What is your role within RG?
I am an Executive working within the Corporate Finance team.
Tell me about your career to date…
I started my finance career as a school leaver at a relatively small accountancy firm based in South Shields. I spent 2 years there studying for my AAT qualification, having opted to take the vocational route into finance.
After completing my AAT apprenticeship, I made the decision to join RG as an ACCA trainee, with a strong pull being the supportive training programme offered by the firm. During my training contract, I sat within the Accounts and Audit service lines, where I prepared and audited the accounts of North East based SMEs and not-for-profit entities. 4 years and a global pandemic later, I qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant and shortly transitioned to a role within the Corporate Finance team, where I continue to work as an Executive today.
What does your current role involve?
Within the CF lead advisory team, we provide businesses with strategic and technical advice at all stages of the business lifecycle, assisting them with strategic decision making and ultimately helping them achieve scale. The predominant focus of our work is transactional and we continuously advise on a variety of work including fundraises, MBOs & MBIs, acquisitions and disposals not only in the North East, but throughout the UK.
My role involves supporting the shareholders and/or management teams of businesses through transactional processes, from planning and preparation to completion. This involves delivering strategic advice, performing business valuations, preparing reports that summarise and analyse businesses from both an operational and financial perspective, leading on due diligence processes, reviewing legal documents, and negotiating deal terms.
What makes RG different?
RG adopts a bespoke approach to delivering financial and business advice. We build strong relationships with clients to ensure that our advice can be provided effectively and on an ongoing basis.
From an employee’s perspective, RG are very supportive and actively encourage professional development, which helped me particularly whilst studying for my ACCA qualification. The training programme run by the firm allows you to build strong relationships with colleagues from an early stage.
My 3 most notable achievements to date would be…
- Qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) in 2021.
- Advising on the successful completion of 5 M&A transactions in the first 12 months of my CF career.
- Outside of business, winning two white-collar boxing matches whilst raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society is a personal highlight for me (especially as I came up against an ex-Royal Marine in my second bout!)
Tell us about your day so far….
My day started at 5.45am as I got ready for my 6.30am CrossFit session. After an hour-long workout, I headed to the Jesmond office to start my working day.
With a strong coffee on hand, I had a quick check of my to-do list and reviewed my inbox for any urgent emails so I could prioritise my workload for the rest of the day and the week thereafter.
After dealing with some time-sensitive items, I then prepared for a midday client meeting, during which I delivered an introductory session on business valuations, covering the methodology behind them, and how business owners can maximise the value of their business.
I spent the rest of my day speaking with clients and potential investors/acquirers in relation to a handful of transactions I am currently working on. As I wrapped the day up, I reviewed my inbox to ensure that all urgent items had been dealt with so that I am ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle, having joined the cult that is CrossFit 4 years ago. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I also took up running and continue to get out for runs regularly.
Aside from fitness, I enjoy travelling, cooking, eating great food, spending time with friends and family, and drinking overpriced IPAs!
And finally, leave us with one interesting fact about yourself…
I am a twin… that’s about as interesting as it gets!