Partner Ben Bradley has been appointed head of HURST Corporate Finance, succeeding long-serving Nigel Barratt in a planned transition.
Nigel, who has led the corporate finance team at HURST since 2007, will continue to be a senior partner, supporting Ben and providing strategic advice to clients.
Ben joined the firm as a graduate trainee in 2011 after a 12-month university placement. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 2014 while working in the business services team, before joining HURST Corporate Finance in 2015.
He progressed through the ranks, becoming a partner in 2023 and joining the HURST board.
Ben has advised on a broad range of transactions, typically up to £50m in value, with experience on a number of deals topping £100m. These include company sales and acquisitions, management buyouts and private equity investments, along with debt and growth capital fundraising.
In his new role, Ben leads a team of M&A experts advising owner-managed companies and entrepreneurs across the UK, supported by the wider firm’s business services, tax and digital teams.
HURST managing partner Tim Potter said: “I’m delighted that Ben has achieved this great step in his career, and I’m looking forward to working alongside him as he continues to build the HURST Corporate Finance team.
“Nigel has delivered a terrific performance over many years, and I’m grateful to him for all he has achieved. He now transitions to a senior role, remaining in corporate finance while also working within the senior leadership team to deliver the firm’s strategy.”
HURST last year unveiled plans to double in size to become a £20m turnover practice in 2028, underpinned by an expanding national client base, extensive recruitment and new service lines, alongside a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
The Stockport-headquartered practice recently became part of the Dains Group, a national accountancy and business advisory firm with 30 locations across the UK and Ireland, further strengthening its resources and expertise for clients in the UK and internationally.
Nigel said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the corporate finance team and am very proud of what we have created.
“I am grateful for the support I have had from our clients, HURST’s partners and staff, and particularly the colleagues who have been part of our success.
“Ben is fantastic to work with, and I know that under his leadership the team will continue to flourish. I look forward to continuing alongside him through this transition.”
Ben said: “Having joined HURST as a graduate, it’s incredibly rewarding to now lead the corporate finance team.
“We have built a strong team and reputation over the years, and I’m looking forward to taking that to the next level with the backing of Dains’ national presence, which gives us a real opportunity to expand our reach and support more ambitious businesses on their growth journeys.
“I’m extremely grateful to Nigel for his leadership and support over the years. The knowledge and experience he has shared with me have been invaluable, and I’m excited to build on what he has achieved as we take the team into its next phase.”