Today’s news in brief – 9/1/2025
Shaw Gibbs has appointed Campbell Smith as chief financial officer, succeeding John Williams, who helped grow the company’s revenue from £10m to over £55m. Smith brings extensive experience in private equity, M&A transactions, and finance leadership, having worked at KPMG, Vodafone, and Kynetec. He joins at a pivotal time as the business prepares for its next growth phase. CEO Peter O’Connell highlighted Smith’s role in accelerating growth over the next five years, while chairman Kevan Leggett praised Williams’ contributions to building a strong finance team. Smith expressed excitement about contributing to the firm’s people-focused and high-quality advisory services.
PKF Smith Cooper is aiding Ryedale Caravan and Leisure in reviewing its financial position and exploring options, including a potential sale. Restructuring partners Brett Barton and Dean Nelson are working closely with directors Andy Iliffe, Steve Morris, and Dave Steer to achieve a successful business rescue. Based in Shepshed, Ryedale Caravan operates one of Leicestershire’s largest caravan dealerships, with services including sales, accessories, repairs, and insurance solutions. The dealership, located on a two-acre site near Leicester, serves the Midlands region. The directors expressed their commitment to collaborating with PKF Smith Cooper to secure the company’s future through strategic efforts.
Forvis Mazars has received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its climate goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The firm aims to reduce 64% of direct emissions and 34% of indirect emissions by 2030, with longer-term reductions of up to 95%. Measures include sourcing renewable energy, minimizing landfill waste, and adopting sustainable travel policies. Forvis Mazars is also incentivizing low-carbon commuting and enhancing supplier engagement to align with its sustainability goals. Additionally, the firm supports clients on their climate journeys, offering solutions like emissions measurement and risk modeling to help achieve broader environmental impact.
Grant Thornton’s South West and Wales Corporate Finance team welcomed Ben Stevens as assistant manager following a strong Q4, completing deals worth over £150m. The team advised on private equity, M&A, and investment transactions across key sectors like healthcare, renewables, and infrastructure. Highlights included the sale of Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine to FutureLife Group, the acquisition of Low Carbon Exchange by Sureserve, and Coffi Lab’s investment from the Development Bank of Wales. Corporate Finance partner Jamie Roberts highlighted the firm’s robust pipeline for 2025, emphasizing its client-focused approach to delivering market-leading results across the region’s growing sectors.
