Insolvency practice acquired by national professional services company

Deborah Lockwood and Adrian Graham

Professional services business, Leonard Curtis, has acquired Sheffield insolvency and recovery firm Graywoods, representing a significant step towards enhancing its presence in the South Yorkshire region.

Graywoods is being incorporated into the Leonard Curtis brand – with owners Adrian Graham and Deborah Lockwood welcoming the “excellent opportunity” to become part of a national firm in the business recovery sector.

The move means more clients in South Yorkshire will now have access to a wider range of business advisory services, including restructuring and insolvency, funding and legal solutions.

Lockwood and Graham have worked together since 1999 and set up Graywoods in 2015 – building a firm that specialises in corporate recovery and insolvency advice for SMEs, charities and other third sector organisations right across South Yorkshire.

Lockwood is also a non-executive director at South Yorkshire Housing Association and chair of SYHA Enterprises, while collaborating with Sheffield Theatres both on the Development Council and the Fundraising Committee.

Graham said: “This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a well-renowned group and for Leonard Curtis to strengthen its presence in South Yorkshire with the addition of a long-established and reputable firm.

Lockwood added: “Working as part of the Leonard Curtis team, we can offer more to the businesses and organisations we currently support and provide an even better offering to our client base.”

Sean Williams

Sean Williams – head of Yorkshire and North East at Leonard Curtis, which already includes offices in Leeds, Gateshead and Barlborough – said: “We are fully committed to the region and acquiring Graywoods is a reflection of our efforts to provide an enhanced local offering.

“The Graywoods team have a common approach to solving problems for business – vastly experienced, approachable and friendly.

“2023 is forecasted to be a significant year in the business recovery sector, and we are focused on supporting as many people within the region as possible.

“This acquisition enables us to extend our reach and offer the best possible support to those who need it.”

Leonard Curtis has 22 regional offices – one of which is offshore in Guernsey – and employs over 250 people.

Leonard Curtis Legal advised on the transaction, led by Jen Moore, with Sherrelle Scott, Alicia Renshaw, Kulzinder Garcha, Jenny Fell and India Lawrenson. Rob Moore of Taylor and Emmet advised Graywoods.

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