Scot takes the helm at UK insolvency body

Scottish insolvency practitioner Maureen Leslie has been appointed President of the London-based Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA).

Mrs Leslie, owner / director of Glasgow headquartered mlm Solutions, takes office with immediate effect, and serves as the Association’s figurehead and Chairman of its board of directors for the next twelve months.

The IPA, which has 2,200 members, is at the forefront of developing professional standards, creating insolvency qualifications, widening access to insolvency knowledge and encouraging those involved in insolvency-related work to maintain appropriate levels of competence, skills and integrity. It also leads in debates on regulatory reform, and has been at the forefront of developments in personal and corporate insolvency.

Mrs Leslie, who has over 25 years’ experience, worked for a “Big 4” firm and a principal mid-market accountancy firm before setting up recovery, restructuring and insolvency boutique mlm Solutions in 2005. Specialising in supporting businesses in financial distress Mrs Leslie has a particular interest in using the Company Voluntary Arrangement tool to affect business rescue and also undertaking contentious bankruptcy work acting on behalf of either creditors or debtors.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Leslie said: “Since opening mlm’s London office 18 months ago I have been able to devote more time to the IPA and it is a great honour to be appointed to lead such a prestigious membership body. With the UK slipping in the World Banking Ratings for its insolvency regime I am looking forward to engaging with our members and the wider IP community to ensure we maximise the opportunity to improve matters when the Government issues its consultation later this year.”

The IPA’s CEO David Kerr added: “Maureen has served on a number of IPA committees and Council, and her practice experience in firms of varying sizes, and current focus on the needs of modest-sized practices, will ensure the Association’s members are well represented in the year ahead throughout the UK as the profession faces challenges of a commercial and regulatory nature.”