Leading accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its restructuring capability with the progression of Sarah Bedford to an appointment-taking director.

Sarah, a restructuring director based in the firm’s Glasgow office, has secured an insolvency licence from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and can now oversee formal insolvency appointments. Joining Johnston Carmichael in 2022, Sarah is now one of fewer than 100 professionals in Scotland authorised to hold an active appointment as a licensed insolvency practitioner.

Highly experienced in both corporate and personal insolvency, Sarah specialises in complex cases requiring strong risk management and commercial awareness. She combines technical expertise with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, ensuring compliance while delivering effective outcomes for both clients and stakeholders.

Sarah now joins partners Donald McNaught, Graeme Bain and Richard Bathgate as a licensed appointment taking insolvency practitioner.   Her progression further strengthens Johnston Carmichael’s established restructuring team, enhancing the firm’s ability to support clients across Scotland and the UK.

Sarah said: “Securing my ICAS insolvency licence is a significant milestone in my career, and I am proud to take on the responsibility of being an appointment-taking director.

“The current economic climate continues to present a range of challenges, and I look forward to using my experience to support directors, creditors and stakeholders through complicated financial situations, helping them to find practical and effective solutions.”

Donald McNaught, partner and head of restructuring at Johnston Carmichael, said: “This is a very tough qualification to achieve so Sarah’s progression to appointment-taking director is a fantastic achievement, reflecting the dedication and expertise she brings to our restructuring team. She has built a strong reputation for delivering clear, commercially focused advice.

“Her expertise is complemented by our wider restructuring team, whose strength and depth allow Johnston Carmichael to guide businesses confidently through periods of financial uncertainty.”