West of England insolvency practitioner Rupert Mullins, who has worked in the region for more than 25 years, has sold his practice to Hampshire-based accountancy firm Rothmans as it sets up a new business recovery business in the region.
The practice, which previously operated under the Benedict Mackenzie name, will continue to be based at Temple Gate, Bristol. Along with a second former Benedict Mackenzie office in Salisbury, it will form the basis of Rothmans Recovery’s operations across the West and Wales. 
Rupert, pictured, has been in the insolvency profession for more than 30 years and has worked on hundreds of business insolvencies, rescues and recoveries around the West Country and South Wales.
Prior to Benedict Mackenzie, he worked for BDO Binder Hamlyn and Ernst & Young (now EY). As well as being one of the highest-profile the insolvency practitioners in the region, he also provides professional advice and assistance to clients of organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, Business West – the organisation behind the Swindon Initiative – and Bristol enterprise agency BRAVE.
He is also a supporter of a number of local charities including as a trustee of Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol and has been a volunteer with St John Ambulance for the past 20 years. His three staff have also transferred to Rothmans.
Rothmans senior partner Martin Osborne said: “We were very keen to acquire a highly-respected practice with a well-known insolvency and corporate recovery practitioner in order to further enhance our services to business.
“We are delighted that Rupert will be heading up the specialist team at our new Rothmans Recovery Bristol office to provide further help to businesses hoping to maximise the opportunities now that the economy is at last picking up.”
Rupert added: “I endorse the view that all businesses should be able to obtain professional help when things go wrong. Getting that help early can allow them to be in a position to survive and thus continue to contribute to the local economy.
“However, I know that not all businesses can survive, and in those cases I always look to close down a business sympathetically, with a fair balance between creditors, employees and the management.
“I have always done my utmost to secure a dividend, no matter how small, by realising the assets of a business.
“Joining a well-established firm with the size and reputation of Rothmans is an exciting move for myself and my entire team. I will be able to draw on expertise within the firm rather than having to buy it in, as I did before.
“My other director, Kevin Weir, will lead the new Rothmans Recovery offices in Hampshire and Wiltshire. This is an excellent opportunity to provide a superb service to businesses of all sizes.”
Rothmans Accountants has 12 offices across the South of England.
