As the year draws to a close, we at bk plus are both proud and saddened to announce the retirement of Sue Byrne, Senior Manager in our Banking and Restructuring Department. Sue’s incredible career has spanned decades, making her one of the Midlands’ most respected and accomplished insolvency specialists.
Sue joined K J Watkin & Co. on 1 June 2004, following successful stints at BDO and Arthur Young. Earlier this year, she became part of the bk plus family after our merger with K J Watkin & Co., where her knowledge, experience, and dedication were immediately evident.
Over the years, Sue has built a reputation as one of the Midlands’ foremost experts in personal insolvency. She has advised countless individuals on their financial options and is widely regarded as having set up more Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) than anyone else in the region. Sue’s expertise also extends to all forms of corporate insolvency, making her a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.
Sue’s contributions to the profession go far beyond her client work. She has been an active member of The Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3), serving as Secretary to the Midlands Regional Committee for many years and chairing the Ladies Committee. Her efforts were recognised by The Institute of Credit Management, who awarded her a medal for meritorious service. Over her career, Sue has held numerous leadership roles within the Midlands Committee, further cementing her legacy as a dedicated and influential figure in the field.
Chris Moore, who has worked with Sue for many years said “Sue has been a cornerstone of the insolvency profession in the Midlands for decades. Her deep expertise, particularly in personal insolvency, has been unparalleled, and she has set the standard for supporting individuals in financial difficulties. Beyond her professional achievements, Sue has been an invaluable colleague and a trusted advisor to many in the industry. Her retirement is well-earned, but she will be deeply missed by everyone who has had the privilege of working with her.”
Richard Tonks, Head of Banking and Restructuring at bk plus, said “My first memories of Sue were of her regularly being the front-of-house support for various industry events, often golf-related! As someone new to the insolvency community at that time, Sue was always welcoming, keen to hear how I was getting on, and kind enough to introduce me to others. In the time we’ve worked together since the acquisition of K J Watkin, Sue has been immensely supportive. Her deep knowledge, particularly in personal insolvency, has been invaluable. The Restructuring team at bk plus will miss Sue greatly, and we wish her a long and happy retirement.”
As Sue retires at the end of this year, we want to express our deepest gratitude for her years of service, professionalism, and mentorship. Sue has also made a significant impact beyond the workplace. A committed supporter of Sutton Town Football Club, she is known for her dedication to several local charities, embodying the same passion and care that have defined her professional career. Sue, thank you for your incredible contributions to our profession and for being an integral part of the bk plus family. We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of your life