"We've built up an excellent reputation for forensic accounting over recent years," says Head of Forensic Services Gervase MacGregor, "and there's increasing recognition of our capabilities in Risk Advisory and Valuation Services."

Our track record of providing the highest quality forensic services has led to a steady stream of high profile clients – we now work with over 30 companies in the FTSE 350. Last year we were appointed to act for one of the claimants affected by the explosion at Buncefield oil depot, and we assisted
our Business Restructuring colleagues in their administration of Christmas savers club Farepak – protecting the systems and designing new databases to prevent corruption. Our provision of the accounting inspector and assistants in the DTI section 432 inquiry into the affairs of MG Rover Group and related companies continues.

2007 saw the end of a piece of work we began in 2001 – the investigation into the accounting black hole at ERF Trucks following its purchase by The MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group. They won their damages case in the UK in 2005 and last year we provided assistance and oral evidence in their successful battle to enforce their award in the US. This resulted in a settlement of the case and a payment to The MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group of £250m.

We are at the cutting edge of forensic technology. Our Forensic Computer team is trained to apply standards of criminal law enforcement approved by the Association of Chief Police Officers. Our 45-strong team is equipped with digital forensics equipment and powerful proprietary applications, to protect existing systems and recover data.

We don't just identify frauds; we also help prevent them. When we find system vulnerabilities at clients where fraud is suspected we redesign it, for example by installing anti-spyware firewalls to guard against disgruntled ex-employees.

Our Risk Advisory and Valuation Services teams have expanded rapidly alongside our forensic accounting offering. Both teams have grown three-fold since 2004 and have a strong list of FTSE 100 clients.

Looking ahead

Gervase is keen to recruit more people, but finding the right calibre is tough. "They've got to be smart and creative. They also need drive. This business can be pretty demanding but the rewards are high – we continue to look for the best people to deliver the best client service."