Fran Henshaw has been appointed head of corporate recovery and insolvency at Beever and Struthers, succeeding Charles MacMillan who retires after 14 years in the role.
Fran holds a wealth of experience, having advised distressed businesses, and dealt with formal insolvency work since 1989.
She qualified as an accountant with ACCA in 1995 and is currently a member of ICAEW. Having passed her insolvency exams in 2001 she holds an insolvency licence, which allows her to take formal insolvency appointments.
She co-founded the department with Charles in 2008.
Fran said: "I’d like to express my personal thanks to Charles for his guidance and support over many years and wish him all the best for his retirement. My appointment will assist with a seamless transition for the team as we continue without Charles."
Having specialised in corporate recovery and insolvency since 1980, Charles joined Beever and Struthers to launch the team with Fran in 2008.
Prior to joining Beever and Struthers, Charles was a founder member of Peats' insolvency team in Manchester in 1981 and the creator of BDO’s insolvency team in Leeds.
Charles said: “Having specialised exclusively in insolvency-related matters for more than 40 years I feel I’m due some sort of accolade. Whether that be for the quality of advice and determination or for sheer foolhardiness is for others to judge.
“Most of my career has felt like Groundhog Day. I was a founder member of Peats first insolvency team in Manchester in 1981, the creator of BDO’s insolvency team in Leeds, and with Fran, set up Beever and Struthers’ insolvency team. Starting again seems to be my speciality so retirement feels like yet another start.
“The one sure thing is that during that time I have been lucky enough to meet and work with many talented professionals and most of them have become good friends. This is reward enough for me."
Maria Hallows, executive partner at Beever and Struthers, said on behalf of the firm's partners: "Charles has played a key role in the development of the firm and will be greatly missed. We have every faith in Fran and her team to continue to provide a first-class service to existing and future clients coming to us."
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