Landmark Blackpool acquisition strengthens corporate recovery capability
Xeinadin, a leading provider of accountancy services and business advice for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals across the UK and Ireland, has expanded its Corporate Recovery team through the acquisition of Campbell Crossley & Davis (CC&D), a Blackpool-based insolvency practice established in 1994.
The move brings an experienced Corporate Recovery team into Xeinadin, including partners Ian Williamson, Chris Brindle and Francesca Vivace. Based in Blackpool and operating across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, CC&D has established itself advising owner-managed businesses on restructuring, formal insolvency procedures and financial resolution.
Bringing CC&D into Xeinadin’s existing Corporate Recovery team comes at a time when insolvency levels remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic norms. Independent analysis suggests that UK business insolvencies could be up to 43% higher than pre-COVID averages, with key sectors like construction, hospitality and retail among the most affected. Strengthening the team enhances depth and regional reach, ensuring businesses have access to experienced, partner-led advice when considering restructuring or exit options.
Derry Crowley, CEO of Xeinadin, said: “Corporate Recovery is a critical part of the advice SMEs need in the current climate. Bringing Campbell Crossley & Davis into Xeinadin represents a deliberate investment in strengthening that specialist capability, ensuring we can support business owners through every stage of the cycle across the UK and Ireland.”
Alan Fallows, head of Corporate Recovery at Xeinadin, said: “This acquisition strengthens our presence in the North West while reinforcing the way we operate nationally because our Corporate Recovery work is delivered as one coordinated team across offices. Cases can vary significantly in scale and complexity, and having deeper technical resources across locations ensures we can respond quickly while maintaining a local, relationship-led service.”
Founded more than three decades ago by Ian Williamson, CC&D has advised SMEs across multiple economic cycles. The team has seen a sustained increase in insolvency activity since the pandemic, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, construction and retail, where rising labour costs and reduced consumer spending continue to affect viability.
Ian Williamson, partner and founder of Campbell Crossley & Davis, said: “The insolvency market has changed significantly since we started in 1994. Many directors today are facing sustained pressure, and too often they come for advice later than they should. What hasn’t changed is the need for clear, honest advice. Joining Xeinadin allows us to retain our local focus in Blackpool, operating as usual, while benefiting from wider infrastructure, technical support and access to a broader client base. It also enables us to work more closely with colleagues across tax, restructuring and advisory, ensuring clients understand their options at an earlier stage.”
Chris Brindle and Francesca Vivace will continue in their roles as partners, with the full team remaining in Blackpool. The acquisition reinforces Xeinadin’s commitment to maintaining local relationships, supported by national resources and specialist expertise.