James Stares has taken over as the new chairman of R3’s Southern Committee. James currently heads up the Grant Thornton restructuring team in the South and will be responsible for the running of the committee, which brings together regulated insolvency practitioners from across the Southern region.
R3 is the trade body for insolvency professionals and promotes best practice for professionals working with financially troubled individuals and businesses.
R3 members, including those who will sit on the Southern Committee, include practitioners across a wide and diverse group, ranging from national accountancy and law firms to regional niche practices.
James has succeeded former chairman Nick Keitley of Bond Pearce and says that during his time in his new role he hopes to champion the work of R3 members. He also wants to increase transparency of the profession’s work to the public and members of the business community to ensure R3 can provide a trusted resource to those struggling financially when needed.
He added: “The advice provided to both companies and individuals by R3 members is as diverse as the membership profile itself. Practitioners may be involved in complex restructuring assignments whilst others may be providing practical and timely advice to individuals facing difficulties servicing ‘debt mountains’. The key message, however, is simple – finding the right advisor to deal with issues affecting businesses or individuals is of paramount importance. R3 members are regulated professionals so businesses’ and individuals can rest assured that their advice will be impartial.”
Mike Pavitt, a partner at Paris Smith LLP, has been elected as vice chairman, filling James’ previous role.
The Southern Committee of R3 is highly active in the area, holding regular meetings to discuss best practice and debating key issues facing the profession. It is also committed to debating these issues on a wider platform and regularly comments in the local press on topics such as payday loans, businesses at risk and business distress.
Nationally the body has a lobbying role and R3 was instrumental in gaining government agreement to important changes to the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Pensions Act 2004.
