Business advisory group Azets has expanded its UK restructuring and insolvency practice with the appointment of Dave Riley as a partner in its Manchester office.

Riley joined the company last month from Kroll. He has proven experience in the lender markey and insolvency, with a particular focus on asset-based lending, advisory work and restructuring.

In the new role, Riley will work with the firm’s wider restructuring and insolvency team, including Leeds-based partners Jonathan Amor and Richard Oddy, who lead mandates across Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East.

Riley said: “There are companies large and small which are financially unravelling in what continues to be a severely testing climate for so many businesses – my colleagues and I at Azets are on hand to advise directors and stakeholders on how to address, amongst a range of pressing issues, trading underperformance and pressure on working capital.”

Azets’ UK restructuring and insolvency activities are jointly overseen by Louise Brittain and Matthew Richards.

Commenting on the appointment, they said: “Dave is a highly respected practitioner in his field and will help us with businesses in the North West and further afield that face numerous financial challenges.”

The company’s restructuring and insolvency team works with lenders, creditors, corporates and individuals, advising on suitable restructuring strategies or formal insolvency processes.

Responding to recent government insolvency statistics, Azets stated: “It is highly likely that the total for 2025 will see higher numbers than 2024, and that insolvencies will increase in 2026.”

Labour market figures also underline the challenging backdrop.

The unemployment rate stands at 5.1%, with 1.83 million people aged 16 and over out of work, according to PAYE real-time data from HMRC.

Reflecting on these trends, Riley added: “Against this tough backdrop, there are many businesses edging towards a cliff edge – but practical, timely advice by experts can make all the difference.”