Meet the Team: Ken Cole

Many of you may know Ken already, as  has he has been with RJS for over 20 years.  Ken qualified as an Insolvency Practitioner in 2006 and has built up a vast amount of experience in all aspects of insolvency over the years.  

Ken is based in Ivybridge where he lives with his wife and two sons.   

What is your role at RJS?

I am a case manager at RJS, which involves ensuring all statutory matters and all over aspects of the cases are met and progressed as one would expect. I also have my own portfolio of corporate and personal cases. In addition, I provide initial advice to clients.  

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy exploring the wonderful countryside of Devon and Cornwall on my Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport. I also play in a local poker league and enjoy following the fortunes of Plymouth Argyle.  

Why RJS?

Initially, I chose RJS as I felt, as a relatively small practice, it would have the opportunity to train in all areas of insolvency. This proved to be correct, and I continue to enjoy my role working at RJS as it allows me to maintain a hands-on approach to my cases and the opportunity to meet clients face to face to get a thorough understanding of the issues and matters of concern. My favourite part of the job? Saving jobs, homes, and livelihoods.   

Something that people might not know about you.

I was once the Plymouth Schools badminton champion.

Favourite case/work story?

The rescue of a commercial laundry business based in Cornwall.

At the time of my involvement, the company was suffering serious financial stress and pressure from its creditors. Based on the information available at that time, if the company went into liquidation, the employees would have been made redundant and there would have been a substantial shortfall to creditors. In addition, the directors would have faced personal liabilities through various guarantees, of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

However, following a restructuring through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) agreed with the support of the company’s creditors, the business was eventually sold for a substantial amount, resulting in the employees maintaining their employment and creditors being paid in full. Not only did the sale avoid the personal guarantees for any shortfall having to be met by the directors but resulted in a substantial sum being paid to them following the sale of the business.    

What would your last meal be?

An excessively large home-made pasty