Accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael has beefed up its restructuring and business consulting teams ahead of an expected increase in north-east companies struggling under the effects of the oil price crash.
The group has confirmed that Bryan Jackson, a veteran of several high profile football team restructuring exercises, will join the firm as consultant, managing a Scotland-wide remit as a key figure within Johnston Carmichael’s restructuring team.
The firm said Mr Jackson, who led the insolvency team for six football clubs in Scotland including Heart of Midlothian, “bolsters the Aberdeen team during a difficult period in the north-east as companies look at restructuring their business models to remain sustainable in light of a lower oil price”. The company added that the teams Mr Jackson was involved in saving “continue to operate to this day”.
Matt Henderson, Head of Restructuring at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Bryan is one of the most experienced and respected insolvency practitioners in the UK and brings tremendous value to the firm.
“With a long and distinguished track record, he has a wealth of experience and excellent links into a wide range of referral sources including banks, solicitors, accountants and advisory services as well as other corporate and personal clients.
“We’re very excited to welcome him to our team.”
The appointment comes as the firm, which has six of its 11 offices based in the north and north-east, launches a new consulting division to support companies facing “periods of change”.
Alistair Black, a Chartered Management Accountant who has come to the accountancy firm from housebuilder Cala Group, will spearhead the new division.
Meanwhile, law firm Burness Paull has taken the North Sea legal team head of a major oil and gas services firm on as a consultant. Peter Lunny, who worked for Technip UK for seven years, will bring his experience particularly in dispute resolution in the oil and gas and shipping industry to the firm., Burness Paull said.
Philip Rodney, Chairman of Burness Paull, said: “Peter provides further depth to the dispute resolution team in supporting the firm’s clients in the exploration and production and service sectors and opens doors to new business opportunities for the firm.”