Middlebrooks Business Recovery & Advice has announced the opening of a new office in Sunderland, marking an important expansion of the firm’s presence across the North East and strengthening its ability to support businesses experiencing financial difficulty.

The expansion follows the appointment of Katie McLachlan to the Official Receiver’s rota in the region, further enhancing the firm’s ability to deliver specialist insolvency and restructuring services across the North East.

By establishing a dedicated presence in Sunderland, Middlebrooks aims to provide accessible, expert guidance to directors, stakeholders and professional advisers navigating financial challenges.

Strengthening Insolvency Expertise in the North East

Katie’s appointment to the rota operated by the UK government’s Insolvency Service enables her to accept appointments as trustee or liquidator in cases referred from Official Receiver offices.

Her appointment reflects extensive experience advising businesses on business recovery and turnaround solutions, helping companies stabilise operations and consider appropriate restructuring options.

Professionals appointed to the Official Receiver rota play a key role in ensuring insolvency cases are administered efficiently and in accordance with UK regulations.

For company directors facing financial distress, understanding the available options — from restructuring through to creditors’ voluntary liquidation (CVL) — is essential.

New Sunderland Office to Support Regional Businesses

The new office in Sunderland strengthens Middlebrooks’ ability to provide local insolvency advice across the North East, enabling the firm to work more closely with businesses, accountants, solicitors and lenders throughout the region.

From this location, the team will support organisations in key business centres including:

• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Durham
• Middlesbrough

Businesses in Sunderland and the surrounding region will benefit from direct access to experienced insolvency practitioners who can provide confidential advice at an early stage of financial difficulty.

Early professional guidance can often improve outcomes for directors and creditors alike, particularly where restructuring or recovery options remain viable.

Katie’s Appointment to the Official Receiver Rota

The appointment of Katie McLachlan, licensed insolvency practitioner, represents a significant milestone for both her career and the continued growth of Middlebrooks.

Katie has extensive experience advising businesses across a range of sectors, providing clear and practical support during periods of financial uncertainty.

Commenting on the firm’s expansion, Katie said:

“The North East has a resilient and diverse business community. Establishing a presence in Sunderland allows us to work more closely with local professional advisers and business owners to ensure they have access to experienced insolvency and restructuring advice when it is needed most.”

Supporting Businesses Through Financial Distress

Many businesses only seek advice when financial pressures become critical, but earlier engagement with insolvency professionals can open up a wider range of solutions.

For example, directors experiencing cash flow challenges may benefit from understanding the early warning signs of insolvency and the steps that can be taken to protect the business.

Similarly, company directors must be aware of their legal duties when a company becomes insolvent, including their responsibility to act in the best interests of creditors.

Access to clear professional advice can help businesses evaluate restructuring options and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Continued Growth for Middlebrooks

The opening of the Sunderland office forms part of Middlebrooks’ wider strategy to expand its presence and expertise across key regions of the UK.

By combining regional insight with specialist business recovery and insolvency expertise, the firm aims to deliver practical solutions that support businesses navigating financial distress and complex restructuring situations.

With Katie now serving on the Official Receiver rota and a dedicated presence in Sunderland, Middlebrooks is well positioned to support businesses across the North East with expert guidance.

Businesses or professional advisers seeking insolvency advice in Sunderland or the wider North East can contact the Middlebrooks team for confidential support.