Steven Ross (Insolvency Practitioner at FRP) – whose side is he on?

In 2023, Insolvency & Law issued a Winding up Petition against One Collection Real Estate Ltd (OCRE), through our Debt Assignment service. For those unfamiliar, OCRE was formerly High Street Estate Services Ltd, one of many companies Gary Forrest rebranded and handed over to his daughter, Natalie Ellis. Along with long-term friend Philip Brumwell, through Directorship and shareholding changes. OCRE had collected rent from our clients’ apartments in Hadrian’s Tower and not paid it over.
OCRE fought I&L in court insisting they were not insolvent, despite several CCJ’s against them. I&L was surprised when OCRE entered a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation just a few months later. To thus avoid court and the Official Receiver taking control of the Liquidation.
Steven Ross of FRP was appointed as the Insolvency Practitioner. The Statement of Affairs showed the company was insolvent, with creditors exceeding £127,000. By choosing a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation, Natalie and others avoided the Official Receiver’s control, investigation, and tough questions.
Before we continue, let’s remind readers of the statutory procedures. Use the links to learn more about:
– Administration
– Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)
–Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL).
–Compulsory Liquidation by Court Order
Later in the year, we noticed a pattern—Natalie’s companies dodging winding-up petitions and being shut down by Steven Ross. Our research revealed his ties with Gary Forrest go back nearly two decades, from Guardian-branded companies to High Street and now One-branded firms. Wherever Steven Ross has moved, this business relationship has followed, hinting at something more personal. Business-wise, though, Gary and Natalie have certainly kept him busy.
Steven Ross Statutory Procedures
Ross has handled 15 statutory procedures for Gary’s companies—12 CVLs, 2 CVAs, and 1 Administration. The Statement of Affairs reveals over £21 million in creditors, with around £2.7 million owed to HMRC. No wonder HMRC issued multiple winding-up petitions against Gary and Natalie’s companies last year, some of which thankfully succeeded.
It’s astonishing that Gary, Natalie, and Phillip continue trading despite their poor track record, unpaid creditors, and mounting HMRC debts. All while enjoying luxury lifestyles. Perhaps HMRC knows something we don’t.
Our investigation expanded when we discovered Platinum Energy Solutions Ltd (PESL) was wound up in court in June 2024. PESL, owned by William Jackson, connects to Gary Forrest, Castle Trust & Management Services, and ex-employees of major high-street firms. In 2014, Billy’s company, WJ Construction Ltd, became a subsidiary of All Saints Developments NE Ltd—Gary’s construction division. Working from Cuthbert House and Stockbridge House must have given Billy and Gary ample opportunity to swap notes on Security Trustees and professional service providers.
Breach of Data Protection
We were fascinated to see that after the court successfully granted a winding-up petition in June, Steven Ross wrote to PES creditors, seeking appointment as Liquidator. He boldly asked creditors to nominate him, but was unsuccessful. However, the fact remains that he had obtained creditors personal details in order to be able to write to them.
This could be a potential Data Protection breach. Data Protection governs how businesses use personal information. A breach occurs when details are disclosed to a third party without authorisation.
Did Billy Jackson supply the personal details in an attempt to appoint a recommended friendly Insolvency Practitioner? In our opinion, wheeling Steven Ross in for a “no questions asked” burial of PES would have no doubt suited Billy more than having PES go to the Official Receiver. Which would have meant a thorough investigation of his affairs and perhaps some uncomfortable questions.
We will be watching this space to see how the Liquidation of PES unravel. In the meantime, we will also be watching Steven Ross to continue collating further appointments for Gary and Natalie. Whilst keeping an eye on the progress of his current appointments with their companies.
Lastly:
- If you have a company or person of interest that you would like to have investigated for a fact-based report, please get in touch [email protected].
- If a company owes you money and refuses to pay, and you believe the debt is rightfully yours, please contact Insolvency & Law at [email protected] to discuss your options.
Steven Ross (Insolvency Practitioner at FRP) – whose side is he on?
In 2023, Insolvency & Law issued a Winding up Petition against One Collection Real Estate Ltd (OCRE), through our Debt Assignment service. For those unfamiliar,…
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