Together with Davinia Gransbury, I lead a team responsible for our directors' disqualification work for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. We investigate the conduct of directors and undertake disqualification proceedings where it is in the public interest to do so.

Tel: +44 (0)121 685 2798

Email: kathy_garside@wragge.com

Best brains in...

Directors' duties, responsibilities and corporate governance; forensic investigations into misappropriations/fraud; and multi company failures.

Highlight of your career so far?

Successfully completing an investigation into a holiday fraud case where approximately 2,000 holidaymakers had paid for holidays which the directors of the travel company failed to book. The investigation targeted a shadow director as well as a director who claimed to have no knowledge of the company's activities, despite the fact that the investigation showed that he had provided instructions to the company's bank throughout. We also contacted a significant number of the holidaymakers affected to gather evidence of their dealings with the company and the hardship they faced. On being notified of the intended proceedings against them, both directors agreed to offer undertakings not to act as a company director in the future for a period of 15 years, the maximum period provided for under the legislation.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

My biggest challenge comes from managing a large and often complex case load while ensuring an always excellent standard of advice and client service.

Give an example of great client service

We currently receive about 12 cases a month, ranging from a straightforward single company failure to a multi-company failure involving losses of millions of pounds, masses of documentation and forensic analysis. Both are equally important to BERR, so my job turns on making sure the right team is in place, ready to work hard to deliver results on every matter.

Dedication to client care?

Despite some misgivings, I flew on September 11 2001 on behalf of a client to take witness statements in France.

How do you get under the skin of a client business?

We have worked alongside BERR and its forerunner the Department of Trade and Industry for many years, so my team has developed strong relationships with the client and its people. There is no substitute for speaking to people, asking questions and finding out what they want and expect from us.