James Thompson

James specialises in corporate turnaround and restructuring, independent business reviews, options reviews, contingency planning and due diligence.

Experience

James began his career in corporate restructuring in 2007 at a national insolvency practice, before moving to ReSolve in 2011, and now Evelyn Partners.  James manages a variety of advisory-focussed projects and formal insolvency assignments, advising lenders, directors and other stakeholders, as well as acting as a mentor for team members.

During his career in restructuring James has led a number of trading administration assignments, including pre-appointment contingency planning, developing short-term forecasts with management to determine the viability of trade, monitoring ongoing trading and managing key stakeholders.  

Notable client work and achievements

Turnaround of global recruitment business

Having gained experience in turnaround advisory in addition to restructuring, James led the team that advised the board of a global recruitment business that was experiencing severe financial difficulties and at risk of a formal insolvency.   This was a complex turnaround and James’ work included careful stakeholder management, helping the board navigate the company’s short term cash requirements, and assisting with the implementation of a revised turnaround plan.  His work ultimately led to renewed lender confidence and helped the business return to profitability.

IBR of automotive company

Managed a business review of a company in the automotive industry with a number of high profile and blue-chip clients, on behalf of a lender.  As part of the review, James advised on the viability of the company’s four business units, solvency of the company as a whole, risks to the lender, estimated outcome and recommendations.

Undertaken buy side due diligence

Significant experience in leading buy side due diligence projects, assessing the viability of a number of proposed investment opportunities.  James’ work often involves understanding the core capital requirements, growth opportunities, short term working capital needs, and assessing potential security structures. 

Administration of Brickvest

James led the team that successfully sold the business and assets of Brickvest Limited, a leading real estate FinTech platform, to Patrizia AG, a global real estate investment manager.  The transaction enabled the further development of the innovative platform developed by Brickvest and resulted in the full repayment of unsecured creditor claims.

Administration of Skills Matter

Following the appointment of Administrators of Skills Matter Limited, a global community of technologists and event technology training provider, James ran the team that successfully rescued the business and assets of the company, dividing the business between its two core service lines and achieving a sale of each to new investors.

Professional qualifications 

James is a chartered certified accountant (FCCA) and a qualified insolvency practitioner (JIEB).