Steven Ross (Insolvency Practitioner at FRP) – Whose Side is He On?

In 2023, Insolvency & Law (I&L) issued a Winding Up Petition against One Collection Real Estate Ltd (OCRE) through our Debt Assignment service. For those unfamiliar with the background, OCRE was formerly known as High Street Estate Services Ltd. It was one of many companies rebranded and transferred by Gary Forrest to his daughter, Natalie Ellis, and long-time associate, Philip Brumwell, via directorship and shareholding changes. Steven Ross was another key figure involved in these changes. OCRE had collected rent from our clients’ apartments in Hadrian’s Tower but failed to pass it on.

OCRE contested the petition in court, insisting they were solvent despite multiple County Court Judgments (CCJs) against them. Surprisingly, just months later, OCRE entered Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). This move avoided court proceedings and prevented the Official Receiver from assuming control of the liquidation. Instead, the appointed Insolvency Practitioner was Steven Ross of FRP. This contradicted their earlier claims of solvency. OCRE’s Statement of Affairs revealed over £127,000 in outstanding creditor claims.

By choosing a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) rather than a Compulsory Liquidation, Natalie Ellis and associates effectively ensured the process remained in familiar hands. This helped them avoid the rigorous scrutiny that an Official Receiver would have conducted.

Steven Ross- A Pattern of Appointments

Further investigation revealed a pattern of companies connected to Natalie Ellis and Gary Forrest being placed into liquidation under Steven Ross’s supervision. His relationship with Gary Forrest dates back nearly two decades. It spans various business iterations, including Guardian-branded companies, High Street-branded companies, and now One-branded companies.

Notably, Steven Ross has managed 15 insolvency procedures for Gary Forrest’s companies:

• 12 Creditors Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs)
• 2 Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs)
• 1 Administration

These proceedings collectively represent over £21 million in creditor claims, including approximately £2.7 million owed to HMRC. This raises an important question. How do individuals with such a history of failed companies and unpaid creditors continue to operate with impunity?

The Platinum Energy Solutions Ltd (PESL) Case

Our scrutiny broadened when we learned about Platinum Energy Solutions Ltd (PESL) being wound up in June 2024. PESL is one of William Jackson’s companies. He is an individual with past business ties to Gary Forrest, Castle Trust & Management Services, and former employees of High Street-branded entities. Their shared history includes WJ Construction Ltd becoming a subsidiary of All Saints Developments NE Ltd (Gary Forrest’s construction arm) in 2014.

After PESL’s winding-up petition succeeded in court, Steven Ross attempted to secure his appointment as liquidator by writing to PESL’s creditors, urging them to nominate him. However, this raised serious concerns. How did he obtain these creditors’ personal details?

This act may constitute a breach of Data Protection laws, as it involves the unauthorized disclosure of personal information to a third party. Data Protection laws regulate how businesses handle private information. Obtaining creditor details improperly could be considered an infringement. Did William Jackson supply this information to help secure a favourable liquidator? If so, it suggests an attempt to steer PESL’s liquidation away from the Official Receiver, who would have conducted a thorough examination of Jackson’s financial affairs.

Ongoing Investigations

We will continue to monitor the liquidation of PESL and keep a close eye on Steven Ross’s future appointments, particularly those linked to Gary Forrest and Natalie Ellis. Their consistent use of voluntary liquidation to avoid deeper scrutiny raises significant concerns about financial misconduct and regulatory oversight.

What You Can Do

If you have concerns about a company or individual and require a fact-based investigative report, contact us at [email protected].

If a company owes you money and refuses to pay, and you believe the debt is rightfully yours, reach out to [email protected] to explore your legal options.