Trailblazer Michaela Beardmore, an insolvency administrator at Greater Manchester-based Inquesta, is celebrating becoming one of two inaugural winners of a national exam scholarship.
The Insolvency Practitioners Association has awarded just two scholarships in the first phase of a new programme, supported by training provider Aryza.
The scholarships provide financial support and training to help talented individuals who are new to the profession develop their careers by studying for the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency (CPI). Michaela will sit the exam in November.
Michaela, who joined Inquesta in 2022, focuses on company voluntary liquidations, members’ voluntary liquidations and administrations.
She said of her scholarship success: “I was absolutely delighted to find out from the IPA that I had been successful in securing a place.
“I’m both excited and nervous about the challenge ahead, but I know that studying towards and hopefully passing the CPI will broaden my knowledge, support my day-to-day duties and help me develop a better understanding of more complex cases.
“I’m extremely grateful to the IPA, Aryza and Inquesta for giving me the opportunity to develop and grow within the profession.
“There were only two places available, and I didn’t want to set my expectations too high, but I knew I had built a strong foundation and had the willingness and enthusiasm to learn.
“I started my insolvency career shortly after the pandemic, initially as a part-time administrator in a fully remote role, working from my bedroom.
“I had no prior knowledge of insolvency, but the more I learned, the more interested I became.
“After gaining experience, I joined Inquesta, where I have been for the past three years. During this time, I’ve steadily progressed from being a junior member of the team to taking responsibility for my own caseload, which is something I am incredibly proud of.”
Marcial Boo, chief executive of the IPA, said: “The IPA is delighted to support the insolvency profession through our CPI Exam Scholarships.
“There was a high-quality field of applicants for our inaugural awards in 2026.
“Michaela stood out from the field. Her application showed her growing experience and her strong commitment to the insolvency profession.
“She submitted a thoughtful, well-written essay on her background and career journey, making clear her enthusiasm for her continuing professional development. Michaela won an IPA CPI Exam Scholarship on merit.
“The IPA, supported by training provider Aryza, is pleased to support her as she progresses through the qualification and her no doubt successful future career in insolvency.”
Director and founder Steven Wiseglass said: “Michaela is a key member of our team and we’re thrilled to see her win this scholarship. She can be extremely proud of her success, given the level of competition.
“We look forward to seeing her further develop her career with Inquesta.”
Inquesta is an insolvency and corporate recovery practice which operates nationwide and has its head office in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
The firm advises directors of distressed owner-managed businesses facing insolvency proceedings and handles administrations, liquidations, bankruptcies and voluntary arrangements to secure the best possible outcomes for stakeholders.
