Meet the Team: Karen Quant

With nearly two decades worth of experience at Richard J Smith, there isn't much that our longest serving Insolvency Administrator, Karen Quant, hasn't encountered. Learn a little bit more about her in our latest Q&A!

What is your role at RJS?

I am an Insolvency Administrator here at RJ Smith & Co having joined the firm in September 2001, so this year is my 20 year anniversary, wow I feel old! As well as managing a mixed case portfolio of corporate and personal insolvency cases within our insolvency team, I also oversee staff and deal with general client enquiries. I enjoy networking with solicitors and accountants and other professionals, and I even now enjoy watching international ladies cricket at the Somerset ground, Taunton with my colleagues and other professionals.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I am hectically busy looking after my family which is hugely male dominated. I am married and I have one adult son and two younger sons as well as my dog Charlie also being male! My husband and sons are all obsessed with football and as they support two rival teams Liverpool and Everton it can be tricky to remain neutral on derby match days. My two younger sons also play for DJM football teams and Plymouth Argyle development football centre so when I’m not being forced to watch premiership matches on the TV I am watching football pitch side (mostly in the wind and rain).

Why RJS?

Between 1998- 2001 I was not only studying for my business and accounting degree at Plymouth University, I was also working within the VAT department of HM Revenue & Customs and reviewing and approving Individual Voluntary Arrangement proposals within their insolvency team. In 2000 HMRC decided to relocate the work to Worthing and having dealt with Richard J Smith & Co professionally in relation to my VAT work I knew they were a professional and reliable firm with a fantastic team of experienced staff. I saw the post for Insolvency Administrator advertised in the local paper and after my HMRC boss told me I would be perfect for the job with my knowledge and qualifications, I applied for the job and was successful. I graduated from Plymouth University with a Second class honours upper level degree in June 2001 and joined the firm on 10 September 2001, taking on a large case portfolio on my first day. It’s been nonstop insolvency work ever since.

Something that people might not know about you?

My extensive experience in dealing with personal insolvency cases during my time at RJS, particularly Bankruptcies has earned me the nickname within the firm of ‘The Bankruptcy Queen’. I guess it’s a compliment!

Favourite case/work story?

My favourite case was interlocking Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA’s) for a married couple approaching retirement, one of whom had significant health problems. The IVA’s allowed them to pay contributions from their income over a 5 year period and stay living in their matrimonial home. Towards the end of the IVA’s they realised a lump sum from their property equity which meant they could pay their creditors in full and not have to move and sell their home as they retired. It gave me an immense feeling of pride and happiness that I had been able to help two clients keep their home and they could face retirement debt free.

What would your last meal be?

Mac N Cheese with cheesy garlic bread and chips, cooked by my husband who's an expert.