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Selling Your Business
Buyers & Investors
Capital Advisory

Transactions
About Us

Selling Your Business
Buyers & Investors
Capital Advisory
Transactions
About Us

K3 Deal Advisory

How can we help you?

We connect, advise and deliver, completing deals with commitment and care. From raising funds and orchestrating M&A deals through to delivering successful exits.

Delivering integrated expertise, we treat every deal as our own – helping you understand the options that will fulfil your ambitions on your business journey.

Selling your business

You’ve built something remarkable. We’re here to make sure you get everything it’s worth, with a team that has completed over 150 deals and the UK’s richest buyer ecosystem behind your deal.

Private equity investment

Unlock wealth tied up in your business, realise part of your investment and secure the capital, talent and support required to achieve your next growth ambitions.

Growing & funding
your business

Whether you’re funding growth,  financing an acquisition, or refinancing facilities that no longer work for you, we help businesses access the right lending.

The UK’s most connected deal makers

K3 Deal Advisory Office

At K3 Deal Advisory, we bring together the strongest network of buyers, investors and funders in the UK and pair it with integrated expertise across M&A, tax, wealth and strategy. The result is a service that goes far beyond completing a transaction. We realise the full value of your life’s work, on your terms, with advisors who treat your deal as their own.

We’ve sat on your side of the table. We know what’s at stake, not just commercially, but personally. That’s why our clients trust us with the biggest decision of their professional lives.

Find out more about us

Why choose K3 Deal Advisory

Senior team, personal service

You work directly with experienced directors who’ve sold their own businesses and know exactly how it feels to be in your shoes.

Sector specialists

Deep expertise in IT and software, communications, manufacturing, distribution, industrials and business & professional services.

Integrated offering

M&A, tax optimisation, legal services, wealth planning and operational due diligence,  all under one roof, all working together for your outcome.

Proven track record

200+ successful transactions across every business  size and sector. We don’t  just start deals, we  complete them.

The people behind your deal

David Gardner

Board Director
Paul Billingham

Board Director
Adam Zoldan

Board Director
Ian Barton

Board Director
Mark Lucas

Board Advisor
Stuart Lees

Board Advisor

All team members

Recent success stories

family wholesale business exit case study

Distribution

Family wholesale business

Third-generation family business exit securing future for 50+ employees.

K3 understood what mattered to us beyond the numbers. The perfect partner for our succession.

B2B SaaS platform

Manufacturing

Healthcare

View all case studies

Deep
expertise
across
key sectors

IT, Cyber and Communication

We advise technology-led businesses across IT services, communications, connectivity, managed services and cyber. Discover Our Sector Experience

Manufacturing & Engineering

Deep relationships with trade buyers, PE and family offices — we find the right buyer for industrial businesses built on skill and precision.

Software & Digital Services

We advise software businesses across SaaS, fintech, regtech, healthtech and specialist platforms, supporting shareholders through growth, investment and exit opportunities.

Business Services

Specialist expertise in valuing and selling people-led businesses from accountancy practices and other professional services to consultancies.

Infrastructure & Transport

We work with businesses across infrastructure, distribution & transport, utilities and essential services, providing the insight and transaction support needed to achieve the right outcome.

Healthcare

We partner with healthcare businesses to support strategic decisions, investment conversations and successful transactions in a highly specialised market.

Services

The right advice at every stage of the deal

Company
Exits

We connect, advise and deliver – completing deals with commitment and care.

Pre-sale
Planning

Our strategic exit plans support you through every stage of the transaction lifecycle.

M&A Strategy

We clarify your path forward through growth, acquisitions, exits and strategic assessment.

Capital
Advisory

We help secure tailored funding for growth, acquisitions and refinancing.

Latest insights & thought leadership

Blog post/article
August 2026
Refinancing vendor loan notes following a transition to employee ownership

Read more: Refinancing vendor loan notes following a transition to employee ownership
Blog post/article
July 2026
K3 Deal Advisory advises Ramsden Group on its sale to Argent Industrial UK

Read more: K3 Deal Advisory advises Ramsden Group on its sale to Argent Industrial UK
Blog post/article
July 2026
Finding the right investment partner for a growing cyber security business

Read more: Finding the right investment partner for a growing cyber security business

View all insights

Ready to explore your options?

Book a confidential conversation with one of our directors

Services

Selling Your Business
Buyers & Investors
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About K3 Deal Advisory
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Transactions
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Get insights and updates on M&A trends, deal structuring, and market intelligence.

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Email: [email protected]

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David Gardner

David Gardner

Board Director

Delivering deals with clarity, momentum and determination

One of the market’s most respected M&A advisers, David Gardner has built a formidable reputation among private equity funds, trade buyers and entrepreneurial business owners alike.

A Managing Director at K3 Deal Advisory, David brings over 20 years of experience advising entrepreneurial businesses through high-value, complex transactions. His standing across the investor and private equity community is exceptional, built on a consistent record of deals that deliver more than clients ever anticipated.

David began his career in audit before moving into corporate finance, drawn by the opportunity to work alongside business owners and deliver strategic support during the most significant moments in their commercial lives. He later played a founding role in developing what became KBS Corporate Finance, now part of K3 Deal Advisory, growing the practice to advise on some of the most sought-after businesses in the market.

David was also involved in the flotation of the parent company, K3 Capital Group (now K3 Advisory), when it was listed on AIM in 2017. Today, his immediate team focuses on businesses valued between £20m and £100m, with David himself, regularly advising on transactions exceeding £100m. What sets David apart is his hands-on, director-led approach, present and engaged at every stage, from positioning a business for market through to final closing of the transaction.

David’s expertise covers:

Sell-side advisory

Guiding shareholders through every stage of a sale process — from pre-market preparation and buyer outreach to negotiation and close — with a track record of achieving outcomes that set new benchmarks.

Private Equity and Investor Relations

Deep, long-standing relationships with leading PE funds, evergreen investment portfolios and family offices. David understands what institutional investors need to see — and how to present it compellingly.

Strategic Trade Sales

Access to a broad international buyer pool, with the market intelligence to identify the right strategic acquirers and position a business to attract competitive tension in any process.

Complex and Cross-border transactions

Proven experience executing deals across multiple jurisdictions with pace and precision. From international carve-outs to multi-geography businesses, David’s team delivers where complexity is highest.

Business Preparation and Positioning

Identifying and addressing value drivers before going to market, so buyers can move with confidence. Early, honest preparation is the foundation of every successful process David runs.

Fundraising and Growth Capital

Supporting ambitious management teams in accessing the right capital partners — whether that is minority investment, development capital or full institutional backing for the next phase of growth.

Paul Billingham

Board Director

Bringing sector experience and long-term perspective to technology deals

For Paul Billingham, corporate finance has always been closely connected to the realities of running, growing and advising businesses.

His career began in 1993 as a management accountant at Martin Dawes Telecommunications, an independent mobile service provider. He later joined the management team at Opal Telecom, a fixed line operator, which was acquired by Carphone Warehouse. Paul went on to become Commercial Director at TalkTalk Business, where his role included responsibility for mergers and acquisitions.

That blend of operational, commercial and M&A experience became the foundation for his advisory career. In 2008, Paul left TalkTalk and co-founded Knight Corporate Finance with Adam Zoldan, building a boutique advisory firm focused on the technology sector. Knight became part of K3 Advisory Group in 2021.

Across 15 years in industry and 18 years as co-founder of Knight, Paul has worked closely with technology business owners, management teams and shareholders, advising on transactions that often begin long before a formal process starts.

Knight has completed more than 200 transactions in the technology sector. Among the standout deals for Paul are the sale of EnableX to Gamma Communications plc, the sale of Zest4 to Focus Group and the sale of Network Telecom to Enreach. What made these transactions particularly memorable was not just the outcome, but the journey. In each case, the team had worked with the client over a number of years, providing strategic advice well before a transaction began.

For Paul, that long-term perspective is central to effective deal advisory.

“The first thing to understand is what is driving the decision to undertake a transaction,” he says. “That will influence the options we can present.”

That approach reflects Paul’s view that every transaction needs to be shaped around the objectives of the business owner or shareholder. Some may be preparing for a full exit, while others may be looking for investment, growth capital or a partner to support the next stage of development. Understanding that motivation at the outset allows the adviser to guide the process with clarity and purpose.

During a transaction, Paul believes clients most need an adviser who can drive momentum, manage complexity and keep all parties focused on the end goal. Sector knowledge also matters. In technology markets, he points to high levels of contracted recurring revenue, strong organic growth, low churn and a capable management team as key factors that can make a business attractive to buyers or investors.

For owners considering a transaction in the next 12 to 24 months, his advice is simple: preparation. Being well prepared and working closely with an adviser before the formal process begins, can make a significant difference when the time comes to go to market.

What Paul enjoys most is meeting entrepreneurs who are genuinely passionate about their businesses. And when a deal completes, the most satisfying outcome is seeing both sides pleased with the result. “The best deals work for both sides,” he says.

Adam Zoldan

Adam Zoldan

Board Director

Bringing an owner’s perspective to deal advisory

For Adam Zoldan, advising business owners through a transaction is about far more than running a process. It is about the responsibility of helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions of their professional lives, often involving the business they have spent years building.

As co-founder and Director of Knight Corporate Finance, now part of K3 Deal Advisory, Adam has spent much of his career working with entrepreneurs, shareholders and management teams across the technology, telecoms and ICT sectors. He has advised on hundreds of transactions, helping business owners prepare for investment, raise funding, complete acquisitions and achieve successful exits.

Adam co-founded Knight alongside Paul Billingham in 2008. At a time when the market was facing significant uncertainty, they saw a clear opportunity to provide specialist corporate finance advice to technology and telecoms businesses, backed by genuine sector knowledge and first-hand commercial experience.

That perspective remains central to Adam’s approach today. Before establishing Knight, he held senior roles in the technology sector, including as a founder shareholder of V Networks, which was sold to TalkTalk plc. He also worked in lead advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance.

On a number of occasions, including through the sale of Knight, Adam has experienced transactions from both a shareholder and acquirer perspective. This gives him a personal understanding of the transaction table that few advisers can offer.

This experience shapes the way he advises clients. Selling a business, raising investment or pursuing a strategic transaction is complex, demanding and highly personal. For many shareholders, it represents the result of years of commitment, risk and decision-making. Adam’s role is to help them prepare properly, understand their options and make confident decisions at every stage.

A key part of his advice to business owners is the importance of identifying the end goal: the aspiration, ambition and long-term plan for the business. That goal should dictate the most appropriate strategic route, whether that is growth funding, acquisition, investment or exit. Adam believes the strongest outcomes come from clear preparation, a well-defined strategy and a realistic view of what is achievable.

He also understands the emotional dimension of a deal. For owner-managers, a sale is often more than a financial event. It can involve employees, family, legacy and the future of a business they have built over many years. That is where experienced advice can make a real difference, not only in finding buyers or negotiating terms, but in guiding shareholders through the process with clarity, realism and confidence.

Today, as part of K3 Deal Advisory, Adam continues to support business owners and shareholders with specialist advice across company sales, acquisitions, funding and strategic transaction planning. His combination of sector knowledge, transaction experience and first-hand understanding of life as a shareholder gives clients a practical, commercially focused perspective when it matters most.

For Adam, the most rewarding deals are those where clients have a clear sense of what they want to achieve and where the team can help them realise the value they have created and move confidently into the next stage of their lives. He also takes great satisfaction in seeing his team develop their skills, experience and expertise, bringing the same level of personal responsibility and pride to their work.

Ian Barton

Board Director

Advising shareholders through growth, change and exit

With more than 30 years’ experience advising on corporate finance matters, Ian Barton has supported shareholders and directors through key decisions across the business lifecycle, from raising funding and acquisitions to growth planning, shareholder reorganisations, restructuring and successful exits.

His work spans a wide range of sectors, with particular experience in logistics, industrials, healthcare, technology and business services. Recent transactions include the sales of Pareto Facilities Management, Launch Diagnostics, Lifecast and Climb Online. He has also advised on acquisitions, management buyouts, capital raising and buy-and-build strategies, including work with Taking Care, Cosegic and strategic acquisitions for Whistl.

For Ian, the role of an adviser is about more than managing a transaction process. It is about understanding what shareholders want to achieve, identifying the opportunities and issues ahead, and giving clear advice on the routes available. As he puts it, advisers need to advise clients, not simply prepare documents or make statements.

That matters because corporate finance decisions are rarely purely technical. For many business owners, choosing an adviser and deciding on the next step for the business are emotional and often deeply personal decisions. Trust and rapport are central, and Ian believes being invited into that process is something advisers should approach with humility and sound judgement.

The most rewarding moments often come at the end of a transaction, when the efforts of the client and the value they have built are either realised or positioned for the next phase of growth. By that stage, advisers have often become an integral part of the decision-making process. Resolving the final issues can mark a major inflection point, whether shareholders are buying, selling or raising capital for growth.

For business owners considering a transaction in the next 12 to 24 months, Ian’s advice is straightforward: it is never too early to plan. Deals almost always take longer than people expect, and preparation is often the longest part of the process. Done properly, however, it is also the stage that can generate the greatest long-term benefit.

He believes shareholders should look for an adviser who will be alongside them through the ups and downs, pushing matters forward where needed while remaining robust, supportive and commercially focused. In challenging markets, that guidance becomes even more important. Economic headwinds can disrupt activity, but good deals will still be completed for well-prepared clients, and disruption can also create opportunity.

Ian is a qualified chartered accountant and holds the Corporate Finance qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Before joining Quantuma, he began his career in Manchester and became a partner leading the corporate finance business of a Big Four accountancy firm in the South East. He then re-established the lead advisory business at a boutique firm in the Thames Valley.

Over the last 20 years, Ian has been recognised as Corporate Financier of the Year and Dealmaker of the Year at the Thames Valley Deal Awards, having advised on many of the winning or nominated transactions for Deal of the Year.

Away from dealmaking, Ian lives near Ascot with his wife and two grown-up daughters. A Manchester City fan, he has followed the club since the Maine Road days. His claim to fame is being the less skilled half of the 1992 Durham University Ballroom Dancing champion pair, as well as runner-up in the 2004 series of TV quiz Test the Nation. These days, he has retired to focus on watching Strictly and doing pub quizzes instead.

Mark Lucas

Mark Lucas

Board Advisor

Mark Lucas is a Managing Director in K3 Deal Advisory team and co-heads the practice. He advises entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses and mid-market companies on complex transactions, transitions and value realisation strategies. His core expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, disposals, growth planning and strategic corporate finance, with extensive sector experience across manufacturing, logistics and distribution, business services, telecoms, IT and professional services. With more than 25 years’ experience, and a background spanning Big Four, top ten firms and boutique advisory, he combines technical depth with commercial judgement. He is known for high-energy leadership, strong relationships and a clear focus on helping clients achieve ambitious outcomes.

Stuart Lees

Stuart Lees

Board Advisor

Stuart is a highly respected corporate financier and was previously Managing Director of Altium and Head of Corporate Finance at Arthur Andersen.

He has been Group CEO of Latium Holdings, during which time they acquired Ultraframe plc, Spectus Systems, Kestrel Building Products and successfully disposed of Everest Home Improvements.

Scott Peters

Scott Peters

Managing Director

Scott Peters is a Managing Director in K3 Deal Advisory team, leading the Midlands corporate finance practice and the national debt advisory offering. He advises clients on corporate finance transactions, debt fundraising, growth capital structures and, where appropriate, equity raises. His client base includes businesses across the lower and mid-market, with sector experience spanning leisure, technology, manufacturing, industrials and business services. With more than 10 years’ specialist experience, and a track record of completing numerous high-profile and award-winning deals, he brings deep expertise in both corporate finance and debt advisory. He is known for structuring tailored funding solutions, assessing debt capacity quickly and delivering commercially focused advice that supports growth and value creation.

Adrian Howells

Adrian Howells

Managing Director

Adrian Howells is a Managing Director in the K3 Deal Advisory team, advising SME owners, management teams and private equity investors on exits, acquisitions and strategic growth. He specialises in sell-side transactions, buy-side mandates and Employee Ownership Trusts, with experience across a broad range of sectors in the lower and mid-market. A chartered accountant with around 10+ years’ deal experience, combined with prior CFO and financial controller roles, he brings both adviser and operator perspective.

Adrian is known for running efficient, commercially focused processes, building strong relationships and delivering personal, hands-on advice tailored to each shareholder’s objectives.

Philippa Robinson

Philippa Robinson

Director

Philippa Robinson is a Director in K3 Deal Advisory team and a highly regarded lead adviser to SMEs and entrepreneurial businesses. She works with business owners on fundraising, sale mandates, management buyouts and other strategic transactions, supporting clients through both growth opportunities and more challenging periods. Her sector experience is broad, reflecting a career spent advising a wide variety of privately owned businesses. With more than 20 years’ experience across corporate finance, tax and wider advisory roles, including senior positions in boutiques, city brokers and accountancy firms, she brings depth, perspective and a strong network to every assignment. She is known for getting under the skin of a business quickly and providing trusted, commercially astute advice.

John Hunt

Director

John joined K3 Group in 2014 and was one of the three founding Directors. With more than 30 years of experience gained both in industry and in practice, including roles at PwC and BDO, he brings a rare breadth of perspective to client engagements.

John has worked extensively in the USA and Scandinavia, particularly within the electricity utilities and renewable energy sectors, where he acted as acquirer on numerous transactions. His experience on both sides of the deal table enables him to provide commercially informed, practical advice throughout the transaction process.

Goerge Jackson

George Jackson

Director

George Jackson is a Director in K3 Deal Advisory’s London team, specialising in mergers and acquisitions across buy-side and sell-side mandates. He advises corporates, shareholders and private equity investors on lower and mid-market transactions, helping clients protect and maximise value through the deal process. His experience spans a range of sectors, with particularly strong exposure to energy, natural resources and infrastructure from earlier roles, alongside broader M&A work. With around 10 years’ experience in corporate finance and advisory, including time in the Big Four and UK Government Investments, George brings strategic insight and strong commercial judgement. He is known for collaborative client service and practical, value-focused advice.

David Newton

David Newton

Director

David Newton is a Director in K3 Deal Advisory’s Birmingham team, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and capital markets fundraisings. He advises corporates, listed companies and management teams on a wide range of transactions, including IPOs, debt and equity fundraising, acquisitions and strategic corporate finance matters. His sector experience includes real estate, financial services, IT and software, education and natural resources. With more than 30 years’ experience in corporate finance, investment banking and senior finance leadership roles, David brings both adviser and board-level perspective to his work. He is known for his depth of public markets expertise, particularly in AIM transactions, and for providing commercially grounded advice on complex funding and deal structures.

Max Perry

Max Perry

Director

Max Joined Knight in 2025 having begun his career by qualifying (ACA) at Deloitte and subsequently joining a corporate finance boutique in south Manchester, before being appointed as a partner in a regional accounting practice. Max has a track record of successfully advising numerous owner-managers in various sectors, and has a particular skill for developing excellent interpersonal relationships and developing other members of the team.

Alex Stewart

Alex Stewart

Director

Alex joined Knight in 2024 having previously held roles in corporate finance and private equity, as well as operational roles in SMEs. A commercially astute and technically skilled ACCA qualified Accountant. Highly motivated and ambitious with an engaging personality, excellent interpersonal skills and a strong passion for business. A strategic thinker and good listener and able to adapt to different working environments. She has a wealth of transaction experience and leads transactions, is particularly focused on building relationships with private equity.

Chris Collins

Chris Collins

Director

Chris joined Knight in May 2019 from a Manchester-based Corporate Finance firm where he advised owner managers on the disposal of their businesses. Prior to this Chris worked for a North West boutique advising high growth technology and biotechnology companies on capital raises.

Mughees Saleem

Mughees Saleem

Director

After graduating on the EY Degree in Accounting, Auditing and Finance from Lancaster Business School in 2014, Mughees worked in the Audit department at EY Manchester. Following qualification as a chartered accountant, he actively sought a role in K3 Deal Advisory and after working in the Transaction Services team at DSW, Mughees joined the K3 Deal Advisory team in 2018. Whilst working sector agnostically, he has led and advised on various deals over the last six years including notable completions such as the sale of plastics recycling companies Aurora Manufacturing and Venture Polymers to Ravago, and IASME, a cybersecurity certification company, to Phenna Group.

Daniel Welsby

Daniel Welsby

Head of Research & Outreach

Daniel has an impressive track record of identifying and engaging with acquirers across a wide range of sectors, working diligently to introduce credible buyers to his clients. He has over 10 years’ experience, having started his career at JP Morgan before transitioning into sell-side advisory where he has built strong relationships with Private Equity, Family Office, and Strategic Buyer counterparts. Daniel’s focus is on understanding acquirer appetite and market dynamics to ensure he can bring the right people to the table at the most opportune time.

Richard Hil

Richard Hill

Associate Director

Richard Hill is an Associate Director in K3 Deal Advisory team, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and financial modelling. He works with entrepreneurs, corporate clients and private equity investors on acquisitions, disposals, project finance, equity raises and complex decision support. His sector experience includes robotics and artificial intelligence, hospitality and leisure, renewable energy and infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing and recruitment. With around 10 years’ experience across corporate finance and accountancy, including specialist training in modelling and valuations, he brings strong analytical rigour to deal situations. He is particularly known for translating complex commercial challenges into clear, practical solutions in high-pressure environments.

Duncan Moore

Duncan Moore

Associate Director

Duncan Moore is an Associate Director in K3 Deal Advisory team, specialising in transaction services and due diligence. He typically works with private equity investors acquiring SMEs, as well as owner-managed businesses seeking vendor due diligence support and guidance through the transaction process. His sector experience includes manufacturing, technology and a growing number of cross-border deals. With around 8 years’ experience in accountancy and corporate finance, Duncan combines strong analytical capability with a sharp focus on the commercial issues and critical risks that matter most in a transaction. He is known for quickly identifying key deal drivers and providing clear, pragmatic advice that supports informed decision-making.

Katie Horsfield

Katie Horsfield

Associate Director

Having joined Knight in 2024, bringing specialised advisory experience in the tech and telecoms sectors, Katie manages end-to-end sell-side M&A projects. She excels in providing meticulous transactional advice and driving client outcomes in dynamic, high-pressure environments. She is known for her resilience, energy, and tenacity, qualities that extend beyond the office, as she is a three-time National Sailing Champion. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2018, before transitioning to commercial finance roles, and subsequently a TMT mid-market corporate finance advisory.

Ryan Batchelor

Ryan Batchelor

Associate Director

Ryan is a member of the deal execution team, joining in 2022 from BDO. Ryan will be providing financial analysis, working with clients to prepare their business for marketing and assisting in the due diligence process. Prior to BDO, Ryan worked in external audit at Beever and Struthers, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant under the ICAEW. He graduated from Swansea University with a BA in Accounting & Finance.

George Dalton

George Dalton

Associate Director

George is a Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He has advised Entrepreneurs and SMEs over the past decade through his time at K3 Advisory Group and prior experience at BDO LLP.

George has the technical knowledge, approach and understanding in how to deliver and achieve clients’ aspirations and exit strategies. He has successfully executed many international and complex deals across several sectors into a variety of buyer and investor types, including private equity, family office, trade and PLCs.

Kelly Edwards

Kelly Edwards

Operations Manager

Kelly joined Knight Corporate Finance in 2009 having previously worked as the Office Manager at V Networks for 3 years. Her role at Knight is to manage all accounts and HR matters.

Phil Grant

Phil Grant

Manager

Phil is an ICAEW chartered accountant with almost a decade of experience working with entrepreneurial and privately owned businesses in a variety of sectors. Having qualified at Forvis Mazars in their audit department, Phil uses his keen eye for detail and personal approach to gain a deeper understanding of his clients’ businesses. With an appreciation for shareholder aspirations, Phil seeks to identify key value drivers that will secure a transaction that meets their goals.

Luke Kouloumbrides

Luke Kouloumbrides

Manager

Luke specialises in buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, alongside debt raising for SMEs. He joined a Big Four firm in 2020, where he worked with companies in the TMT sector and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW, before moving into Corporate Finance in 2024. Since then, he has advised on transactions across a range of sectors, including tech-enabled healthcare, engineering and consumer, working with both owner-managed and private equity-backed businesses. He works closely with management teams to understand their objectives and ensure these are achieved, supporting the delivery of successful transaction outcomes.

Tom Lucas

Tom Lucas

Manager

Tom Lucas is a Manager in K3 Deal Advisory team, specialising in mergers and acquisitions for lower to mid-market businesses. He advises corporate clients across a broad mix of sectors, helping shareholders maximise value through disposals and other strategic transactions. His sector experience includes care, manufacturing and a range of other owner-managed business environments, giving him a well-rounded understanding of different markets and commercial drivers. With around 6 years’ experience in advisory, including earlier work in insolvency, Tom combines technical insight with a practical approach to deal execution. He is known for building strong client relationships and delivering clear, commercially grounded advice throughout the transaction process.

Tom Kennedy

Tom Kennedy

Manager

Tom joined Knight’s deal execution team in 2026. Prior to joining Knight, he worked as a private equity–focused technology research analyst, specialising in cybersecurity coverage and supporting M&A transactions. At Knight, Tom is supporting M&A execution through financial analysis, vendor preparation, and assisting management teams throughout due diligence and transaction processes. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, alongside investment and corporate finance qualifications.

Lakshimi Reddy

Lakshmi Reddy

Senior Manager

Lakshmi is a member of the deal execution team, joining in 2024 having held roles in Tax, Audit and Forensic Accounting. Lakshmi will be providing financial analysis, working with clients to prepares their business for marketing and assisting in the due diligence process. She graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in Accounting and Finance in 2013 and
became a qualified Accountant (ACCA) in 2017.

Greg Rawsthorne

Greg Rawsthorne

Senior Manager

Greg is a member of the deal execution team, joining in 2024, having previously worked as an Investment Executive for a Manchester-headquartered private equity firm. Greg will be providing financial analysis, working with clients to prepare their business for marketing and assisting in the due diligence process. Prior to his role in private equity, Greg worked in the Technology M&A team at Houlihan Lokey. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bsc in Economics.

Charlotte Timmis

Charlotte Timmis

Office Manager

Charlotte has worked for Knight Corporate Finance since 2011 as Office Manager for the Warrington office. Prior to joining Knight, Charlotte worked within the telecommunications industry for 15 years.

Helena Fitzsimons

Helena Fitzsimons

Executive

Helena is a Corporate Finance Executive who supports owner-managed businesses through a range of strategic transactions. She specialises in sell-side M&A, financial analysis and modelling, the preparation of marketing materials including teasers and information memoranda, buyer research and outreach, and transaction execution. Helena plays a key role in managing deal processes and supporting clients at each stage of a transaction. Prior to moving into corporate finance, she spent three years in audit, giving her a strong grounding in financial analysis and reporting. Her combined experience enables her to bring a detailed, commercially focused approach to delivering well-run transactions.

Finlay McLoskey

Finlay McLoskey

Executive

Finlay McLoskey is a Corporate Finance Analyst with experience across a range of corporate finance mandates. He has supported on a variety of transactions, including sell-side assignments, although his primary focus is on capital advisory work, particularly debt raising to support private equity acquisitions.

Finlay is known for his strong attention to detail, analytical approach and commitment to delivering a high standard of service. He works closely with colleagues and clients to help ensure processes run smoothly and expectations are exceeded throughout the course of a transaction.

Amelia Biervliet

Amelia Biervliet

Executive

Amelia is a Corporate Finance Executive, supporting clients through M&A transactions and wider corporate finance projects. She has a background in audit and is ACA part-qualified, bringing strong financial analysis, diligence and commercial insight to transaction processes. Amelia works closely with business owners, shareholders and deal teams, assisting with financial review, transaction execution and project delivery. Her experience includes supporting deal preparation, financial analysis, due diligence and the coordination of key transaction workstreams. With a detail-focused and collaborative approach, Amelia helps ensure clients receive clear, practical support throughout each stage of the deal process.

Jacob Rigby

Jacob Rigby

Executive

Following graduating with a first-class degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, Jacob joined the K3 Deal Advisory team in 2026, and is currently undertaking his qualifications to become a fully Chartered Accountant. Prior to this, he worked as an Accounts Assistant in a reduced-capacity role over the course of his degree, as well as spending time with both the Financial Performance & Analysis and Transaction Advisory teams within the wider group. Jacob is proficient at building strong client relationships, translating complex financial data into clear narratives, and helping to deliver clients expectations.

Mat Freer

Matthew Freer

Analyst

Matt is a Corporate Finance Analyst with hands-on experience across a broad range of transactions, supporting business owners at different stages of growth across multiple sectors and geographies. His experience includes private equity-backed acquisitions, debt refinancings and business disposals, giving him strong exposure to the full transaction lifecycle. Matt has developed a well-rounded understanding of deal execution and the practical steps required to deliver successful outcomes. He works closely with advisers, funders, private equity investors and clients, and is building a strong reputation for his collaborative approach, commercial awareness and commitment to getting deals over the line.

Olly Curwen

Analyst

Olly Curwen is a Corporate Finance Analyst based in Birmingham, specialising in capital advisory for SMEs across the UK. He has built experience across a range of transactions, with a particular focus on debt advisory, including supporting private equity-backed acquisitions and helping businesses secure the right funding to achieve their growth ambitions. His work has included cross-border transactions, capital raising and securing financing facilities for clients in both the UK and US markets.

Olly is known for his commercial mindset, his ability to maintain momentum throughout a transaction, and his commitment to delivering successful outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Sebastian Smith

Analyst

Seb is a Corporate Finance Analyst based in Birmingham, with experience spanning both capital advisory and sell-side M&A for SMEs across the UK. He has developed a broad skill set across a range of transaction types, including refinancing, capital raising and acquisition support, working with clients across sectors such as professional services, childcare, and technology. Seb has a particular interest in supporting growth-oriented and founder-led businesses in securing the right funding structures to meet their strategic objectives.

Seb is known for his analytical rigour, commercial awareness, and dedication to maintaining momentum throughout the deal process.

Magdalena Barczak

Magdalena Barczak

Researcher

Magdalena is a K3 Deal Advisory Researcher who supports deal execution through detailed market analysis and targeted acquirer identification. She specialises in building strategic buyer universes and analysing sector dynamics, helping to shape effective sale processes across a wide range of sectors, including IT, healthcare, construction and manufacturing.

Working closely with deal teams, Magdalena ensures her research is commercially focused and tailored to each client’s objectives. She also helps develop outreach strategies and engagement approaches for prospective acquirers, supporting competitive processes and maximising deal opportunities.