South: R3 trade body appoints Garry Lee as chairman
A trade association representing the insolvency and restructuring profession in southern England has a new chairman.
Garry Lee, recovery and restructuring senior manager at the South Coast office of accountancy firm Smith & Williamson, was formally appointed at the AGM of R3 Southern & Thames Valley Region.
Mike Pavitt, corporate restructuring partner at law firm Paris Smith, handed over the reins to Lee, who was previously vice-chair, following a three-year tenure.
Heather Dobson, partner and head of insolvency and restructuring at law firm Moore Blatch, was appointed the new vice-chair.
Lee said: “As the regional voice of insolvency and restructuring, R3 Southern & Thames Valley Region will look to build upon the excellent work done by Mike in raising our trade association’s profile within commerce and the wider public.
“Members of R3 have helped thousands of business and individuals obtain financial help, with the assurance that comes from using a professional who is qualified, regulated and approachable. We are very much about providing timely advice for companies and people in financial distress, advice that they can rely on.
“The restructuring, turnaround and insolvency profession is a vital part of the UK economy.
“Our profession rescues businesses and jobs, creates the confidence to trade and lend, by returning money fairly to creditors after insolvencies. The profession also investigates and disrupts fraud and helps indebted individuals get back on their feet.”
Duncan Swift, president of R3, said: “Garry’s extensive experience in the profession, coupled with his long-standing support for the committee and in-depth knowledge of the region and the demands placed on its insolvency and restructuring professionals will be invaluable to us as we look to continue to support the profession in the Southern & Thames Valley area.
“I am certain he will build on the excellent work Mike has done in his time as the region’s chair and I and the R3 Central team look forward to working with him and the committee to develop and deliver the events, networking opportunities and membership activities that R3’s Southern & Thames Valley Region is known for.”