Our expert team
Our advisers have considerable experience handling assignments of all sizes and complexities and a proven successful track record across a broad range of industries and sectors. Services and support are provided for companies and individuals, as well as credit managers, lenders and professional advisers.
Tony Down FCCA
Group CEO
He was introduced into the family accountancy business at a very young age, where he began his accountancy, business advisory and management training. After spending a number of years, auditing, producing year end accounts and preparing tax returns, he decided that there are more fulfilling pastures, in what he describes, as the real commercial world.
Now as a Specialised Advisor to the growth and turnaround market, he brings a wealth of experience to business owners and Leadership teams, and also acts as a coach and mentor. Helping business owners and leadership teams to; unpack vision, plan and set strategy, and prepare business plans. He assists in preparing long, medium, and short term forecasts and budgets, assists in raising finance and implementing further financial and other commercial controls.
Outside of work, Tony is a keen walker, reader, and can be often found cheering on his local rugby team.
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Michelle Breslin BA, MIPA,
Partner & Authorised Insolvency Practitioner
Michelle is originally from London. At school Michelle developed a loathing for mathematics and, on leaving, vowed never to touch figures again. It was no surprise, therefore, that her first job was in the accounts department of the BBC. She remained with the BBC in various roles for 11 years, where she gained a degree in English and History. After leaving the BBC, Michelle eventually discovered insolvency, working for two “Big 4” firms and another national practice, before joining Graham in 2003.
She sat and passed her exams to qualify as an Insolvency Practitioner in 2006 (having forgotten her earlier vow).
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Paul Harding
Partner & Authorised Insolvency Practitioner
Paul has spent the majority of his working life in the insolvency arena and at various periods this has taken him to work in London, Birmingham, Wales and several of the Shire Counties. He has seen many changes in the profession but the “insolvency buzz” is still with him and over the years he has become a member of the Insolvency Practitioners Association, a member of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals and is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He obtained his licence as an Insolvency Practitioner in 1987.
Over the last 25 years, he has been invited to become a partner in a mid-tier firm and then joined a “big 4” firm where he was for over 12 years before realising he wanted to return to the “real commercial world”.
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Penny Hitch
Partner & Personal Insolvency Specialist
Having grown up in the Cheshire countryside Penny attended Nottingham Trent University studied dance for a BA in Contemporary Arts. Realising that she was not cut out for the life of an artist, Penny moved to Bristol to train as a lawyer. Some years later, disillusioned with changes in the law, she sought a new direction and joined what is now tri group.
Penny has become a specialist in personal insolvency, and with her empathy and compassionate bedside manner, now leads the firm’s IVA unit. She also assists with the administration of company insolvencies. Penny passed the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency in 2010.
Outside work Penny enjoys motorsport, days out in her husband’s sports car and trying to become a gardener.
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Adrian Edmonds
Head of Group
Adrian, known by many as Adi, joined the tri group and our profession in autumn 2017. He’s habitual networker and commercially focused Marketing and Business Development Manager. Adi came to us with a strong track record of successes spanning his own consultancy, known as Free as a Bird, working with a broad spectrum of SME businesses, through to Barclays and Carphone Warehouse.
Once his daughters reach an age they can wear a helmet, Adi will get back to his passion of riding his Triumph, in the meantime, you’ll find him down the allotment if he gets half a chance.
Email Adrian
Call Adrian 07722 149 409
Graham Down MIPA, MABRP,
Founder
Graham trained as a Chartered Accountant with the family firm in South Wales. He obtained his licence to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in 1988. In 1990 he joined a major national accounting firm to set up its corporate recovery and insolvency department in the South West, where he was involved in a number of high profile assignments and managed a portfolio of liquidations under the law of Gibraltar.
In 1995 he was invited to become a partner in a London-based, niche insolvency practice, again establishing that firm’s presence in the South West. In 2009 he was instrumental in setting up Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery.
Toby Holt
Senior Manager
Toby decided to move out of accountancy into insolvency in the mid 80’s lured by the promise of untold riches and early retirement. 30 odd years on, he’s still working towards that goal… Toby has worked for a variety of firms from Big 4 to regional practices and has specialised over the years in almost all forms of insolvency, acting for all stakeholders. Specialisms include charities, travel and local authorities, amongst others
Privately he enjoys Rugby, and the odd bit of dancing, coupled with his almost daily jaunt up his beloved Malvern Hills
Email Toby
Call Toby 07891 014 785
Steve Smith
Partner
With nearly 30 years of experience in restructuring and insolvency since joining Cork Gully in 1988, Stephen has since held roles at PwC, PKF and BDO prior to joining BSCR. Stephen’s experience enables him to evaluate clients’ requirements, identify appropriate solutions and implement them in an effective and efficient manner.
Stephen regularly advises a wide variety of stakeholders including financial institutions, owner managed businesses, secured and unsecured creditors and professional advisers. He has a long track record in advising lenders, accountants and solicitors on their customer and client issues in a broad range of industry sectors, with a particular interest in agriculture. In addition, Stephen also advises on corporate simplification matters and S.110 restructuring assignments.
In his spare time, Stephen is a weekend farmer, an active walker, enjoys all sports and is studying classical and flamenco guitar.
Email Steve
Call Steve 07496 952 210
