Insolvency and corporate recovery
Oct 1 2010 The Journal
Dickinson Dees LLP, Newcastle
Eversheds LLP, Newcastle
Hay & Kilner, Newcastle
Ward Hadaway, Newcastle
Watson Burton LLP, Newcastle
BHP Law, Darlington
Jacksons Law, Stockton-on-Tees
Mincoff Solicitors LLP, Newcastle
Short Richardson & Forth LLP, Newcastle
Dickinson Dees LLP‘s clients consider it “first choice for insolvency-related mandates”, a reputation which is shared among the Big Four accountancy firms as well as niche insolvency practitioners. The practice has seen a growth in turnaround instructions where no formal insolvency has taken place, as well as an increase in fraud claims. John Pennie, Sally Dallow and Jonathan Blair “all go the extra mile for clients”.
Eversheds LLP fields “a high-class team whose members recognise the need for speedy, value-added, professional service”. Headed by Paul Dutton, the restructuring practice boasts a broad range of clients spanning public sector bodies, chemicals companies and property clients.
Hay & Kilner’s “exemplary” practice undertakes a comprehensive mixture of corporate and personal insolvency work. It has been acting for the administrators in a pre-pack administration for an employment agency. Practice head Neil Harrold has “excellent technical knowledge and tempers it with practical solutions”.
2009 saw Ward Hadaway advise a major brewery on Cobra Beer’s proposed £100m company voluntary arrangement and subsequent administration, as well as advising on the pre-liquidation sale of the UK’s second-largest golf tour operator. Jim James heads the practice.
Andrew Cawkwell is the standout figure in Watson Burton LLP’s insolvency team, which has been working hand in hand with the firm’s finance group to provide restructuring and insolvency advice.
Under the leadership of David Birks, BHP Law acted for KPMG as administrators in relation to the collection of book debts. Teesside-based Ursula Collie is recommended.
At Jacksons Law, Stephen Wiles draws praise for his “technical ability and cost effectiveness”.
Mincoff Solicitors LLP recently led a £4m corporate restructuring of a national leisure operator’s portfolio of bar and restaurant outlets. Paul Hughes has developed extensive expertise in pre-pack administration matters.
At Short Richardson & Forth LLP, Tim Berg and Mark Green primarily act for insolvency practitioners, but also handle debtor and creditor-side instructions.
