Insolvency: Dodging Bullets

Episode 20 - Perspectives from a small IP practice 18.06.2026 40min

In this episode, Stephen Hunt interviews Francesca Tackie of Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions to explore her journey, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the insolvency profession, and the challenges faced by small practitioners.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 18 - The Most Important Insolvency Rule You Have Never Heard Of 05.06.2026 50min

In this episode, we explore the impact of a seldom utilised rule relating to costs and expense in insolvent estates. Once we explored its practical implications, it became clear that its impact is far wider and more significant than first thought.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode.

Bonus Episode - Tips For Achieving a Successful Podcast Recording 03.06.2026 4min

In this bonus episode, Frank Turnbull and Stephen Hunt share tips on how to achieve a successful recording from the right kit to what to do with your hands after the recording light turns on. If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 19 - When Journalists and Insolvency Practitioners Work Together 08.06.2026 48min

In this episode, Stephen Hunt interviews James Hurley, Assistant Business Editor of The Times, about the perception of insolvency practitioners, media relations, and tackling fraud. They explore how the industry can improve transparency, public understanding, and regulatory effectiveness.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 17 - Inside Litigation Funding in Insolvency 01.06.2026 44min

In this episode, Stephen Hunt and Charles Jeffrey explore the evolving landscape of litigation funding in insolvency, discussing market trends, pricing models, risk management, and how to optimize case funding strategies.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 16 - How (un)fit are Directors? 26.05.2026 40min

This episode Jane Stephenson explores the impact of COVID-19 on director disqualifications, focusing on COVID loan abuse, the changing landscape post-pandemic, and lessons for insolvency practitioners and lawyers. Featuring insights from experts Mike Pavitt from Paris Smith Solicitors and Andrew Goodson, it offers a detailed analysis of recent statistics, policy implications, and future trends.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 15 - Two Nations Separated by a Common Language 21.05.2026 50min

This episode explores the key differences between US and UK insolvency law, focusing on language, procedures, and international cooperation. Frank Turnbull welcomes Geraldine Valdez as she shares insights from her experience in both jurisdictions, highlighting practical challenges and opportunities for legal professionals.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 14 - Digital Comms All The Way 18.05.2026 33min

In the world of insolvency, effective communication is critical. Have you ever wondered how technology can streamline this process? In this episode, Stephen Hunt is joined by Marvee-Lisa Booker, CEO at Postworks. They explore how Postworks are transforming communication for insolvency practitioners, making it more efficient and compliant and delve into the innovative solutions they provide to meet the unique needs of this sector. Marvee-Lisa talks about her experiences growing up with a family business, her early career, her vision for Postworks and plans for her future.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Bonus Episode - What is the Insolvency Debate? 12.05.2026 4min

In this special episode of the podcast, Stephen Hunt and Frank Turnbull discuss the unusual format for the Insolvency Debate taking place in Leeds on 13th May 2026 and if the debate is successful, their plans to take it on the road around the country.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 13 - Ian Richardson: Fraud, Insolvency and the Isle of Man 11.05.2026 40min

In this engaging interview, Stephen Hunt and Frank Turnbull talk to Ian Richardson from Grant Thornton and he shares insights on working for a large firm, the impact of AI on insolvency, cross-border jurisdictional challenges, and his experiences working around the world from Australia to the Isle of Man. Discover practical perspectives and humorous anecdotes from a professional in the industry.

Episode 12 - Navigating Insolvency with Stephen Cork 08.05.2026 25min

In this episode, Stephen Hunt interviews Stephen Cork, a renowned insolvency expert with a rich family history in the industry. They discuss the evolution of insolvency practices, notable cases, and innovative approaches.If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe on your preferred platform so you never miss a episode.

Episode 11 - The F Word 17.04.2026 35min

Join Frank Turnbull, Stephen Hunt, and Andrew Goodson as they share insights from their recent contribution to recently released Directors and Creditors, Law and Liability book and discuss the differences between bringing fraudulent trading and wrongful trading claims, changing legislation, and the interplay between administration and liquidation — and how knowing what to look for can be the difference between a successful claim and a missed opportunity.

Episode 10 - Winding down with Nick O'Reilly 09.04.2026 46min

What happens when a young professional in the 1980s enters a field so misunderstood that people confuse his job with "solvent abuse"?In this episode, Stephen Hunt sits down with Nick O’Reilly, a former President of R3 and a true veteran of the insolvency world. Nick takes us back to the early days of the Official Receiver’s office—a time of "sink or swim" learning where he found himself questioning bankrupts twice his age about financial structures he was still figuring out himself.From those humble beginnings, Nick’s career took him through the high-pressure corridors of "Big City" firms and to the agile, high-impact world of smaller practices. He pulls no punches as he discusses the regulations hampering football club administrations and his plans now he has retired from the profession.

Episode 9 - What's on our mind? 02.04.2026 25min

In this episode, Stephen Hunt, Joanne Wilson, Andrew Goodson and Jane Stephenson share their thoughts on our recent episodes and discuss potential topics for future podcasts - the challenges of insolvency regulations, the impact of COVID-19 on disqualifications, and the portrayal of insolvency professionals in media and fiction among others.

Episode 8 - What now for the Insolvency Practitioners Association? 28.03.2026 39min

So what now for the Insolvency Practitioners Association following the Nicholson v IPA judgment handed down this week?This episode we explore the complex world of insolvency bonds, the Nicholson v IPA case, and the regulatory challenges faced by Insolvency Practitioners. Hosted by Frank Turnbull with insights from Stephen Hunt, it delves into legal, procedural, and systemic issues impacting the industry.

Episode 7 - Balancing Act 23.03.2026 56min

In this episode, we explore the challenges parents face balancing work with caring for a child with additional needs, as well as their siblings. Host Andrew Goodson is joined by his wife, Emma Goodson, whose son was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at seven months old; Charlotte Cooke, whose daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) shortly after birth; and Frank Turnbull, whose daughter was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) requiring major heart surgery. We also hear from Stephen Hunt, who provides his perspective as an employer. The panel discusses their personal journeys, the impact on their professional lives, and the vital importance of support networks.For more information on the conditions highlighted and the charities providing support, please visit:Angelman Syndrome: NHS | Angelman UKPrader-Willi Syndrome: NHS | PWSAVSD & Heart Support: British Heart Foundation | Tiny Tickers

Episode 6 - Disclosure: Full and Frank 18.03.2026 44min

Most insolvency practitioners and legal professionals miss crucial disclosure pitfalls that can sink a whole case — and this episode reveals how to avoid catastrophic errors. Luke Harrison, founding partner of Keidan Harrison LLP, a insolvency dispute lawyer, exposes the overlooked details that led to the striking out of a multi-million-pound claim, risking millions in assets and reputation. In this episode, we break down the often-missed importance of proper disclosure in insolvency litigation, especially under strict Practice Direction (PD 57 AD). Luke shares firsthand insights on the critical steps insolvency practitioners (IPs) must take to ensure they meet their disclosure obligations — from managing electronic data to understanding their clients’ complex roles in litigation. We explore how failure to disclose adverse documents, at a critical time, can halt cases in their tracks or worse, lead to wasted costs orders and claim dismissals. You'll discover: why the law’s evolving disclosure rules are vital for insolvent estates, how to implement effective review procedures using specialist software, and why IPs must proactively question their legal teams — even when it feels cumbersome. Luke also reveals the deep responsibility on IPs to safeguard the estate’s assets and how ignoring these can jeopardize recovery efforts. This episode underscores why transparency, early insurer notification, and robust evidence collection are your best defenses in insolvency litigation. Ignoring these lessons isn’t just risky — it can wipe out valuable claims and leave estate assets unprotected. Whether you’re an insolvency professional, lawyer, or creditor with a stake in asset recovery, understanding these pitfalls is essential to turning litigation into a successful asset recovery tool rather than a costly gamble.

Episode 5 - The Jeopardy of Joint Appointments 06.03.2026 42min

In this episode, Andrew Goodson welcomes Stephen Hunt, Jane Stephenson, Joanne Wilson and Frank Turnbull to the podcast to unpack the complexities of joint insolvency appointments. Together they discuss internal and external appointments, liability risks, conflicts of interest and regulatory considerations. Jane rounds off the discussion with her key takeaway, reflecting on how the legal profession operates differently and why joint instructions are not encountered in quite the same way.

Episode 4 - Working Remotely v Distance Working in the Insolvency Industry 02.03.2026 37min

In this episode of Dodging Bullets, Stephen Hunt and Frank Turnbull engage in a comprehensive discussion with Eric Baijal from BBM Solicitors about the evolution of remote working, particularly in the Insolvency and legal sector. They explore the contrasting experiences of firms that have adopted fully remote models versus those that maintain physical offices. The conversation delves into the implications of remote work on recruitment, particularly for trainees, and the broader societal and economic impacts of shifting work environments. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of work and the importance of flexibility in adapting to new norms.

Episode 3 - Navigating Mental Health in the Insolvency and Legal Progression - Part 2 23.02.2026 39min

In this 2-part episode of Dodging Bullets, Stephen Hunt and Matthew Letts discuss the critical issue of mental health awareness within the legal profession. Matthew shares his personal journey with mental health, including his experiences with anxiety and the importance of seeking help. They delve into a specific case involving a solicitor who faced severe repercussions from the SRA after reaching out for support, highlighting the systemic challenges and stigma surrounding mental health in law. The conversation emphasizes the need for supportive environments and open discussions about mental health, advocating for a cultural shift in how the profession addresses these issues. If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues, charity such as Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ or MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ all offer support and guidance. Our guest Matthew Letts has set up a crowdfunding page to fund the legal challenge against the SRA’s treatment of the solicitor discussed in this podcast, for more information or to donate please visithttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/dyR5wXGn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shareto