South Coast: Jobs rescued at failed law firm

Administrators at business advisory and corporate restructuring firm Quantuma have stepped into save over 30 jobs at a South Coast law firm which has gone into administration.

Quantuma partners Andrew Hosking and Sean Bucknall were appointed administrators to Edward Hayes LLP which has offices in Havant, East Wittering, Worthing and London.

Hosking said: “All staff jobs have been saved and clients’ interests protected following the sale of the business to national firm Gurney Harden Solicitors.”

Edward Hayes was a law firm founded in 2006 but with origins that can be traced back to 1961. In its most recent annual accounts filed in August 2017, the firm stated it recorded a turnover of £2.8 million with a marginal pre-tax loss. It employed an average of 33 people during 2016/17.

Gurney Harden is based in Ashford, Kent, and has offices in Chatham, Hasting, Eastbourne and London.

As part of the process of ensuring clients’ interests continue to be protected, Hosking and Bucknall have appointed joint solicitor managers Samantha Palmer and Jo Creamer of Pinsent Masons to oversee the safe transfer of client files and client monies according to informed client consents.

An updating statement has also been posted on Edward Hayes’ website which confirms that its fee earners can arrange to help clients instruct any other firm is they choose.

Quantuma’s Hosking and Bucknall are recognised as legal sector restructuring specialists, having been involved in some of the most high profile insolvencies in the legal industry, including King Wood & Mallesons, the largest European legal insolvency to date.