By 2012, it was clear that larger premises were required to suit the high-growth business development strategy that was implemented by Poonam. The premises needed to suit the business philosophy, of being ‘different from the rest’. As a result, a rundown Georgian property in the centre of Wakefield in West Yorkshire was bought and completely refurbished. This was to be the new Northern head office. At the same time, the company teamed up with a Birmingham based accountant and wealth management business, thereby giving national coverage to support the London presence.
The company continued to grow and by 2014 it was evident that the business was no longer just a corporate finance organisation. To support this step-change several high calibre graduates were employed to satisfy the developing skillset required; these included management, research and design talent. This team of young and ambitious people have allowed the company to enhance its portfolio of services even further.
In 2020, Jo passed ownership of the business to Poonam and the existing team, as part of the company’s succession planning. Jo passed on the opportunity to exit the business via a traditional trade sale and favour an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) as she wanted the values and DNA to remain with the business post-exit. Jo also wanted to reward the team who have helped build the business and will be the next generation of the company.
Employees now have ownership in the business through the EOT. The EOT also has a trustee board that has final control over the operation of the business.
The company engages with businesses at every stage of their journey, often embarking on relationships that last for many years.
We know small/medium businesses are the backbone of the British economy and whatever the political landscape, we want to provide owner-managed businesses, private companies and not-for-profit organisations with a trusted and valuable resource that can help them succeed and will support them on their business journey.
