www.acquisition-international.com • Leading Adviser Awards 2022
2 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 13 Hetty Verney - Leading SME Accounting & Business Advisory of the Year 2022 - UK 14 Eustace Caesar - Leading Specialist GD&T & Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022 - United Kingdom 15 Paul Joyce - Leading Probate, Wills & Trust Law Firm - UK 17 Alvaro Lobato - Leading Tax Law Attorney of the Year 2022 - Spain 18 Eni Prastakou - Leading Bankruptcy & Business Restructuring Lawyer of the Year 2022 - Greece 19 Wladimir Kovacic - Leading Boutique Management Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022 - Switzerland 20 Michael Hahnelt - Leading Private Equity Post-Merger Consultancy of the Year 2022 - Germany About our Awards Now more than ever, businesses need guidance and advice from the knowledgeable individuals who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to help inform, guide and shape the way in which it operates to navigate the complex business landscape. The Leading Adviser Awards are a testament to these individuals; from sole professionals, micro-firms and SMEs through to multinational corporations, we aim to recognise those that are succeeding in their field and those who are constantly innovating, growing and improving their skillsets to push the boundaries further. Throughout the year, recipients of this programme are determined through an internal process of research, analysis, shortlisting, and selection. Our in-house team use publicly available sources such as local and national press, industry journals, client recommendations, press releases, and other published works to source potential candidates based entirely on merit, each of which is then carefully scrutinised to narrow down a shortlist. Our research team, along with senior management at the company, will then go over the shortlisted individuals and firms to decide on our final winner’s list, and it is at this stage that the personalised award titles are created. Adopting this approach ensures that our recipients are selected based purely on merit – not popularity, budget or external votes – and allows us to recognise the leading players in each field. Jo Holloway - Senior Account Executive United Kingdom No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editors Sofi Bajor, Senior Editor Rebecca Scotland, Editor Izzy Mifsud, Writer Alejandra Garcia, Writer Designers Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer Europe 5 Carmel Burke - Leading Corporate Finance Management Firm of the Year, Kent 6 Marcus Bullus - Leading Financial Planning Advisory for Bespoke Investment Management, London 7 Angela Englehart - Leading Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year 2022 - UK 8 Michael Coates - Leading Employee Survey Specialists 2022 - United Kingdom 9 Brad Meecham - Leading Wills & Probate Firm of the Year 2022 - Isle of Man 10 Paul Craig - Leading Asset Valuation & Specialist Auction Firm of the Year - UK 11 Oliver Tregoning - Leading Wealth Management Firm of the Year 2022 - UK 12 Leonardo Braune - Leading HMWI International Investment Structuring Consultancy of the Year 2022 - UK
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 3 47 Chad Betteridge - Leading Pharmaceutical IP Litigator of the Year - Canada 48 Lorne MacLean - Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer of the Year 2022 - British Columbia 50 Debbie Mcgee - Leading Global Mobility & International Human Resources Consultancy of the Year 2022 - Alabama 51 Kim Abernethy - Leading Medical Malpractice & Product Liability Litigation Attorney of the Year 2022 - South Carolina 52 Kenneth Hamner - Leading Business Planning & Entrepreneurial Advisory of the Year 2022 - Florida 54 James Bradley - Leading Electric Power Project Development Lawyer of the Year 2022 - Southeast Asia 55 Elvira Ablaza - Leading Rural Development Management Consulting Firm of the Year 2022 - Philippines 56 George Xu - Leading Corporate and M&A Attorney of the Year 2022 - Greater China 57 Li Huajing - Leading Regional Corporate Governance Advisor of the Year 2022 – APAC Region 58 Okta Rahma Wati - Leading Tax Law Firm of the Year 2022 - Indonesia 59 Raymond Joseph Pascua - Leading Taxation Attorney of the Year 2022 - Philippines 60 Clarice Chen - Leading IP Law Firm of the Year 2022 - Taiwan 61 Melanie Bangcaya - Leading Professional Coaching & Training Firm of the Year 2022 – Middle East 63 Christian Foyle - Leading Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year 2022 - Australia 64 Constantine Paxinos - Leading Complex Corporate Migration & Visa Consultancy of the Year 2022 - Australia 65 Ugur Nedim - Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year 2022 - NSW 68 Mahamady Zango - Leading Business Taxation & Investment Lawyer of the Year 2022 - West Africa 69 Ayman Said - Leading Banking and Finance Lawyer of the Year - Djibouti 22 Giovanni Tretti - Leading Commercial Contracts & Procurement Lawyer of the Year 2022 - Italy 23 Lorenzo Toffoloni - Leading HNWI Cross-Border Transactions Law Firm of the Year 2022 - Cyprus 24 Ingo Klaus Wamser - Leading International Criminal Law Attorney of the Year 2022 - Germany 25 Christophe Baekeland - Leading Niche Technology and Privacy Law Firm of the Year, Belgium 26 Stephanie Delgadillo - Leading PE Advisory of the Year 2022 - Spain 27 Thodoris Dimitropoulos - Leading Taxation Services Firm of the Year 2022 - Greece 28 Xanthippi Mikrou - Leading Criminal Law Attorney of the Year 2022 - Greece 29 Volker Knies - Leading IP Lawyer of the Year 2022 - Germany 30 Sara Valaguzza - Leading Procurement Law Firm of the Year -Italy 32 Steven Brower - Leading Insurance Coverage Litigation Attorney of the Year, California 33 Peter Yoars - Leading Civil Litigation Attorney of the Year 2022 - Northeast USA 34 Bradford Jefferson - Leading Personal Injury Litigation Attorney of the Year, Florida 35 John Leon - Leading Health Care Litigation Attorney of the Year, Florida 36 Jimin Oh - Leading Car Accident Attorney of the Year 2022 - Northern California 37 Seth Lederman - Leading Franchise Consultant of the Year 2022 - Texas 38 Luz Maria Tames Pena - Leading Full-Service Corporate & Administrative Law Firm of the Year 2022 - Mexico 39 Gregory Florio - Leading Investment & Compliance Adviser of the Year, New York 40 Marc Bern - Leading Complex Litigation Lawyer of the Year 2022 - New York 42 Jed Stone - Leading Criminal Defence Attorney of the Year 2022 - Illinois 43 Carol Gillam - Leading Employment Rights Litigatior of the Year 2022 - California 44 Moze Cowper - Leading Mass Tort Attorney of the Year 2022, California 45 Melanie Weisbecker - Leading Medical Malpractice Attorney of the Year 2022 - New York 46 Jeffrey Lynch - Leading Personal Injury & Trial Attorney of the Year 2022 - Texas Oceania North America Asia Africa
4 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 United Kingdom
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 5 Acquisition International - Issue 8 2022 13 Leading Corporate Finance Management Firm of the Year – Kent stablished in 1993, Chantler Kent Investments provides lifestyle financial planning solutions, going beyond traditional wealth management services (i.e., assets, net worth, and valuations of investments) with a focus on building clients’ money as a tool to achieve goals in life, as opposed to simply gaining value. Its clients receive a bespoke, friendly service which meets their financial goals and allows them to have control of their finances now and in the future. Since its founding, it has built a team of specialists, including financial advisers, chartered advisers, paraplanners, and experienced administration staff. Its mission is always to treat its clients fairly, creating long-term relationships of trust and mutual respect. Its tailored approach ensures its chartered, financial, and lifestyle financial planners (together with its team of paraplanners) take time to understand Chantler Kent’s client’s long-term goals and assist them in meeting future financial objectives. Its independent financial advisers explore a broad range of products and services for the firm’s clients, developing rich portfolios based on their needs. E Chantler Kent serves individual and corporate clients and its bespoke service is built around the lifestyle its clients want. Whether the client’s dream is to move to the country or take a luxurious holiday of a lifetime, it factors all its client’s wants. Its staff take responsibility for every task and project they are involved in, going above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. Testimonials for the firm often cite the in-depth information they provide, the speedy responses, and the ability to advise and listen. This is borne from the incredible maturity of Chantler Kent’s advisors as its team members have years of experience working within the financial services sector. Over the decades, its clients have found that by listening to the team’s guidance, they can make decisions based on input, expertise, and knowledge. Beyond its regular services, Chantler Kent currently runs a graduate programme. It has picked up this opportunity on noting how insurance firms and investment houses previously offering these programmes have diminished their capacity. Recognising this as a real opportunity to make a positive change in many people’s lives, it jumped at the opportunity. During Covid, it enabled staff to work from home to ensure its clients continued receiving a good level of uninterrupted service. During this time, its income level increased and it made many changes to its operations that have become mainstays of its entire practice. Among the changes was the firm’s move to hold face-to-face client meetings, via telephone, or by using the emerging tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The focus in this period was to make the client journey (and their ability to access its services) more streamlined and convenient, which was the case with its additions of more convenient meeting options. Its approach of trying to understand the things clients wish to have and accomplish during their lifetime, considering their well-being and values, it finds out what they want to do in the future. This is such a stark contrast to so many within the financial services sector. And so, Chantler Kent’s lifestyle financial planning is a massive hit. Its clients are incredibly appreciative of its award-winning guidance, and the future looks even brighter. Contact: Claude Carletide Company: Chantler Kent Investments Web Address: www.chantlerkent.co.uk Unlike many of its competitors, which focus on numbers, Chantler Kent Investments focuses on finding out what its clients want to accomplish during their lifetime and builds profitable portfolios with dreams in mind. The financial services sector is competitive, so finding a firm with a specific and unique niche makes for an exciting opportunity to explore. Contact: Claude Carletide Company: Chantler Kent Investments Web Address: www.chantlerkent.co.uk Jun22388 Jun22388
6 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 Jun22388 8 Issue 10 2022 Aug22281 A City Broker You Can Trust After much planning and deliberation, it was on 30th June 2009 that MB Capital was incorporated in West London and the journey of becoming a fully FCA regulated independent financial adviser and wealth manager began. As MB Capital earns the title of ‘Leading Financial Planning Advisory for Bespoke Investment Management, London’ in this issue of SME News magazine, we take a look at what makes this the case. ver a decade later, MB Capital had built a reputation for its ability to look beyond the numbers and treat every client for what they are, a unique person with an individual outlook and set of needs. Its mission statement has always been to work personally with clients and bring back a level of service that it felt was being lost as companies moved to online platforms and reduced the amount of time they spent working with clients on a one-to-one basis. As a company, MB Capital has enjoyed growing organically and greatly appreciates the referrals made by clients, friends and family along the way, as well as the overlap from friends and family becoming clients, alongside clients becoming a part of its friends and family. The company’s clientele is made up of individuals, corporations, and trusts who enjoy working with it across a number of areas within the world of financial planning, including pensions, savings, investments, protection, and tax mitigation. MB Capital doesn’t believe an individual’s life is simply categorised as low, medium, or high risk. That’s why its investment philosophy refuses to put clients in a band and tell them what they should be doing with their money. It treats every client as a person and understands that their preferences and needs may not be the same as any other valued client. This is why it does not pigeonhole clients but discusses all of the available options and creates an investment that ticks all of the boxes for them. As an independent financial adviser and wealth manager, MB Capital’s personal approach involves working closely with clients and their existing financial plans to help ensure they are on course for the future they want, taking into consideration every aspect of their current situation and forming them to match their forward looking aspirations and expectations. Something the company has learned and a key aspect of its service is that it will listen attentively, making sure it clearly understands their financial goals alongside their current wants and needs. It takes pride in being recognised for its service, working with clients in a friendly and professional manner. MB Capital does not take its responsibilities lightly; this is its clients’ hard earned money and it ensures each individual fully understands its advice and works together with them to strive towards their future goals and financial freedom. Since inception and as the business continues to grow and adapt, something that will never change or alter is its principles and values. The embedded culture of integrity within the company ensures it will O always offer honest, independent advice that meets the clients’ wants and needs, not just for today, but over the long-term. Being an independent financial adviser and wealth manager means it can go above and beyond the offerings of a standard IFA. With its increased level of FCA permissions, MB Capital has the ability to build portfolios from individual shareholdings with investment specialists highly qualified in the area. This provides clients with an increased range of investment opportunities and allows further diversification which can also mitigate risk. Its in-house investment committee are available to all clients to provide a closer approach and oversight to their investments and savings. This also gives the company greater control and transparency which, in turn, allows it to provide a higher level of service to clients. As an independently-owned investment company, MB Capital’s ambition remains exactly the same as it was when it started, to fully serve each individual client. Whether they are a seasoned investor or new to investing, it remains committed to delivering a professional service within a personal approach that matches the style, experience, and ambitions of each and every client. Company: MB Capital Contact: Marcus Bullus Email: marcus.bullus@mbcapital.co.uk Website: www.mbcapital.co.uk Aug22281
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 7 28 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 In the Pursuit of True Client-Centric Legal Advisory eputation makes and breaks legal firms. Expertise forges them. Engleharts Solicitors has thrived in the highly competitive legal arena through its expertise and approach to client service to forge an outstanding reputation. It should be no surprise to say that client-centricity truly lies at the heart of Engleharts Solicitors’ success, informing how they manage every new case. Wielding their collective 100 years of experience, the team ensure that transparency and honesty shine bright in every interaction. This ethos goes hand in hand with the firm’s pursuit towards building long-lasting professional relationships with its clients – relationships that are created on a firm foundation of trust. Client centricity can only go so far though, and its then that an ability to deliver results secures the partnership. In this manner, Engleharts Solicitors delivers what is promises from the outset – an expert, results-driven approach that ensures that clients can have peace of mind that their project and property is in the best possible hands. It acts as a potent testament to the nature of the firm that these partnerships remain robust and long-lasting, speaking on the team’s ability to achieve results and exceed expectations. It would be remiss to gloss over the fact that Engleharts Solicitors is an independent law firm. In a field that is so often dominated by large brick and mortar, traditional establishment, Engleharts Solicitors has endeavoured to utilise the qualities that differentiate it to drift ahead of the pack. Large firms are often so large has to make clients feel like “just a number”, lost in a crowd of thousands. This is certainly not the case with Engleharts Solicitors, as it has proven time and time again over the years. Equally, law firms can sometimes act in ways that perpetuate the ‘us and them’ divide between client and lawyer, obfuscating situations through a lack of transparency and a forest of jargon. Yet, the team at Engleharts Solicitors understand the importance of a straightforward, to the point, no-nonsense approach, allowing the client to be true equal partners whether the case be simple or incredibly complex and multifaceted. R Oct22655 Engleharts Solicitors has been a mainstay in Acquisition International’s Leading Advisor awards, and year after year, the firm reaffirms why it keeps being recommended as a true champion of both the property law sector and the greater industry at large. Company: Engleharts Solicitors Name: Angela Englehart Email: Angela@engleharts.co.uk Website: https://www.engleharts.co.uk/ By all regards, the property sphere is notoriously difficult to navigate – and it will, arguably, only get more so in the coming years with the uncertainty on the global economic landscape. For those looking for an expert, guiding hand for all things property law, there can only be on choice: Engleharts Solicitors. On the back of its recognition as the UK’s Leading Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year (2022), we took a deeper dive into this multi-award-winning firm. Oct22655
8 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 12 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 Nov22020 inners of the same award in 2021, Protostar has continued to grow in what has hitherto been a market dominated by a few players. The last few years have been particularly stressful for many employees, and the post-COVID bounce back has caused labour shortages and high rates of staff turnover. This has led employers to concentrate on their employee experience (EX), and Protostar has helped to both measure it and drive improvements. W At the root of Protostar’s success in designing effective employee surveys, is psychology, whether that be in designing the communications that announce the survey is coming, or the careful crafting of each question. Protostar’s Managing Director Michael Coates first published a book on organisational psychology back in 2000, and now, as well as running Enhancing the Employee Experience For the second year, Protostar’s consultants have proven that they can help organisations to assess the mood of their employees and use data to recommend meaningful actions. Here we present Protostar as it wins Leading Specialist Employee Engagement and Staff Surveys Firm of the Year. Protostar’s Interactive Survey Dashboard Nov22020
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 9 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2022 13 Protecting the Employee Experience this successful consultancy, he is a visiting Professor. Michael ensures that psychology is used to develop trust in the survey and to get a high number of open and honest responses. He starts this journey before the survey launches with a personalised video for the employees. Filmed in a casual setting, Michael tells the audience who he is, how the survey will work and how their anonymity is guaranteed. So why are these videos so effective? Michael believes that “Particularly in this social media age, relationships and trust are often formed by seeing and listening to people online, so by creating a video where I dispel myths and concerns about completing a staff survey, the viewers are also allowed to decide if they trust me.” It would appear they do trust Michael and his team as their surveys consistently get high response rates and thereby high statistical confidence levels. This even applies when the organisation is spread globally or has a very diverse range of employees. Protostar are specialists in adapting surveys to be understood and appealing to diverse audiences, minority groups, and those who are often reticent to respond. Another way they differentiate themselves from survey apps or other providers is that their surveys can communicate vital messages to the employees as well as seek their responses. Typically, this might be to provide details of who to speak to if their responses indicate that they are stressed or being bullied. Similarly, it might show them the organisation’s values if they indicate that they do not know them. Managing Director Michael Coates explains how this works. “While staff are completing a survey you have a captive audience, but they are also anonymous, so you can’t send out targeted communications to those who require one after the survey, but we can do it during.” In addition, at the end of the online survey, respondents receive either personalised messages from the CEO of their organisation or they are taken to a video, again capitalising on the fact that they are already in listening mode. Another area that has continued to improve and develop at Protostar is how they present the data to clients. In addition to a detailed narrative report where the main findings are highlighted along with any comments staff provided that might clarify those findings, the data is also available as an interactive dashboard. While the idea of a dashboard is nothing new, Protostar are firm believers that any such tool should be self-intuitive and continuously improve based on user feedback. Michael Coates continued, “Clients love our dashboards as they do not need an expensive license or an instruction manual, yet they do allow you to easily filter, compare and contrast responses.” The last two years have seen significant growth at Protostar and with a healthy pipeline of potential clients ranging from SMEs to public sector organisations and global corporations, many employees will be far more engaged as a result of their support. Contact: Michael Coates Email: Michael@protostar-uk.com Telephone: +44 (0) 191 3855455 Company: Protostar Leadership Development LTD Web Address: www.protostar-uk.com/employee-surveys Further reading: https://commons.emich.edu/gabc/vol5/iss1/4/ Michael Coates – Managing Director Protostar
10 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 30 Issue 1 2023 Leading Asset Valuation & Specialist Auction Firm of the Year - UK ounded as an asset valuation and auction house in the early 1990s, SIA Group has since grown exponentially from a humble office in Brighton to seven regional offices, with its head office located near St Paul’s. The Group is now widely regarded as the UK’s pre-eminent asset appraisal, advisory, and disposal specialist. The Group’s clients encompass many of the leading asset-based lenders, debt funds, private equity sponsors, restructuring and turnaround professionals, and corporate and public bodies across the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and South Africa. Noted for its highly responsive and extremely focused team, SIA Group can mobilise quickly and provide detailed, expert, unbiased, and time-critical asset valuation and disposal advice. Indeed, SIA Group brings to the table the most extensive knowledge across the broadest spectrum of tangible and intangible assets. “Our ability to cover all asset classes in a single transaction creates substantial efficiencies and unrivalled service for the company’s growing client base,” explains Paul Craig, the firm’s Managing Director. “SIA Group’s consistently cited stand-out features are the quality and delivery of its reports, the high calibre of its team, its comprehensive and timely inventory appraisals, and the ability to access very specific markets across the globe.” Paul joined SIA Group in June 2011 and has more than 22 years’ worth of experience in the financial services and banking industry, having worked in various roles at Investec Bank plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, and GoIndustry DoveBid plc. Having undertaken and advised on numerous high profile asset based lending assignments and work-outs in the UK and Europe, Paul firmly believes that it has never been more important for SIA Group’s clients to maintain a deep understanding of asset values in these uncertain times where rapid change and disruption have become the norm. “With the current market being described by the media as ‘VUCA’ in nature, with Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity increasingly coming to the fore, insolvency professionals and asset based lenders both need the certainty of dependable asset valuation and advisory services that maximise realisation and minimise execution risk,” he elaborates. “That strength of industry confidence can only come from through-the-cycle experience, combined with deep specialist asset knowledge and expertise.” He continues to tell us that SIA Group hit the ground very strongly early in the pandemic, getting on-site when its clients could not. While F Nov22181 many of the firm’s competitors issued policies that their people could not go on-site, SIA Group immediately organised special dispensation to travel and kitted out its team with the highest quality PPE and hazmat suits, so they could work without interruption and continue to support clients. “As an independent in a period where a lot of our competitors had shut down, we were getting noticed even more and picking up bigger and bigger projects,” he states. “We were the first to embrace virtual reality technology during the pandemic, so our buyers no longer need to be on-site to examine lots. In this way, we can stay ahead of the curve, drive value and compete even harder.” The dedicated team at SIA Group has global experience and access to a vast database of asset types and potential buyers to determine the best values for clients, regardless of their location and business sector. Quite simply, Sia Group is in a league of its own in terms of its coverage, capability, and expertise. “For a company founded on the core principle of asset ingenuity, our biggest asset is undoubtedly our outstanding team, which has worked tirelessly to build SIA Group’s market leadership and reputation in the asset valuation and advisory field,” Paul enthuses. “We want to empower our people to be the best they can be with a culture that promotes and celebrates excellence.” Recently, SIA Group was recognised for its knowledge and expertise within the Leading Advisor Awards 2022 and Paul continues to explain that the strength and depth of the team being built reflects the Group’s ambitious growth plans and underpins its commitment to the markets it serves. “SIA Group has achieved exponential growth and has established a leading position in the market,” he says. “We are embarking on a threeyear strategic plan that will create a solid platform for the Group to exploit opportunities for continued growth in both current and new markets. “It is clear the challenges facing UK businesses are significant and that these will continue into 2023. Absolute dependability is critical to our clients in these uncertain times and quality assurance is everything. The key to success for 2023 is therefore for SIA Group to continue to build on its reputation as the gold standard for asset valuations and reporting in the industry.” Contact Details Contact: Paul Craig Company: SIA Group Web Address: www.sia-group.co.uk The impact of spiralling energy costs, rising interest rates, sustained supply-chain disruption, and an uncertain economic climate, have created a perfect storm for businesses across the UK. These factors, combined with the end of temporary insolvency legislation and a lack of a post-Covid bounce, mean that asset valuation and auction house, SIA Group is in high demand for restructuring practitioners and turnaround professionals seeking asset valuations and disposal advice. We find out more from the company’s Managing Director, Paul Craig. SIA Group Nov22194
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 11 24 Acquisition International - Issue 1 2023 JM Finn – Client Service, Trust, Foresight M Finn would be a perfect case study for the importance of establishing strong values as the foundation of a business. As a leading wealth management firm with offices across the UK, the firm has been serving clients diligently since 1946, with a reputation that continues to grow and flourish – even decades later. JM Finn’s traits have been and always will be integral to the operation of the business. Its dedication to client service, trust, and foresight are still integral to the business, and have been instrumental in shaping today’s wealth management service, and go some way to explaining the exceptional client satisfaction it achieves. Moreover, the team has key traits that are crucial to the company’s operations. By simplifying the financial challenges that investors face, it protects and nurtures wealth across generations. It is cognisant that wealth challenges come in many different shapes and sizes and often when one least expects it. By putting an investment manager as the main point of contact, it looks to develop long term relationships with clients of all ages to guide them through the complex world of investing, so that their wealth can last generations. Crucially, JM Finn understands that each client is an individual. As an individual, there is no cookie cutter solution to wealth management, as each client requires a different approach, different services, and different solutions. It is here that JM Finn predominantly distinguishes itself – after all, with growth and competition comes a desire to cut corners, to gain momentum at the sake of client service. Not for JM Finn. Never. To help maintain a focus on the company’s purpose and ensure the team are driving the business in the same direction to achieve its vision, it needs to do the right thing for its clients and staff. It wants to grow responsibly, all the time safeguarding its client-first approach J Dec22121 and maintaining its reputation for excellent service. Therefore, it will continue to develop its staff and ensure the firm always upholds a healthy and positive working environment. Ultimately, this approach has helped weather significant storms in the financial climate over the last couple of years. The wealth management landscape continues to face new challenges – saying that, the firm is in good standing to tackle them with ease. Its three biggest challenges and risks are cyber security, regulations, and third-party risks. It has a range of cyber defences including firewalls, network monitoring, playbooks, incident responses, privileged access management solutions, and staff training to help limit the opportunities for fraudsters. As for the regulatory environment, the firm has three lines of defence risk management framework, policies, and procedures to support staff to comply with regulations and monitoring programme. The introduction of the new Consumer Duty by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sets higher and clearer standards of conduct for all firms operating within the financial services sector. The introduction of these rules will require firms to act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers. JM Finn believes it already operates in this manner but is looking forward to undertaking the analysis to identify any potential gaps to provide greater clarity to clients. Finally, third party risk. The company has in place key controls which include due diligence processes, regular review meetings with providers, and escalation processes to resolve any issues to help it reduce and limit the impact of any third-party risk. By all regards, 2023 promises to be a year of immense movement and forward growth for JM Finn on the back of the appointment of new COO, Rob Deverell. The firm will be reviewing the following: the functionality of internal systems and how they work with one another; the client portal, operational resilience, critical outsourcing and vendor management; and finally, CRM development. It’s clear to see how JM Finn has managed to do the impossible – not only keep apace of change, but be the driver of change and adaptation even after decades of being in the industry. Company: JM Finn Name: Katie Deacon, Senior Marketing Executive Email: katie.deacon@jmfinn.com Web Address: https://www.jmfinn.com/ Address: 25 Copthall Ave, London EC2R 7AH Telephone: 0207 600 1660 There are few wealth management firms with a reputation as robust, impressive, and enduring as JM Finn. Following the firm’s recognition as the ‘Leading Wealth Management Firm of the Year’ in the UK, we endeavoured to find out more. As a leading wealth management firm with offices across the UK, the firm has been serving clients diligently since 1946, with a reputation that continues to grow and flourish – even decades later. Dec22121
12 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 18 Issue 2 2023 Dec22441 Safeguarding Future Wealth Privately owned high-level consulting firm, Intercorp Group specialises in providing tax advice, estate planning, and fiduciary structure solutions to high-net-worth families. We talk to owner of the firm, Leonardo Braune to learn more as it celebrates success in the Leading Adviser Awards 2022. ocusing on clients with assets exceeding $10 billion, Intercorp Group advises on tax efficiency, as well as coordinating the formation and compliance to current local and international legislation for more than 1,500 legal entities, over 80 private investment funds, and more than 200 private family trusts. Since its establishment, Intercorp Group has grown consistently to become a truly international operation with offices in London, New York, and Miami. Leonardo Braune is the founder and managing director of the global consulting firm. He has more than 25 years’ experience providing expert consultancy in the areas of international tax, real estate planning, wealth preservation, fiduciary advice, implementation, and management of international structures and projects. Providing a bespoke range of services to meet its clients’ international needs, Intercorp Group draws on its internal expertise and extensive partner network to plot the most efficient path to success. A primary concern of high-net-worth families is ensuring that their wealth is sustainable, protected both now and for future generations. As a result, many families have long mobilised their assets internationally, safeguarding them against political, economic, or social instability. “Intercorp’s consultants have at their disposal a number of investment vehicles and structures, each of which can have a positive impact upon the tax liability of the investments they support,” explains Leonardo. “At the heart of this is a tax efficiency programme, which employs our comprehensive knowledge of jurisdictional rules to identify the best opportunities for return.” The company also offers advice on the protection of a family business abroad. As a natural consequence of family members moving abroad, many family businesses are expanding into other territories, bringing forth a plethora of considerations regarding the protection of the business. In terms of intellectual property, while clients will have taken care of the processes required to register and protect their brand under domestic legislation, this protection often will not survive under another jurisdiction. As the business expands, both the brand identity and the fundamental concept – the processes or products it trades on – are vulnerable to exploitation by competitors. Intercorp Group ensures the effective preservation and development of brands and intellectual property across several jurisdictions, working with each business to define and integrate the value of their brand and their idea into legally recognised assets of the company. The team can then execute the necessary registration of these assets through trademarks, patents, designs, and copyright in each country of operation. F In making new investments internationally and outside of the family business, the potential liability for risk naturally increases. Intercorp works alongside both the families and their existing advisors to identify ways in which to minimise such risks. “Our consultants will assess and properly protect the invested assets and effectively structure the business to ensure the risks fall directly and solely on the capital to be invested,” Leonardo says. “Our global perspective is particularly valuable for these types of engagements, as we ensure that any structuring undertaken is enforceable and reliable across all territories.” As a family business reaches a point of maturity, this demands the anticipation of a change in structure. This commonly manifests as either: an initial public offering (IPO); a private investment; or a merger or sale, each of these requiring exceptional skill, sensitivity, and precision in their execution. Intercorp Group regularly provides counsel on such matters, working collaboratively with existing advisors and its trusted network of professionals. “Our consultants perform a pre-due diligence investigation on the clients’ business, highlighting potential complications that could affect the proposed restructuring and the company’s corporate attractiveness to other parties. This diagnostics report is a strategic and consolidated representation of the very best advice and clear identification of the courses of action required for their implementation.” Intercorp also deals with investment in real estate which is a very natural endeavour for high-net-worth families who are in pursuit of more tangible ways to invest their wealth. “Particularly popular is foreign investment in the US and UK real estate markets which each raise several estate tax liability issues. These in turn must be mitigated to achieve the families’ investment objectives.” Intercorp Group expertly manages the acquisition and financing processes in collaboration with its network of legal and commercial professionals across the world. The firm’s advice always pays due regard to the individual needs of the family as well as the tax implications imposed both by their domestic jurisdiction as well as those of the country in which they wish to invest. Ultimately, Intercorp Group professionals work to help clients reconcile the consequences of different structures for their real estate investment and decide on a bespoke solution. Recently, Intercorp Group gained recognition in the Leading Adviser Awards and was duly rewarded for its dedication and diligence to clients with the title of Leading HNWI International Investment Structuring Consultancy of the Year 2022 – UK. Now, as the firm looks toward a bright future, it is committed to continuing to provide the best advice for high-net-worth families, with exceptional customer service as standard. Company: Intercorp International Ltd Web Address: www.intercorpgroup.co.uk Dec22441
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 13 Dec22560 10 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Helping Business Owners to Profit First hen asked to conjure up an image of a small business owner, many of us will imagine someone who’s passionate about what they do, but who also works all the time – and often doesn’t have much to show for it. Learning the importance of managing cash flow and finances is something that many businesses do as an afterthought. But putting the cash, and yourself first can be the catalyst to astonishing change. The team at Hetty Verney Accountants subscribes to a method known as ‘Profit First’. The system, invented by American small business author, Mike Michalowicz, is designed to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. By sharing information, tools, and systems, Profit First helps business owners understand and manage their finances to transform their business from ‘a cash-eating monster to a money-making machine’. Hetty tells us, “We’ve used the Profit First system to run and maintain the business for the last five years, and we’ve helped others to do the same. We work with coaches, consultants, and small business owners. We teach them to understand and recognise the power in their figures. We want their businesses to be a success so that they can live the lives they dream of.” Hetty is a Certified Profit First Professionals, one of only a handful in the UK. She regularly speaks at mastermind events and to companies and groups about the benefits of Profit First. Hetty says, “We’re passionate about teaching our clients about their figures and what they mean. We approach things in a very different way from most accountants. Our core values of professionalism, responsibility, and personable service underpin everything we do. We’re here to understand the heart of each business and help our clients navigate tricky terrain with confidence.” Based on the core principles of Profit First, Hetty has launched her own online course, ‘Cash Management – A Fresh Perspective’. The six-week self-study course teaches business owners how to optimise the management of their finances. As well as the course materials, students get a 90-minute one-to-one consultation with Hetty herself. She explains, “I designed the course to benefit Limited Companies, sole trader business owners and those new to handling finances. It provides a fresh perspective on how to manage cash and understand the role of cash management as a core business activity.” W Dec22560 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hetty’s business has seen an enormous increase in its client base. She tells us, “A lot of it was due to businesses not being able to get hold of their accountants. They needed help understanding what assistance they were eligible for. It gave us an opportunity to set up many webinars and Zoom calls for both clients and non-clients.” Going forward, Hetty and the team will continue to spread the word about Profit First by working with other accountants and training companies and coaches to help their own clients. By 2030, Hetty Verney Accountants aims to have helped over 1,500 businesses to switch to Profit First. Contact: Hetty Verney Company: Hetty Verney Accounting Web: https://hettyverneyaccounting.co.uk/ Hetty Verney has been an accountant for over 25 years, but she has a higher calling. When Hetty meets with a client for the first time, she tells them “Forget everything you know about accountants; I’m not like them.” Not only does she ensure her clients’ figures add up, but she proactively helps them to achieve business growth. In 2020, her company, Hetty Verney Accounting, branched out into financial mentoring services and it hasn’t looked back. We speak with Hetty, our Leading SME Accounting & Business Advisory of the Year 2022 - UK, to find out more.
14 Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 Dec22443 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 7 ISO Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) and ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) are technical languages used on mechanical engineering drawings and 3D CAD models to define design intent to be understood by engineers from concept to assembly of mechanical products. Applying its knowledge to a range of industries, Seize A Solution Limited offers services to a plethora of clients who require expert guidance and support within such a niche area. We are delighted to present Seize A Solution with the title of Leading Specialist GD&T & Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022 – United Kingdom. Dec22443 ith over 35 years of experience in mechanical production engineering consultancy, Seize A Solution Limited has grown to provide an impressive range of clients with innovative solutions. It is result-driven and client-centric, making it a company that knows how to serve and succeed. Specialising in training, adoption, and consultancy in ASME GD&T and ISO GPS. This expert knowledge and its application are accumulated over time and can prove to be incredibly complex, which is why Seize A Solution’s expertise is so highly regarded. Seize A Solution’s mission is to “provide clients with applicable solutions to adopt and initiate GD&T and ISO GPS into their current working company standards so that they can install a uniform communication understanding throughout.” Managing Director, Eustace Caesar, tells us, “Our active worldwide client portfolio is truly diverse, ranging from aerospace, defence, automotive, building and construction products, Formula 1, healthcare, and even bi-folding doors, pet care products, and more. Our reputation is our greatest marketing asset. 95% of our new clients come from referrals from satisfied customers.” Striving to meet all industry standards, such as the ASME and ISO, Seize A Solution works tirelessly to go the extra mile for its clients, “so that they can challenge themselves to be better at what they do.” The company instils confidence in its clients and does so with a vast amount of respect for them. The collective experience of Seize A Solution amasses over 60 years of professional development and passion for the industry, resulting in seamless operation and a dedicated attitude. Eustace shares, “Our trainers are active members of the Technical Product Realization (TPR) BSi Committee responsible for creating and developing BS8888 Technical product documentation and specification. We are also active members of the various ISO Technical Committees responsible for creating the Geometrical product specifications (GPS) ISO Standards.” Seize A Solution has partnered with a variety of businesses such as the British Standards Institution, Majotech Partnership, OnePLM, Simsol and Siemens Digital Industries Software. It has also recently W Spectacular Standards from Seize A Solution partnered with PLM Central, so that it may “support clients to get the best out of PTC Creo and expose current and new customers to all PTC software available regarding ISO GPS and ASME GD&T.” Being recognised as the leading Specialist GD&T & Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022, United Kingdom, is just another step in Seize A Solution’s journey to unbeatable success. For now, it is focused on strengthening partnerships to provide the best solutions possible, with the future looking at driving expansion, to deliver exemplary service to existing and new clients and partners. Contact: Eustace A Caesar Company: Seize A Solution Limited Web Address: https://www.seizeasolution.co.uk/
Acquisition International - Leading Adviser 2022 15 Dec22571 Acquisition International - Issue 3 2023 17 eading law firm Ramsdens Solicitors LLP offers the full spectrum of legal advice and services to individuals and businesses, including conveyancing, debt recovery, and more. The firm helps businesses in a range of sectors in the local community, from agriculture to healthcare. Its specialists provide easy-to-understand legal advice to businesses about a variety of challenges they may face, as well as to individuals about legal issues such as divorce, wills, and disputes. Ramsdens Solicitors was established in Huddersfield in 1870. Over the years, the firm has expanded to have 12 offices across Yorkshire and employ more than 280 people, all experts in their field. With a wide range of lawyers specialising in different areas of commercial law, all team members are dedicated to helping clients and, if their areas of expertise are unsuitable for a task, they are happy to put them in touch with the most suitable colleague. Recognizing the importance of understanding its clients’ expectations, the company prides itself on the organized, high-quality services it provides. It strives to ensure that all services are delivered to a high standard, so it regularly refers to client feedback to better itself. In Q1 2022, client feedback showed that 99% of clients were satisfied with Ramsdens Solicitors overall performance and 98% would recommend the company to someone else for its legal services. Taking a client-centred approach to its work, Ramsdens Solicitors believes it is important to deliver 5 core values on a day-to-day basis. These values are excellence, integrity, investment, teamwork, and commitment. Through these values, the company aims to exceed client expectations, deal with clients and colleagues with integrity and ethics, invest in its community, promote a supportive working environment, and demonstrate deep commitment to its clients’ success. Its services surrounding probate, wills and trusts are particularly highly regarded. Several of the wills solicitors at Ramsdens Solicitors are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and Solicitors for the Elderly, meaning it is well-placed to offer advice and aid clients in achieving the resolution they seek. The firm’s team of expert wills, probate, and trust solicitors offer practical and easy-tounderstand advice. They understand that such issues can be difficult to deal with and discuss, so they aim to make the process as stressL free as possible. Ramsdens Solicitors is recognised for its high standard of service in the area, demonstrated by the fact that the firm is highly recommended by the Legal 500 and has won awards like Best Probate Law Firm, North England, at the UK Probate Research Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021. With all the facilities of a large practice but the feel of a familyrun business, Ramsdens Solicitors is a Yorkshire law firm that differentiates itself from big brands by making a real contribution to its local community. Its client-focused approach means that its team members truly care about the service they provide to their clients, aiming to keep the company’s values at heart in order to achieve customer satisfaction. Thanks to its incredible service and the respect it earns from its clients, Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is the 2022 winner of Leading Probate, Wills & Trust Law Firm, UK, in the AI Leading Adviser Awards. Based in Yorkshire, Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is one of The Times top 250 law firms and ranked in the Legal 500, providing award-winning client-centred services across its 12 offices. With multiple offices located throughout Yorkshire, Ramsdens Solicitors is wherever its clients need it to be. The firm has built an outstanding reputation for itself since its establishment in 1870 and has experienced rapid growth over the last 10 years. Thanks to its team of legal experts and company values, Ramsdens Solicitors has won Leading Probate, Wills & Trusts Law Firm, UK, in the AI Leading Adviser Awards 2022. Sep22252 Yorkshire’s Alternative to Major Commercial Law Firms Contact: Clair Awty Company: Ramsdens Solicitors LLP Web address: www.ramsdens.co.uk Dec22571
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