Event round-up: Northern Ireland Half-Day Forum

16 April 2025

The excellent and growing support for R3 events in Northern Ireland continued with a sold-out crowd of over 100 people attending the Annual Half-Day Forum at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast on 20 February 2025. It was fabulous to see so many people from across the region making the journey for what turned out to be an interesting, informative and entertaining day.

Following breakfast, networking, and the Chairman’s introduction, those in attendance were treated to the thoughts and reflections of R3 President, Tim Cooper who shared his insight on a lot of the issues facing the profession in Northern Ireland at the minute with a particular focus on our outdated legislation and how R3 can be at the forefront of driving change and progress in this area. His inspiring words gave plenty of food for thought for the audience and delivered several tangible action points for the committee to take forward.

After an update from the Directors Disqualification Unit, with a particular focus on misapplication of Government support schemes, the audience were treated to the first interactive session of the day as Pam Gillies of HNH hosted a fascinating panel discussion entitled ‘Entry Routes into Restructuring’. The panel consisted of Jeanette Donohue of CFR Solicitors, Sophie Currie of Keenan CF and one of the most experienced and respected figures in the profession, Brigid Napier of Napier Solicitors.

The panellists covered a range of topics from the diverse entry routes into the profession, to how it has changed and evolved over time, to what inspires and motivates them in their careers. There was discussion about the challenges that women have historically faced in the profession with Brigid Napier giving the audience some great insight into life as a female IP in the early 1990s. Whilst opportunities and attitudes towards women in our profession have definitely improved in Northern Ireland, the statistics around numbers of female IPs in the region shows there is still some work to be done.

Overall, the audience were captivated by the discussion and but for time limitations, we could have listened to the panel’s insights all day.

After more networking time during the interval, the Forum resumed with the R3 update from Ben Luxford which touched on all areas of R3 life and gave the audience insight into some of the ways in which the work that R3 does benefits them in their day-to-day work. This was followed by Peter Hales from Michels and Taylor who shared his insight and experience in managing hotels in Administration. The audience were treated to some case studies and examples of issues that Peter has dealt with throughout his career as well as receiving several useful tips and advice on how insolvency professionals should both prepare for and deal with a myriad of issues that come with running a hotel. There is no question that rising wage and supply chain costs will put pressure on the hospitality sector this year, so the timing of this session was opportune and was both enjoyed and appreciated in equal measure.

The hospitality theme continued in the closing session of the day as the technical legal session went interactive with a roleplay giving the opportunity for the audience to assume the role of Judge in the potential misfeasance action against Insolvency Practitioner, Andrew Dolliver of EY.

With the help of his legal advisor, Sam Corbett of A&L Goodbody and valuation expert Peter Hales, Andrew decided not to challenge the sale of a hotel prior to his appointment as Liquidator as a Transaction at Undervalue. His judgement was challenged by Richard Craig of Mills Selig, acting on behalf of some of the Company’s creditors, who sought to pursue a misfeasance action against the Liquidator.

Sam and Richard ferociously pleaded their respective positions in a very entertaining back and forth and put it to the audience to decide the IP’s fate.  Luckily for Andrew, the audience backed him, and he avoided censure. This was an excellent way to end the day’s proceedings and provided the audience with not only some great technical detail but did it in an engaging and enjoyable manner. As the Northern Ireland committee chair, I closed the session and both myself and everyone at R3 extend our thanks to the participants who contributed to what was an excellent forum.

The big takeaway from the day was the renewed drive that is needed in terms of pushing legislative and practical change to the profession in Northern Ireland and improving the way in which we operate. We are a nation which is seeing a growth in membership and event attendance is growing all the time after the impact of the pandemic, but now is the time to capitalise on this and follow the lead from the rest of the UK and use our voice to make a difference.

Ian Leonard

Chair, R3 Northern Ireland Committee

Director, Interpath Advisory (Ireland)