Begbies Traynor is marking its 25th anniversary in Preston during which time the 30‐strong team has helped rescue hundreds of local businesses, saving thousands of jobs.
The practice first came to Preston in 1993 when its founders opened the office in Winckley Court. Then known as Buchler Phillips Traynor, the team was headed up by Ric Traynor and Andrew Dick who, a quarter of a century later, are still involved in the business which has grown into a national and international AIM listed company with 50 offices and almost 600 employees.
The office was initially set up to support companies in Lancashire who were experiencing financial distress. Since then, it’s client base has expanded to cover the North West and it even operates internationally.
As well as its team of corporate insolvency professionals, the office is also the base for personal bankruptcy experts who specialise in forensic investigative work, centred around personal insolvency cases.
Ric Traynor, executive chairman of Begbies Traynor, said: “As one of our first offices, our Preston operation has been instrumental in our growth from a small firm to an international organisation. Twenty‐five years after opening our office here, the region remains an important market for the firm and it’s great to see it continuing to go from strength to strength.”
Ian McCulloch, insolvency director in the Preston office, said: “Reaching twenty-five years in the city is quite a milestone and while we’ve seen significant growth and change over that time, our ethos remains the same ‐ we are a local business, supported by a national network; this is the approach that works for us and for our clients. We have worked hard during these years to build a reputation as an approachable team who can and do make a difference to businesses in financial distress.”
Dean Watson, managing partner specialising in corporate insolvency and restructuring, added: “The key for a successful outcome is for business owners to ask for professional help as early as possible when more options will be open to them. Often, it can be a relief to share the burden and take constructive action. Our aim is to turn the company around, save jobs and sell the business as a going concern, if at all possible.”
Recent success stories for Begbies Traynor’s Preston team include working with a logistics firm in financial difficulty, which was saved from insolvency with no job losses; and securing 60 jobs at another local business.
The firm is hosting a celebration event for staff, clients and business associates at Fives Restaurant in Preston on Thursday evening.