Nationwide Tax Investigations – Civil and criminal disputes (VAT, customs & excise duties, imports and exports). Tax Dispute resolution. Advising clients and providing ‘forensic’ support to accountants, solicitors and barristers.

Grant Thornton LLP London Partner Feb 2006 – Jun 2007. Head of National indirect tax investigations

KPMG LLP Director 1994 – 2006 · 12 yrs Indirect tax investigations

HM Customs & Excise Senior Executive Officer 1975 – 1994 · 18 yrs – VAT Civil and Criminal Investigations.

Stephen brings over 30 years of experience leading teams within invoice finance, corporate banking & asset finance. Stephen’s extensive experience & contacts position him well to offer intuitive financial advice.

TSF finance helps to provide cash flow and funding solutions to business enabling them to thrive and survive the evolving economic environment.

Previous Experience

I joined Barclays Bank Plc in 1984 on their accelerated development programme. I undertook a number of managerial lending roles throughout the North West, with my final role being as Corporate Manager operating out of the Preston Business Centre

In 2001 I set up a specialist lending business providing property finance throughout the UK. In 2006 the business obtained FCA approval to undertake regulated mortgage lending. In 2008 I was recognised within Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite

AFT Assist Ltd

After a 30 year career in business lending, I established AFT to provide support to directors when their business is facing the prospect of insolvency.

One of the biggest concerns for Directors when their business is facing financial difficulties is the potential impact of personal guarantees.

Personal Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes and if the business has borrowing facilities from any lender, then the director(s) will almost certainly have provided a personal guarantee.

The impact of a Personal Guarantee is significant in that if the borrower (ie the directors company) doesn’t repay the debt, then the lender can claim the outstanding amount from the Director personally.

This means that the Directors personal assets are potentially at risk, including any equity that the Director may have in the family home. Unfortunately, the family home is not protected even if it is in joint names.

At AFT we have extensive experience in dealing with personal guarantees and can provide help and support for Directors who may still be coming to terms with the failure of their business.

We will review the circumstances surrounding the taking of the guarantee to highlight any shortcomings or irregularities. This review, along with the client’s individual circumstances, will become key factors when seeking a sensible debt settlement agreement with the lender.

Naturally we do charge for our services, but the majority of our fees are success related in that they are only payable in the event that we obtain a satisfactory solution which has been agreed by the Director.

If you are concerned about the implications of a personal guarantee, it is important to act quickly. You may receive letters and demands for payment and, if you do, they must not be ignored as it will lead to your case being processed quickly through the courts and you will lose control over how the matters is dealt with.

If you would like to have a free no obligation chat about your own particular circumstances then please get in touch.

Stephen has successfully worked in the insolvency industry for over 20 years, representing a large array of clients from all trading sectors, to arrive at the best possible outcome for their businesses. From client instruction through to the conclusion, Stephen uses his in-depth knowledge and professionalism to help his clients understand and navigate the asset valuation process with a minimum of complexity and stress.

Working with a number of high profile Insolvency Practitioners (Marshall Peters, Wilson Field and ?), Stephen has established a wide-ranging network of industry contacts, that he can call on for professional advice and guidance.