail sector. Team lead Ryan Millmore covers the full range of corporate restructuring and insolvency matters, including both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Core names within the team include Roger Hutton, who specialises in distressed situations such as buy-outs, Alice Pratt, whose practice includes both corporate and personal insolvency, and Ben Slack, a key contact for lenders. Highly experienced legal director Estelle Oates is active for a range of clients across the UK.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ryan Millmore


Autres avocats clés:

Roger Hutton; Alice Pratt; Ben Slack; Estelle Oates; Victoria Kay; Emma Lowe; Philip Mudd; Geraldine Wharton


Les références

‘A very strong team indeed, able to resource even the most challenging litigation.’

‘Emma Lowe continues to grow her excellent reputation. Sound advice borne of experience and strong dispute resolution skills.’

‘For a relatively small firm, they have blue chip clients who are faithful because Clarion has a habit of delivering what they advise at the outset they can achieve. They are, nevertheless, down to earth and practical when it comes to communicating with the client and dealing with third parties.’

Principaux clients

Interpath


Begbies Traynor


Teneo


RSM


Armstrong Watson


Ernst & Young


Mazars


FRP Advisory LLP


Alvarez & Marsal


Kingsbridge Corporate Solutions Limited


Leonard Curtis


Baaj Capital


Frasers Group


Leo Group


Baker Tilly


Opus


Walker Morris LLP

Walker Morris LLP fields a large team experienced across a diverse range of sectors, including construction, pharmaceuticals, and retail. The group acts on behalf of insolvency practitioners, lenders, and private equity investors on both domestic and international matters. Gawain Moore co-leads the department alongside Duncan Lole, who ‘has the knowledge and commercial ability to always get the best possible result for the clients.’ Lole leads the firm’s specialist financial services and regulated sector insolvency practice, and is supported by Olivia Prescott and Ashley Armitage. Claire Askew handles both contentious and non-contentious insolvencies, with key expertise in restructuring.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gawain Moore; Duncan Lole


Autres avocats clés:

Olivia Prescott; Ashley Armitage; Claire Askew


Les références

‘Walker Morris probably have the largest restructuring and corporate recovery team in the Leeds market. The team has a breadth of knowledge and experience and are able to mobilise a team in short order.’

‘Gawain Moore advises businesses from the smallest owner managed business through to large listed boards. Gawain is often seen as a calm and collected figure in even the most hostile boardroom environments, and provides contemporaneous and clear advice. Claire Askew provides clear and concise advice in even the most fraught restructuring situations.’

‘Duncan Lole is pre-eminent at getting the right result for the client – he can “wheel and deal” to promote his client’s interests – and has the knowledge and commercial ability to always get the best possible result for the clients – very good at controlling the negotiation process in demanding commercial negotiations.’

Principaux clients

Endless LLP


Teneo


Interpath


FRP


Santander


Harrisons Business Recovery & Insolvency


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Together Finance


Alvarez & Marsal


Alix Partners


Asertis


TriplePoint


Total Capital Partners


LendInvest


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Teneo as the administrator of TXM Plant Limited, the specialist operator of railway maintenance equipment and a supplier to Network Rail.
  • Advised in respect of the cross-border restructuring of companies within the AIM-listed MJ Hudson Group and subsequently advised Alvarez & Marsal as liquidators of certain group companies.
  • Advised Interpath as administrators of Plant and Bean on the sale of the business to Heather Mills, and in relation to ongoing matters in the administration.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is active on behalf of clients at the regional, national, and international levels, with particular aptitude in corporate rescue and turnaround. ‘Star of the team’ James Davison leads the group, and has key expertise in complex restructurings. Davison is supported by Ruth Ranton, who has experience in international mandates, and Susannah Dingley, who leads the team’s personal insolvency offering. Victoria Procter joined the department from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in September 2023, and brings extensive knowledge of financial and corporate restructuring.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Davison


Autres avocats clés:

Victoria Procter; Ruth Ranton; Susannah Dingley


Les références

‘Really nice team who work well across offices and overseas.’

‘James Davison continues to be the star of the team. He’s technically fantastic, with a great, calm manner about him. Best in the business, in my view.’

‘They deal with bigger ticket assignments, having a large base of large corporate clients – this sets them aside from local competitors in the region.’

Principaux clients

Fitness First Group


FTI Consulting


Interpath


Teneo Financial Advisory


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


HSBC Bank PLC


Buchler Phillips


Kroll


Clydesdale Bank PLC


Alvarez & Marsal


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted on a sanctioned restructuring plan, acting for the plan company. This is the first and only plan on which HMRC has voted in favour.
  • Advising Safestyle Group and subsequently Interpath in relation to the former’s insolvency in 2023. This included the successful transition of the group’s order book to Anglian Windows.
  • Advised CargologicAir Limited and subsequently Buchler Phillips on the former’s insolvency, which involves sanctions considerations, and the release of frozen assets.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP provides comprehensive support across a range of complex insolvencies and restructurings, with experience in mandates both across Yorkshire and nationally. Oliver Jackson, who is based in Sheffield, co-leads the department with the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Helen Bates, who works from Leeds. Isobel Callaghan is a key name within the team, with a record in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Thomas Childs has expertise in pre-packaged administration transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Oliver Jackson; Helen Bates


Autres avocats clés:

Isobel Callaghan; Thomas Childs


Les références

‘The team always make time to be available for client queries. Highly professional and knowledgeable.’

‘Efficient, cost-effective and dynamic with a full-service offering, allowing for a robust and comprehensive set of guidance to be provided at all times.’

‘Tom Childs and Oliver Jackson are both fantastic in their field and meticulous in their guidance.’

Principaux 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


Manolete Partners PLC


Maxim IP Limited


ELS Advisory Limited


Focus Insolvency Group


Opus Restructuring LLP (Nottingham)


Clough Corporate Solutions Limited


ReSolve Business Advisory


Thessco Limited


Austin Fraser International Limited


FTS Recovery Limited


Norman & Underwood Group of Companies


Smith and Barnes Insolvency Practitioners


RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP


London Borough of Newham


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Thessco Limited in respect of its proposed restructuring/refinancing plans, which included the appointment of administrators over Thessco Limited, as well as advising Solpro Manufacturing Limited on a complex restructuring.
  • Advised Twenty 20 Capital Group in relation to the acquisition of the business and assets of Austin Fraser Limited, in administration, from the outset of its offer and tender process to completion of the acquisition.
  • Advised the Norman & Underwood group of companies in respect of its contingency planning and the subsequent appointment of administrators. Subsequently advised Begbies Traynor (SY) LLP as administrators.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal‘s Leeds team works within the firm’s national framework of insolvency and restructuring specialists, providing support to clients in a broad array of insolvency and restructuring mandates. The group has key strength in distressed debt and equity matters, advising on acquisitions, refinancings, and disposals. Andrew Buchanan leads the team. Matthew Brown has key expertise in restructuring. ‘Clear thinking and proactive’ Matt Leech is the relationship partner for multiple key bank clients. Kulsam Mulla has expertise in contentious insolvencies, including matters involving dishonesty and fraud.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Buchanan


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Brown; Matt Leech; Kulsam Mulla; Liz Russell; Niall Crossley


Les références

‘The Leeds restructuring team provide an exceptional service. Their blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen make for a first-rate service. They are excellent at collaborating with other departments in their firm to provide well-thought-out and relevant advice. ’

‘Matthew Brown and Matthew Leech lead the Leeds team from the front. They always make sure they have a good level of involvement in cases and are supported by their excellent team. They provide well-rounded, commercially focused advice and adopt a collaborative approach with the client to deliver the best possible service.’

‘I find both Matt Leech and Niall Crossley extremely knowledgeable and thorough. They are trusted advisers, and we highly value the relationship we have with them and the assistance and guidance that they provide, often in challenging cases.’

Principaux clients

BDO LLP


Interpath Advisory Limited


RSM UK Restructuring & Recovery LLP


Watling Real Estate Limited


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Griffins Chartered Accountants


Armstrong Watson LLP


Grant Thornton (UK) LLP


Handelsbanken plc


HSBC UK Bank Plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Armstrong Watson as administrators of Novaloans Limited, trading as Cash4UNow.
  • Advised AIM-listed Inland Homes group on real estate and planning matters relating to the residential development of a number of significant brownfield sites.
  • Advised RSM as administrators of Consumer Choices Limited.

Irwin Mitchell

Fielding a large team spread across its Leeds and Sheffield offices, Irwin Mitchell's restructuring and insolvency practice handles the full breadth of contentious and non-contentious work for a client base of banks, lenders, insolvency practitioners and restructuring professionals. Doug Robertson and Tom Paton jointly lead the team from Leeds and Sheffield respectively; Robertson specialises in property insolvency, while Paton also leads the firm's national creditors services team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Doug Robertson; Tom Paton


Autres avocats clés:

Sophie McKelvey; Byron Massarella; Ashleigh Robinson-Beaumont


Principaux clients

Interpath


EY


PWC


Alvarez and Marsal Europe LLP


RSM


Mazars


FRP


Begbies Traynor


BDO


Kroll


Grant Thornton


Evelyn Partners (Smith & Williamson)


Quantuma


Leonard Curtis


Opus


Armstrong Watson


HSBC Bank plc/HSBC UK Bank plc


National Westminster Bank plc


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Lloyds Bank plc


Metro Bank plc


SME Invoice Finance Limited


Close Brothers Invoice Finance


Shawbrook


Bridgewood


Manolete Partners plc


Asertis


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Interpath as the Administrators of True North Brew Co Limited on their appointment, and on the pre-packed sale of business and assets in relation to (1) the company’s brewery; (2) the company’s gin distillery; and (3) the company’s 12 trading bars and pubs which saved 325 jobs.
  • Acting for Begbies Traynor as the Administrators of a group of 10 companies in the renewable energy sector (Future Renewable Eco Solutions Plc & others) with sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and advising on a variety of issues including the security granted by the two English companies, Remuneration and Extension Application and strategy.
  • Acting for Interpath as the Administrators of an online retailer of equestrian equipment and advising and assisting with the pre-pack administration of the company’s business and assets.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP fields a team active in complex mandates across all UK jurisdictions, as well as internationally. The department has niche aptitude in advising distressed law firms. Dawn Allen, who leads the team, is ‘exceptionally helpful and easy to work with,’ and is particularly active in restructurings and AMAs. ‘Really capable and competent’ Faith James provides key support, and is experienced in the manufacturing and professional services sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dawn Allen


Autres avocats clés:

Faith James


Les références

‘Firstly, the team are extremely well-connected both internally and externally, and therefore are able to answer any technical sector queries on a wide range of industries. This sets Pinsents apart from other firms, as they can provide all advice required in relation to a matter, rather than having to contact other sector experts.’

‘The team are happy to assist with any problem and always have a positive attitude, which is refreshing, particularly given their advice is often urgent and under difficult circumstances. I would also suggest that the team has demonstrated extremely strong knowledge of case law in relation to insolvency matters and is therefore able to draft responses and documents to a high standard that requires minimal input.’

‘Faith James always understands the urgency of a task and is immediately available to deal with matters. Some of the requests on the jobs I have worked with Faith on have been particularly difficult, however Faith has continuously ensured that a well-rounded and appropriate answer to any queries is provided. Faith also comes across as friendly and professional, which makes having difficult conversations easier. ’

Principaux clients

Fortbrand UK Limited and Fortbrand Services LLC


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP


Lloyds Banking Group


Natwest Banking Group


Interpath Advisory


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised FRP Advisory Trading Limited on the administration of law firm SSB Group Limited.
  • Advised PwC on the administrations of Wilko Limited and subsidiaries Kin Limited and Wilko Worldwide (Hong Kong).
  • Acted for Fortbrand Services LLC on its acquisition, by way of a prepack sale, of an airport ground support business.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘s Leeds team works within the firm’s global framework, providing comprehensive cross-border support, and diverse sector expertise across numerous areas, including retail, construction, and energy. ‘Top restructuring lawyerJohn Alderton leads the team and has more than 30 years’ experience in the practice area. Providing key support are Jon Chesman, who covers contentious and non-contentious matters, and Rachael Markham, whose focus is international and global issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Alderton


Autres avocats clés:

Jon Chesman; Rachael Markham


Les références

‘John Alderton is a top restructuring lawyer, providing exceptional support in challenging circumstances.’

‘Very approachable and technically strong team.’

‘They have technical knowledge, and focus on solutions.’

Principaux clients

Interpath Advisory


Teneo


BDO


EY Parthenon


RSM


PwC


Grant Thornton


CRG Recovery


Alvarez & Marsal


Leumi ABL


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised administrators from Interpath on the trading administration and subsequent cross-border sale of the business and assets of the Slack & Parr group.
  • Advised administrators from EY on the sale of the business and assets of Victoria Plum.
  • Advised administrators from Interpath on the sale of the JF Renshaw icing business, part of the Real Good Food plc group.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP fields a team with expertise in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters, with experience across the energy, retail, and education sectors, among others. Andy Stirk leads in Yorkshire, and also serves as national head of the practice. Stirk is supported by Sam Dixon, who has a specialism in charities and public services providers, and Laura Beardsmore, whose particular area of strength is asset recovery work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andy Stirk


Autres avocats clés:

Sam Dixon; Laura Beardsmore; Beth Kalischer


Les références

‘It is a very strong restructuring team, particularly the excellent Andy Stirk who is technical, commercial and decisive in giving advice.’

‘Excellent technical knowledge and bring in other colleagues to support with sector matters at appropriate times.’

Proactive in finding solutions and a very approachable, commercially aware team.’

Principaux clients

PwC


FRP Advisory LLP


Interpath Ltd


Santander UK Plc


RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP


BDO LLP


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for FRP on the administration of Together Energy.

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is active in contentious and non-contentious mandates across the North and East Yorkshire region, and has ‘great technical knowledge.’ Azher Quyoom, whose practice covers a range of restructuring and insolvency matters, leads the department. Key team members include experienced litigator Mike Wilson, and Grace Moreton.

Responsables de la pratique:

Azher Quyoom


Autres avocats clés:

Grace Moreton; Mike Wilson


Les références

‘Great technical knowledge.’

‘The commercial litigation team, headed up by Azher Quyoom, has provided an excellent service for a number of years.’

‘Their knowledge of insolvency has assisted in allowing our team to progress cases swiftly, and always with a positive outcome (or sensible resolution).’

Principaux clients

Rushtons Insolvency


FRP Advisory LLP


Begbies Traynor


RSM


Quantuma


Leonard Curtis


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Flush Group Limited on the acquisition of certain parts of the business and assets of 3F Pellets Ltd from its administrators, funded by a consortium of UK and overseas-based lenders.
  • Advised YCW Trading Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of York Cocoa House Limited out of administration.

DWF

DWF fields a combined finance and restructuring team, frequently active at the national level under the leadership of Leeds-based James Moore, alongside Iain Shurwood and Natasha Atkinson, who work from London. Senior associate Thomas Murphy has significant experience in contentious matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Moore; Iain Shurwood; Natasha Atkinson


Autres avocats clés:

Thomas Murphy; Foluke Onafowokan


Principaux 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


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the director of Hartley Pensions Limited in regard to putting the company into administration and subsequently advised UHY, as the administrators.
  • Advised the board and subsequent special administrators of Dolfin Financial (UK) Ltd in regard to placing the company into special administration.
  • Advised the directors of Regis Mutual Management Limited in placing the company into administration, assisted the company with the drafting of and implementation of a wind-down plan and liaised with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Gosschalks

Gosschalks, based in Hull, handles insolvency matters nationwide, including both corporate and individual insolvency matters. Team lead Stephen Dillon has a background in commercial litigation which supplements his practice, and is active on behalf of numerous banks and insolvency practitioners. Chris Adams covers a range of office-holder claims, as well as director and shareholder disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Dillon


Autres avocats clés:

Chris Adams; Farhana Young


Principaux clients

Begbies Traynor


RSM


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


Principaux dossiers


  • Instructed by TFG Capital Limited to recover an initial lend of £1.4m that has risen to over £2m with interest, default interest and costs.
  • Advised Handelsbanken PLC on strategy regarding circa £5.5m of liabilities. Amongst others, Handelsbanken has security over 54 residential properties.
  • Advised Begbies in various office-holder matters.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP's team covers the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency mandates, including advising on the sale and acquisition of distressed assets. The group has experience in both contentious and non-contentious mandates. ‘Technically gifted and very commercial’ team lead Lemi McAuley joined the firm in 2023 from Shoosmiths LLP, alongside Lizzy Wood and Molly Rowell.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lemi McAuley


Autres avocats clés:

Lizzy Wood; Molly Rowell


Les références

‘The team are very hands-on, efficient, technically good and always available so that things get done. Very commercial.’

‘I work very closely with Lemi McAuley, who is both technically gifted and very commercial. Has an excellent bedside manner and is a very safe pair of hands. A special mention for Molly Rowell, an associate, who is both personable, bright and extremely efficient.

‘The Hill Dickinson team display a very collegiate ethos. When engaging with them, they ensure that all levels of staff are engaged early so that they have a good understanding of the issues. Their associates and junior staff are also of the highest level.’

Principaux clients

FRP Advisory


Begbies Traynor


PwC


Teneo


PKF Geoffrey Martin


Waterland Private Equity


Rekom Group


Interpath Advisory


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an energy broking business on one of the first mid-market Pt26A restructuring plans in the UK.
  • Advised Rekom Group in respect of the acquisition of certain business and assets of the Rekom UK Group.
  • Advised the joint administrators of Lumley Castle Hotel Limited (in administration) in respect of the sale of the business and assets by way of a pre-pack administration.

Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney is frequently active on behalf of insolvency practitioners, and covers a range of matters including corporate restructurings, distressed property-related cases, and personal insolvencies. Team lead Richard Fergusson advises on restructurings and insolvencies, including both contentious and non-contentious matters. Zoe Oates is a key contact for personal and property insolvency. Jo Smith joined the team from Knights plc in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Fergusson


Autres avocats clés:

Zoe Oates; Jo Smith


Les références

‘Really impressive commercial and legal nous – ability to handle large cases with calmness and genuine capability – flexible in responding to client needs.’

‘Richard Fergusson is an excellent and experienced litigation lawyer, and also very capable in non-contentious matters. Great rapport with clients and a solid commercial judgment. Deals with complex litigation in a user-friendly and committed manner ’

‘Jo Smith continues to provide an excellent service through Schofield Sweeney.’

Principaux clients

Armstrong Watson LLP


Begbies Traynor Group


FRP Advisory LLP


Interpath


Walker Singleton


Manolete Partners Plc


Springfields LLP


Xeinadin


Mazars


Booth & Co


Re10 (Finance) Limited


Quantuma


Smith & Barnes


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised liquidators on a claim arising from a series of tax avoidance claims whereby over £16m was extracted without payment of tax and agreed a substantial pre-trial settlement.
  • Advised on a brownfield development site and dealt with rights of way issues and shareholder disagreements and achieved a multi million pound sale to a large developer for a 200+ residential development.
  • Worked with joint liquidators of a substantial property development company with assets totaling £10m at the date of liquidation.

Excello Law

Excello Law specialises in representing directors in insolvency contexts, with experience in misfeasance reclaims, statutory demands, and personal guarantee claims. Contentious insolvency expert Steve Thomas jointly leads the team alongside Anna Shaw, who acts for administrators, liquidators, and trustees, as well as directors and bankrupts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steve Thomas; Anna Shaw


Les références

‘Very commercial and forward-thinking.’

‘Steve Thomas is a great all round advisor.’

‘A highly experienced team with niche expertise in employee benefit trust claims and guarantee claims against directors by insolvency practitioners and insolvent companies. Excellent reputation in the marketplace, as evidenced by the high profile clients they act for.’

LCF Law

LCF Law is particularly active in complex debt recovery matters and collection disputes, as well as providing support in insolvency proceedings and restructurings. Jo-Ann Barnes, who leads the team, has experience in both corporate and personal insolvency matters. Barnes is supported by the ‘extremely experienced and astute’ Wayne Parker, and Natalie Nattress, who joined the group from Knights plc in December 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jo-Ann Barnes


Autres avocats clés:

Wayne Parker; Natalie Nattress


Les références

‘Wayne Parker brings to his clients a huge wealth of experience in insolvency, good sense, and technical know-how. He is at the very top of his game.’

‘Excellent, top quality advice.’

‘Wayne Parker is a highly knowledgable lawyer who has a great ability for lateral thinking to resolve problems.’

Principaux clients

Interpath Advisory


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Begbies Traynor (SY) LLP


FRP Advisory


Mazars


Leonard Curtis


Manolete Partners PLC


RSM


Quantuma Advisory Limited


Finn Associates


Kingston Equity Finance


HNW Lending


Redman Nichols Butler


CRG Recovery


Booth & Co


One Stop Business Finance Limited


Abbey Taylor Ltd


CBB Business Recovery


Lewis Business Recovery


Clark Business Recovery


Watch Trustees Ltd


JT Maxwell


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for 3,000 investors that crowd-funded a number of companies regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority to amounts in excess of £70m.
  • Advised on a pre-pack sale of distressed business Athletes Unlimited Limited by its administrators, Opus Restructuring.

McCormicks

McCormicks specialises in the sports sector, providing insolvency advice to numerous prominent clients such as the Premier League and Leeds United Football Club. Team lead David Birks has broad contentious expertise, covering a range of commercial disputes. Peter McCormick is a key name.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Birks


Autres avocats clés:

Peter McCormick


Les références

‘Genuinely partner lead approach, very quick to react.’

‘David Birks stays very close to his clients and offers very constructive solutions. He is approachable and communicates with his clients in a very clear and understandable manner (never baffles with science).’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised and represented the Premier League in recent insolvency related matters, including representing the client in a landmark challenge to the Football Creditor Rules.
  • 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.
  • Advised Wycombe Wanderers on its 8-figure claim in the insolvent estate of Derby County Football Club (in administration).

Tyr

Tyr has key strength in property-based insolvencies and receiverships. The group handles both contentious and non-contentious mandates, and is led by restructuring specialist Ashley Jaques and Alistair McHenry, who is particularly adept in contentious matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ashley Jaques; Alistair McHenry


Les références

‘A boutique firm, attracting high-quality sports work.’

‘Alistair McHenry is forward-thinking with a commercial attitude. He manages client expectations.’

‘Alistair McHenry is technically able whilst remaining pragmatic and realistic. A good communicator with clients and a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP


PKF GM & Co


Armstrong Watson LLP


Clough Corporate Solutions


Gibson Booth Business Solutions and Insolvency


KBL Advisory


Ellis Breese


Dr. Anthony Zammit


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted on behalf of Begbies Traynor, the administrators of Swangate Developments Limited, pursuing the directors of the company for circa £400,000 taken out of the company prior to the administrators’ appointment.
  • Acted on behalf of a creditor of a company that purported to organise and promote music concerts for high profile US artists.
  • Advised Gibson Booth, the liquidator of J Blackburn & Sons Limited, on various issues tied to the liquidation.

Wilkin Chapman LLP

Wilkin Chapman LLP‘s insolvency recoveries team caters to insolvency practitioners as well as companies and individuals, with expertise in a range of contentious matters. Team lead Gary Taylor, who holds an additional qualification as an insolvency practitioner, advises on a broad range of mandates from the Beverley office. Matthew Dix has experience advising on matters with international elements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gary Taylor


Autres avocats clés:

Chris Grocock; Louisa Shilleto; Matthew Dix


Les références

‘It is always a pleasure to work with the Wilkin Chapman team – strong on the law combined with being approachable and focussed on solutions.’

‘The team is the sum of its individual parts – all bring individual qualities that make the team what it is.’

‘They are uniquely positioned to have both insolvency practitioners and expert lawyers on the team. A very friendly, approachable team who have extremely good understanding of both insolvency law and the practicalities.

Principaux clients

RSM


Haringey Council


Manolete Partners Plc


Wakefield Council


Stoke City Council


Bridgewood Financial Services Group


Rexel UK


Npower Limited


Cornerstone Business Turnaround and Recovery Limited


McPartland and Gifford Limited


Redmans Insolvency Service


FRP Advisory


Opus Business Advisory Group


Asertis


Redman, Nicholls, Butler


Thornton Rones


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised trustee of Paul Anthony Harris in bankruptcy as to the cross-border enforceability of a bankruptcy order in Sweden, post-Brexit.
  • Advised McPartland and Gifford Limited on the appointment of LPA receivers in circumstances in which the appointment was likely to be challenged.
  • Advised Manolete Partners Plc on a breach of duty claim against the former designated members of a liquidated LLP.