Kerry Pearson Appointed as North East Chair for Insolvency Body R3
Kerry Pearson, a restructuring and insolvency director at Armstrong Watson, has been named the new North East chair of R3, the trade organisation for insolvency and restructuring professionals. In her new position, she will represent members across the region, describing the appointment as "an honour and a responsibility."
Driving Positive Change and Collaboration
Ms Pearson emphasised that this role provides a significant opportunity to influence positive change, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration throughout the North East. She stated, "This appointment is both an honour and a responsibility. It provides an opportunity to influence positive change, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration in the North East." Her plans include organising events that encourage learning and engagement, as well as building stronger relationships with key regional stakeholders.
Key Focus Areas for the New Chair
In her capacity as chair, Ms Pearson will focus on several critical areas:
- Promoting early engagement with professional advice to help businesses navigate financial challenges.
- Supporting training and development for R3 members to enhance their skills and expertise.
- Raising awareness of the positive role the insolvency and restructuring profession plays in rescuing businesses and preserving jobs.
- Championing practical collaboration across the North East to safeguard employment and strengthen economic resilience.
She expressed her passion for promoting the value of the profession, saying, "I’ve always been passionate about promoting the value of our profession and ensuring businesses and individuals receive the right advice during challenging times."
Challenges and Opportunities in the Sector
Looking ahead, Ms Pearson highlighted both challenges and opportunities facing the insolvency and restructuring sector. These include economic uncertainty, rising costs, changing markets, and the increasing role of technology in improving efficiency and outcomes. She noted that being part of R3 enhances Armstrong Watson's ability to stay ahead of industry developments, allowing them to provide clients with informed, practical solutions.
Rising Insolvency Statistics in Early 2026
Ms Pearson's appointment comes at a time of growing corporate distress. Insolvency statistics for early 2026 show a persistent increase across England and Wales. February 2026 data revealed 1,878 registered company insolvencies, marking a 7% rise from January 2026. The breakdown of these insolvencies includes:
- 249 compulsory liquidations
- 1,473 creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs)
- 146 administrations
- 10 company voluntary arrangements (CVAs)
This context underscores the importance of her role in advocating for the sector and contributing to the region's business community. Ms Pearson affirmed her commitment, stating, "I’m committed to supporting the insolvency and restructuring profession and to contributing to the region’s business community. This role allows me to advocate for the sector and raise awareness of its importance."
