Law firm Halliwells has strengthened its corporate recovery team in Manchester with the appointment of Dermot Preston as a partner.

Dermot, who joins Halliwells from Mace & Jones where he was head of corporate recovery, specialises in all aspects of reconstruction, corporate and insolvency. His clients include accountants, bankers, insolvency practitioners, asset-based lenders and company directors.

Commenting on his decision to join Halliwells, Dermot said:

"The whole market has seen the giant strides Halliwells has made over the last few years.

"The firm has developed a market leading reputation for both contentious and non-contentious insolvency work.

"I'm looking forward to working with the team and further increasing our client base and market share."

Said Andrew Buchanan, head of corporate recovery at Halliwells:

"We've known Dermot for a number of years. He's a first rate lawyer with a client following and a good network. He's exactly the type of person we're looking for as we continue to expand."

Dermot Preston is the second Mace & Jones partner to join Halliwells in recent weeks following the arrival of Liverpool real estate partner Mark Gaffney.

Said Ian Austin, Halliwells' managing partner:

"We are continuing to strengthen across the board as we gear up for the next financial year."