Best Corporate Finance Consulting Services in the UK
UK Corporate Finance Consultants
When you’re scaling a business, closing a round, or readying for a sale, the right corporate finance consultant can change everything. In the UK, the landscape of outsourced, fractional, and part-time finance leadership is rich with smart, agile experts who step in as needed, giving founders, CFOs, and boards a competitive edge. If you’re a UK business leader, you know corporate finance is more than just balance sheets; it’s strategic, often high-stakes work that can shape the future of your company.
At Digital Reference, we believe in radical authenticity. This means spotlighting providers who are not just “big names,” but real partners, firms, and people who blend technical rigor with practical, on-the-ground advice.
This guide introduces our curated list of standout UK-based corporate finance consultants. It’s not a leaderboard, it's a living, research-backed snapshot of who’s helping businesses grow responsibly today.
Our Methodology
How did we choose these providers?
📌 Research-driven: We review their public track record, published case studies, and professional credentials.
⭐ Client-reviewed: We weigh verified client testimonials and results when available.
📌 Location-based: Every provider here is UK-headquartered and works actively with UK-based businesses.
🤝 Aligned values: We favor firms that demonstrate clear, practical transparency, a match for Digital Reference’s values.
The FD Consultant
🔗 Website: https://www.thefdconsultant.com/
What they do:
The FD Consultant offers fractional CFO and corporate finance advisory to SMEs, start-ups, and fast-scaling businesses and delivers outsourced and part-time Finance Director services. They focus on strategic finance leadership, forecasting, fundraising, board-level advice, and driving growth.
Who they work with:
Ambitious owner-managed businesses, VC/PE-backed ventures, and growing tech companies.
Operating model:
Flexible and embedded, Romesh’s team slots in as a genuine extension of your leadership team, not just external advisors.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Proven fundraising support for early-stage businesses.
- Specialism in rapid-growth tech and creative sectors.
- Straight-talking, no-nonsense style that cuts through the noise.
Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Founder, The FD Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romesh-jeyaseelanayagam/
Romesh has a background as an experienced CFO and FD for scale-ups and corporates alike. His LinkedIn shows a hands-on approach, working shoulder-to-shoulder with founders to sharpen strategy and financial clarity. He’s known for demystifying finance for non-financial CEOs, and his commitment to authentic, plain-English guidance runs through The FD Consultant’s ethos.
Aspen Financial Services
🔗 Website: http://www.aspenfs.co.uk/
What they do:
Aspen offers corporate finance, wealth management, and strategic advisory services to SMEs and family businesses. They cover acquisitions, MBOs, disposals, and funding.
Who they work with:
Mostly private companies, owner-managers, and entrepreneurs across multiple sectors.
Operating model:
Personalized service, Aspen pairs traditional values with modern financial planning tools.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Decades of trust built with local business owners.
- Clear fee structures, avoiding hidden surprises.
- Strong reputation for guiding succession and exit strategies.
Michael Bower, Founder, Aspen Financial Services
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bower-aspenifa/
Michael has over 30 years in financial services and independent advice. His LinkedIn reflects deep expertise in M&A and family wealth succession. He’s respected for his calm, relationship-first approach, helping owners exit gracefully and profitably.
Balder Capital
🔗 Website: https://www.baldercap.com/
What they do:
Balder Capital provides corporate finance services that help businesses with strategic financial planning, mergers, acquisitions, and other related services. The firm typically works with clients on raising capital, debt advisory, and navigating complex financial transactions. They’re known for hands-on deal execution.
Who they work with:
Entrepreneur-led firms, often in fintech and emerging tech.
Operating model:
Highly collaborative, Balder’s senior team stays deeply involved through every stage.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Boutique agility with global connections.
- High hit rate on closing tough funding rounds.
- Deep sector knowledge in fintech and disruptive industries.
Magnus Gundersen, Managing Director, Balder Capital
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnusgundersen/
Magnus has built Balder on the back of heavyweight banking experience. His LinkedIn shows a blend of investment banking rigor and entrepreneurial empathy. He’s praised for pushing through complex deals with tenacity and clear-eyed realism.
Blackdown Partners
🔗 Website: http://www.blackdown.com/
What they do:
Blackdown provides corporate finance, turnaround, and restructuring advisory services for mid-market firms, and they also provide advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and strategic financial planning. They’re often brought in when the stakes are highest.
Who they work with:
PE-backed firms, family-owned businesses under stress, and MBO candidates.
Operating model:
Lean, senior-led teams, no bloated billable hours, just focused problem-solving.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Specialism in rescue and restructuring.
- Trusted by investors to step into sensitive situations.
- Pragmatic solutions, not theory decks.
Peter Tracey, Founder, Blackdown Partners
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceypeter/
Peter’s bio shows decades of advising companies in distressed and special situations. His LinkedIn backs this up; he’s known as a calm pair of hands when the chips are down. Clients value his honesty and directness when others shy away from hard truths.
Succession Corporate Finance
🔗 Website: https://www.successcf.com/
What they do:
Succession is a dedicated corporate finance advisory boutique specializing in sell-side and buy-side M&A, management buyouts (MBOs/MBIs), and fundraising for owner-managed and lower mid-market businesses. They deliver tailored transaction guidance from strategy through execution
Who they work with:
UK-based SME and lower mid-market firms—particularly owner-managed businesses exploring strategic exits, acquisitions, or capital raises.
Operating model:
Lean advisory team founded with founder-led governance, offering senior partner-led execution on every deal. Their structure delivers boutique service while maintaining institutional rigor.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep focus on lower mid-market deals where big banks rarely commit fully.
- Personalized, founder-aligned strategy and hands-on guidance.
- Strong track record of navigating owner transitions and capital events.
Min Luk, Managing Partner, Succession Corporate Finance
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-luk-741a06145
Min Luk brings over two decades of corporate finance expertise, with a career spanning senior roles in leading advisory firms before taking the helm at Succession Corporate Finance. Known for his hands-on approach, Min guides business owners through high-stakes M&A transactions with a focus on maximizing value and ensuring smooth transitions.
Cairn Financial Advisers
🔗 Website: http://www.cairnfin.com/
What they do:
Cairn acts as a NOMAD and corporate finance adviser for AIM-listed companies, steering clients through listings, placings, and compliance.
Who they work with:
Mostly small-cap public companies, pre-IPO ventures, and high-growth businesses looking to float.
Operating model:
Long-term partnerships with boards and management teams.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep experience navigating AIM’s complex rules.
- Hands-on support for growing firms going public.
- Proactive compliance and governance advice.
Jo Turner, Co-Founder, Cairn Financial Advisers
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabturner/
Jo’s LinkedIn shows decades in the small-cap corporate finance arena. He’s known for staying ahead of regulatory shifts and guiding clients through changing market tides. His collaborative style is reflected in Cairn’s long-term client relationships.
Beaumont Cornish Limited
🔗 Website: https://www.beaumontcornish.com/
What they do:
A UK-based corporate finance advisory firm. They specialize in offering services primarily to companies that are looking to conduct mergers or acquisitions, transaction management, and navigate other corporate financial matters.
Who they work with:
UK small-caps, natural resources, and early-stage growth companies.
Operating model:
Personal service and strong ties with the London markets.
💡 Why they stand out:
- One of the longest-serving NOMADs on AIM.
- Trusted by mining and energy firms for niche expertise.
- Known for navigating complex cross-border deals.
Roland Cornish, Founder, Beaumont Cornish Limited
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roland-cornish-981b4527/
Roland is a stalwart of the London small-cap scene. His LinkedIn shows decades advising AIM clients and guiding compliance strategies. He’s respected for balancing commercial goals with regulatory demands and is an authentic advocate for public market success.
The Corporate Finance Network
🔗 Website: https://www.thecfn.org.uk/
What they do:
The CFN is a network of regional accountancy firms providing corporate finance advice related to corporate restructuring, raising capital, business valuations, tax efficiency, mergers, and acquisitions.
Who they work with:
Owner-managed businesses need accessible, local advice.
Operating model:
A collaborative community - smaller firms benefit from shared best practices and resources.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Broad UK reach for local businesses.
- Practical succession and exit planning.
- Strong training and support for member firms.
Kirsty McGregor, Founder, The Corporate Finance Network
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstymcgregor/
Kirsty is well-known as an SME champion and speaker. Her LinkedIn shows her advocacy for small business access to high-quality corporate finance, especially outside London. She’s driven by radical transparency and peer learning, which shapes CFN’s network-first approach.
Hopper & Co.
🔗 Website: https://www.hopperandco.com/
What they do:
Hopper & Co. is a corporate finance advisory firm that handles M&A, growth strategy, and debt advisory for lower mid-market companies.
Who they work with:
Entrepreneurs, PE-backed firms, and ambitious SMEs.
Operating model:
The senior team leads every mandate, with no handoff to juniors.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep understanding of owner-managed businesses.
- Practical, hands-on deal execution.
- Reputation for delivering fair valuations and win-win exits.
Michael Hopper, Founder, Hopper & Co.
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hopper-2888284/
Michael’s bio and LinkedIn reflect years in big-firm corporate finance before launching his boutique. He’s known for cutting through jargon and staying personally involved at every stage. His pragmatic deal-making is trusted by entrepreneurs who value real partnership.
Aptus Advisory
🔗 Website: https://www.aptusadvisory.com/
What they do:
Aptus provides corporate finance key services such as outsourced FD and CFO services, covering strategy, reporting, fundraising, and financial control.
Who they work with:
Fast-growing UK startups and scale-ups across sectors.
Operating model:
Fractional finance leadership - clients get top-tier insight without the full-time cost.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Flexible, scalable finance expertise.
- Trusted by founders needing first-time FD support.
- Clear processes to professionalize fast-growth firms.
James Boden, Founder, Aptus Advisory
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-boden-hr/
James’s LinkedIn shows a history in senior finance leadership for SMEs. He’s known for helping founders get investor-ready and for making finance feel less daunting to entrepreneurs. Aptus reflects his commitment to clear frameworks and accessible expertise.
Final Word - Why Radical Authenticity Matters
Choosing a corporate finance consultant is about more than credentials; it’s about trust, clarity, and fit. These UK firms deliver just that: modern, plug-in expertise with people behind them who stand by what they say.
At Digital Reference, we’ll keep spotlighting the professionals who deliver, so your next move, funding, sale, or succession is one you can make with confidence.
Ready to find your next partner? Let’s talk
Explore more from Digital Reference:
- Corporate Finance Consulting Services in the USA
- Investment Consulting Services in Canada
- Investment Consulting Services in Australia
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