advisors

Our team of advisers is second to none

	The lawyers Christopher Cope MAE Qualified as a solicitor 1976. Employed Professional Conduct Department, ICAEW, 1976-1983. Handled numerous complaints at ICAEW. Secretary to Investigation Committee. Prosecuted cases before Disciplinary/Appeal Committees. 1984-1987 ran advisory service for accountants. January 1988 set up in practice as a solicitor. Since 1988 has acted for over 500 accountants and represented well over 300 before tribunals. Member of the Academy of Experts 1991. In practice as a litigation solicitor in Devon. Also a director of Accountants' Defence. As an Accountants' Defence adviser, will give accountants' disciplinary hearing advice to members and represent them before disciplinary and regulatory tribunals.
	Christopher Aylwin Practising barrister. Called to the Bar 1970. Member of chambers at 3 Paper Buildings, Inner Temple, since 1971. Represented professional clients in disqualification proceedings under Company Directors’ Disqualification Act. Represented numerous accountants (chartered/certified) before Disciplinary/Appeal Committees. Prosecutes on behalf of the Professional Conduct & Complaints Committee of the Bar Council. Lectures on professional misconduct. Based in London.
	Rochman Landau LLP(solicitors) A West End practice formed in 1979. The lead partner is David Liebeck who is the co-head of the insolvency department. He has practised insolvency law for many years. 30% of the work carried out during the course of a year is insolvency related. The firm employs other insolvency lawyers. The firm specialises in giving advice on all aspects of business law and acts for many accountancy firms. Advice is given on debt recovery, debentures, administration orders, liquidations, CVAs, IVAs and retention of title. The firm is well qualified to advise insolvency practitioners with regard to complaint, regulatory and disciplinary matters. The firm also specialises in litigation and is willing to act for accountants or firms of accountants who find themselves involved in complex legal disputes.
	Nick Openshaw Qualified as a solicitor in 1985. City of London trained. Set up own niche business practice in Devon in 1997. Extensive experience of professional businesses and clients, including accountants, dentists, doctors, solicitors and vets. Extensive experience acting for SME clients covering all corporate/commercial areas. Accomplished alliance-builder, with close working relationships with experts in areas including data protection, employee incentives, employment, intellectual property, pensions, planning, property, domestic and international taxation and technology.
	The Accountants Peter Holgate FCA A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, having gained admission in 1965. Also a member of the Securities Institute and a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners. Since 1991 a senior equity partner in Kingston Smith LLP, Chartered Accountants, having previously been Senior Partner of Callingham Crane, Chartered Accountants, who merged with Kingston Smith LLP in 1991. Responsibilities within Kingston Smith LLP involve acting as lead and/or client partner for taxation and general practice engagements with a number of owner managed businesses, acting as trustee to a number of family and will trusts and acting as a partner within forensics, litigation, regulatory and insurance support department mainly in connection with taxation and audit related cases. The latter involves considerable report writing and expert witness work including court attendance. Until 2007, an elected member of the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and served on the Institute’s Investigation Committee, the Financial Reporting Committee, the Training Committee, the Audit Registration Committee and the Professional Standards Board. Chairman of Kingston Smith’s Technical Committee which has responsibility for maintaining and formulating the firm's technical procedures and standards and a member of its Risk Committee. Leads the tax investigation unit.
	SWAT UK One of the largest providers of accountancy training and consultancy, operating throughout England and Wales including London. Provides compliance support in the areas of: Audit Anti money laundering Practice Assurance / Quality Checked Financial reporting Tax Insolvency Investment business (DPB & FSA) Client money Provides a comprehensive training programme of accountancy courses in many venues across England and Wales, from staff and student level workshops to CPD level courses. Has an in-house team of experts who lecture regularly on audit, financial reporting, anti money laundering, practice management and personal development through their public programme, as well as speaking at industry events and providing in-house training. Writes many industry-recognised publications, including the PCAS and Kestrian audit systems, as well as their own Money Laundering Manual and Practice/Quality Assurance manuals. Has very strong relationships with the ICAEW, ICAS and ACCA.
	David Young FCA Qualified as a chartered accountant in 1969. After over 20 years in the profession, both in the UK and overseas, joined the Professional Standards Office of the ICAEW in 1992. Investigated allegations of professional misconduct against members and member firms. Resolved many complaints without the need for bringing formal disciplinary action. In more serious cases, prepared written reports to the Professional Conduct Committees. Has given detailed advice to members to ensure proper consideration is given to compliance with professional and regulatory requirements. As an Accountants' Defence adviser, will give accountants' disciplinary hearing advice to members with regard to compliance with CPD requirements, how to avoid a complaint and, once a complaint is made, how to respond. He retired from the Professional Standards Office in 2003 and is now in practice as a consultant specialising in review work. Based in Bedford. Also a director of Accountants' Defence.