We have unique people with exceptional talent
2024 has been another year of growth for our Forensic Services team, with continued high demand leading to further expansion of our team and yet more recognition.
We were delighted to celebrate Laura Dymott’s promotion to Partner. Laura leads the forensic accounting aspects of some of FRP’s highest profile contentious insolvency matters and played a key part in the UK’s largest ever wrongful trading claim against former directors of BHS.
The appointment of Alison Hollywood broke new ground for FRP, establishing an office in Belfast. Alison, who joined us from PWC, specialises in advising clients on complex business interruption claims. Alison has been joined by Sinead O’Neill who joins as a Director.
Internal promotions in the year included Harry Trick and Molly Sandquest to Director and Holly Baker to Senior Manager.
We have real strength in depth, with our six Forensic Services Partners and eight Forensic Services Directors being supported by a team of 38 forensic accountants and technologists, located across our offices in London, East Anglia, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and Belfast.
Engagements delivered during the year included complex investigations, multiple expert witness appointments including breach of warranty claims, contentious valuations and professional negligence matters, eDiscovery and computer forensic investigations.
We were pleased to be recognised in Chambers and Partners Litigation Support Guide for the sixth consecutive year for our forensic accounting services and for the third consecutive year for our eDiscovery services. Chris Osborne was named ‘Asset Recovery Expert of the Year’ at the Lexology Index Awards, and recognised as ‘Global Elite Thought Leader’ by Who’s Who Legal. Andrew Fingerett was listed in Financier Worldwide Magazine as an ‘Exceptional Expert’ in International Arbitration.
Wrongful trading and misfeasance against former BHS directors
Laura discusses FRP’s role as liquidators of the BHS group since 2016, focusing on forensic investigation, financial analysis, and litigation. The case drove advancements in our forensic services technology capabilities, through the introduction of the Relativity platform for document review. Extensive financial analysis on this case led to multiple litigation efforts, culminating in a six-week High Court trial. The ruling found wrongful trading and misfeasance, awarding over £150 million in damages against former BHS directors.
Forensic accounting in a construction dispute
Henry talks about our role in a construction dispute over renovation work at a leisure venue. The client faced a seven-figure loss of profits claim, which was referred to adjudication. Our Forensic Services team quickly reviewed and challenged the opposing report, highlighting overly optimistic assumptions. Despite business model changes and COVID-19 complexities, their response within two weeks contributed to a favourable outcome, strengthening client and legal team confidence.
Resolving private client disputes with financial expertise
Faye discusses her work on private client disputes including divorce, contentious probate, and Trust work. She provides independent asset valuation and financial analysis to private client lawyers, helping families navigate disputes. Faye can simplify complex financial structures, clarify asset values, and present findings in layman’s terms. Her involvement often prevents court proceedings, or alternatively, she’ll serve as an expert witness, aiding settlements before trial.
Investigating fraud and integrity of management
Jonathan talks about our work on a primarily UK-based, global consumer markets business, where auditors had concerns about potential fraud and the integrity of management. We were appointed to investigate concerns swiftly, using our independence and forensic expertise. The Forensic Services team analysed data including emails and mobile phone records to piece together evidence, which resulted in the company addressing the problems uncovered.
Digital forensics and document analysis in legal cases
Jon discusses FRP’s work in digital forensics and document analysis in 2024, highlighting collaboration across our disciplines. He talks about how AI has increased challenges to evidence, driving increased demand for forensic analysis, as well as how we leverage integrated forensic disciplines to strengthen collaboration, challenge incorrect evidence, and provide clients with thorough and precise forensic insights for their cases.
Exploring the evolving forensic technology landscape
Adrian explores the evolving forensic technology landscape in 2024, highlighting a major shift as short message data from platforms like WhatsApp and Teams now surpasses email in volume. This change complicates investigations, with private chats lacking audit trails. Mobile data collection is crucial but raises privacy concerns. He advises businesses to implement clear communication policies, ensuring they are prepared for modern investigative challenges while balancing privacy and legal requirements.
Insurance claims landscape increasingly complex
Alison discusses what she’s seeing in the Northern Irish and Scottish markets. She notes that the insurance claims landscape is becoming increasingly complex, even for small business interruption claims. Alison anticipates that key focus areas for 2025 will include ongoing Covid-related business interruption claims, warranty and indemnity insurance claims due to rising sales, and normal business interruption claims impacted by extreme weather, political risk, and economic instability, which will lead to coverage and quantification challenges.
Forensic Services team ranked in Chambers and Partners guide for sixth consecutive year
Our Forensic Services team has been ranked in Band 2 in the Chambers and Partners Litigation Support Guide for the sixth year running; with Forensic Services Partner, Chris Osborne being recognised as a notable practitioner by the directory for the fifth consecutive year.
Annual Forensic Services team conference
In May, our expert Forensic Services team gathered for an inspiring internal conference. This day brought together leading professionals from across our national network of offices to share insights, foster collaboration, and exchange best practices. The conference was an incredible success, offering a platform for engagement and innovation. As an annual event, it ensures we continue to strengthen our connections, enhance our expertise to deliver even greater support to our clients.
Annual forensic services and contentious insolvency event
In September, we hosted our annual Forensic Services and Contentious Insolvency gathering at the prestigious Middle Temple. This special event brought together our experts, colleagues from various practice areas, clients, and valued professional contacts. It provided an excellent opportunity to foster connections, exchange insights, and collaborate in a dynamic and historic setting.
