I have specialised in forensic services since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1999. I have a First Class Maths degree and was a university prize-winner.
I am a member of the ICAEW forensic and expert witness community advisory group, which helps shape the technical development of ICAEW forensic and expert witness faculty members. I am also on the forensic accounting committee of the UK200Group, the UK’s leading association of quality-assured professionals.
I qualified with a Big 4 accountancy firm, before spending two and a half years as an “in-house” forensic accountant at a top 20 law firm, where I developed their then unique approach to dispute resolution, which included using “decision analysis” in litigation.
I established a forensic accounting boutique in Birmingham in 2006, prior to launching Ellacotts Forensic Services in 2023.
I am regularly instructed as an expert or advisor across a broad spectrum of cases, including:
- shareholder disputes, matrimonial disputes and other valuation matters
- breach of warranty claims and completion account disputes
- contractual or commercial disputes
- professional negligence claims
- business interruption claims
- fraud investigations
I have acted for a wide range of clients including corporate clients, individuals, insurers, local Government and a Government department. I have attended numerous mediations and have also given oral evidence in court, including several ‘hot-tubbing’ experiences.
In reported cases, judges have said:
“I clearly prefer the evidence of Mr Southall…The three factors he identifies at paragraph 6.10 of the Joint Statement provide a compelling basis for [t]his opinion.”
“Since it is more in accordance with the evidence and the commercial realities, I prefer Mr Southall’s consistent, and common sense, analysis, reasoning and conclusion.”
To relax I enjoy watching sports, mainly football, and I am the Treasurer of the junior section of a local football club with approximately 60 teams.
