Corporate Finance review

As the Chair of pro-manchester, I get asked to attend all sorts of events from supporting the GMCA with its transport agenda, to working with the Good Employment Charter and Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, it was my absolute pleasure to attend pro-manchester’s Corporate Finance lunch, held on Thursday, 13^th  February 2025.

The event has grown in the pro-Manchester calendar from a typical 100 or so attendee lunch, held once a year, to a real showcase of all the talent we have in this space in the North West. We were hosted at the Kimpton Hotel, and there were over 500 Corporate Finance professionals, advisers and their guests in the room. The event was kindly sponsored by William James Recruitment and Magnify B.

It should not be forgotten that the “hook” for the lunch is the Experian  Corporate Finance Review. This review gives a really interesting snapshot of our Corporate Finance community-examining not only the deals done, the key sectors and value, but also the advisers involved.

Please download the report HERE.

You will find my intro at the start of the Review. It references the statements being made by President Trump and the impact that he may have on the global economy this year. We will no doubt feel the impact here in the North West, given that the US was the most active acquirer of Northwest assets in 2024, and also the most targeted location for North West businesses seeking growth opportunities. In the light of the most recent events in the White House, these words seem even more ‘ on point’.

Enjoy the Review-it’s an excellent read and many thanks to the Experian Team for all their hard work in pulling it together and to the Corporate Finance professionals and other advisors for submitting their deal information, which enables the report to be collated.

By Alison Loveday, pro-manchester chair