Pictured above: Martin Long, partner at BTG Forensic, with new recruit Rachel Whitwell

The specialist forensic accounting service launched by Begbies Traynor Group in the Midlands has seen its second major recruit.

Rachel Whitwell joins as forensic manager at BTG Forensic in a team being built by the recently arrived Martin Long, a former RSM Robson Rhodes and Grant Thornton partner in Birmingham.

Prior to joining BTG Forensic, Ms Whitwell spent 12 years at KPMG where she initially gained experience in audit and corporate recovery, including a secondment to the internal audit department of a retail bank.  However, the Oxford University law graduate was keen to combine her academic study of law with her practical accounting experience and soon moved into the forensic accounting department. There she undertook a wide variety of assignments, from commercial litigation to fraud and financial investigations, shareholder disputes, personal injury, matrimonial work and valuations.

On leaving KPMG, Ms Whitwell spent time in New Zealand, gaining further experience of forensic assignments with BDO.

At BTG Forensic Ms Whitwell is taking on a mixed portfolio of civil and criminal claims as well as fraud and financial investigations.

Mr Long said: "We are looking to grow our presence in this market and Rachel will prove a significant asset.

"The growth in regulatory compliance, the increase in fraud activity and the fact that forensic accounting skills are very much integral to our corporate recovery teams have all been factors in our launch."

Ms Whitwell said: "It is a fantastic challenge to be in a position to help develop the BTG Forensic practice.

"I am looking forward to working closely with Martin and making a contribution to the growth of Begbies Traynor Group in the Midlands".

BTG Forensic also has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester and Plymouth.