In times of trouble, we all want to know there is somewhere and someone to turn to.

The fallout from the recession of 2008-09 has led to the expansion of experienced business recovery specialists.

Bretts Business Recovery, otherwise known as BBR, was set up by Isobel Brett more than three years ago, and provides services that includes the implementation of corporate restructuring, personal insolvency advice, debt-relief orders and bankruptcy arrangements.

It also offers training and services for accountants, solicitors and financial advisers.

The Gravesend practice is doing so well it has almost outgrown its Parrock Street office.

Ms Brett said: “As our name suggests, Bretts Business Recovery is more than an insolvency practitioner. We are dedicated to helping struggling companies turn their businesses around.

“We have helped many companies survive difficult times, protecting local jobs and supporting the Kent economy. The next phase of our company development is to provide help and advice to companies before they start experiencing difficulties.

“We are turning our knowledge from years of seeing companies in trouble into something positive by helping business owners see potential pitfalls and learning from the mistakes made by others.

“To help local businesses we started some free ‘start-up’ seminars in September this year.”

The firm is very focused on supporting the local community as demonstrated through its work for the British Heart Foundation and the hospice charity ellenor.

Staff even took on a charity parachute jump for cancer charity Macmillan.

BBR is just one of several companies to enter this year’s Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards.

The awards are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and online.

Entries have now closed, but you can find out more at www.dgbawards.co.uk

This year’s sponsors are: Barnes Roffe, Dartford council, Gravesham council, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, University of Greenwich and JonesFM.

The winners will be announced shortly.