London, 18 November – Debrett’s has announced a strategic partnership with Mulberry Bow, a leading chartered financial planning firm, in a move that expands the Group’s capabilities into investment and financial planning for high-net-worth clients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Debrett’s has acquired a significant minority stake and together the businesses will offer seamless personal and corporate financial services for entrepreneurs, business owners and partner level professionals.
Mulberry Bow, founded in 2015, provides bespoke structuring advice and independent financial planning.
Darryl Eales, Group Chairman, said:
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy to provide a fully integrated suite of services for our clients — from growing and realising the value of their businesses, to managing and preserving that wealth across generations.”
Simon Bullock, Founder of Mulberry Bow, added:
“We are delighted to join forces with Debrett’s and combine our expertise to better serve entrepreneurs and families through every stage of the wealth creation journey.”
The partnership is further strengthened by the appointment of Andrew Blazye and Simon Bullock to the Debrett’s board, joining Darryl Eales, Richard Sanders, Richard Swann and other senior board members. Their addition brings deep expertise in wealth management and strategic growth, further enhancing the Group’s leadership bench.
The addition of Mulberry Bow establishes a wealth management arm within the Debrett’s Group, complementing its existing Advisory, Investments and Coaching services and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals, founders and families.
London, 5 Nov - Debrett’s has advised Broadgate Consultants (“Broadgate”), a leading technology change consultancy, on its sale to Ortecha creating one of the UK’s largest Financial Services Technology and Data Specialists
Founded in 2010 by Richard Gale and John Vincent, Broadgate has established itself as a trusted partner to corporates undertaking major transformation programmes, with a strong pedigree in the financial services (“FS”) sector. Its team of over 150 consultants has delivered numerous complex and transformative projects spanning cyber security, operating model design, strategic advisory and sourcing management.
Ortecha is a data and AI consultancy offering a breadth of solutions to a global FS client base.
After a period of rapid growth, Broadgate’s shareholders engaged the Debrett’s advisory team to guide the sale of their business. They sought to realise part of the value created over the past decade while remaining involved as part of a larger platform. Acting as lead adviser, Debrett’s structured a deal that allowed shareholders to release a significant portion of their equity while retaining a meaningful stake in the combined group’s future growth.
The transaction creates a combined business with revenues of approximately £20 million and around 200 consultants, establishing it as one of the largest FS specialists in the UK’s technology, data and AI market.
Commenting on the deal, John Vincent, Founder, Broadgate Consultants said:
“Working with Debrett’s gave us confidence throughout this important moment. Mark, Zoe and Seb’s support ensured we could focus on the opportunities ahead while maximising value. Joining forces with Ortecha sets us up to grow faster, deliver more for our clients and strengthen our position in the financial services technology market.”
Mark Selby, Partner, Debrett’s, added:
“We are delighted to have advised Broadgate’s shareholders on this transaction. The team at Broadgate has built a highly respected consultancy with deep expertise in financial services, and it has been a privilege to guide them in realising part of their value while remaining involved in the business’s next phase of growth. This combination with Ortecha creates a leading UK specialist in technology, data and AI solutions for financial services, and we look forward to seeing the group continue to expand its impact in the market.”
Pete Youngs, CEO, Ortecha, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Broadgate into the Ortecha family. The combination strengthens our capabilities in financial services and expands the expertise we can offer our clients. This partnership positions both teams for growth and enables us to deliver even more ambitious data, AI and technology solutions across the market.”
The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Mark Selby, Zoe Hacking and Seb Rowlands.
Other advisers included:
Max Beazley of gunnercooke, legal advice to the shareholders
Simon Poluck of TC Group, tax advice to the shareholders
Browne Jacobson LLP, legal advisers to the Buyers
Debrett’s combines its centuries-old heritage with a modern advisory platform spanning M&A, investments and executive coaching, offering founders, entrepreneurs and private clients a complete suite of services to support every stage of their personal and business journeys.
The firm is guided by a board including Darryl Eales, former chief executive of LDC; Richard Swann, partner at Inflexion and chair of its investment committee; and Richard Sanders, co-founder of Catalyst Corporate Finance (now Alantra). This leadership places Debrett’s at the heart of the UK’s mid-market dealmaking community.
UK industrials businesses are showing renewed momentum. Our latest report explores surging regional output, rebounding valuations, and strengthening investment intentions across the majority of UK regions. Discover where growth is accelerating and what it means for business owners and investors preparing for the next phase of opportunity.
Download the full report below:
London, 16 Sept – Debrett’s has announced three senior leadership appointments alongside the opening of a new London office, signalling an ambitious push into the capital’s mid-market M&A space.
Clive Hatchard joins as Head of Advisory, bringing over 30 years of deal experience across Business Services, Property Services, Healthcare and Education. Recognised for his track record in guiding founders and shareholders through high-value transactions, Clive will be spearheading Debrett’s deal-making capabilities nationally.
Mark Farlow also joins as Partner, further strengthening the firm’s sector coverage in Business and Industrial devices, Technology and Media and adding deep expertise in structuring and executing deals for entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses.
Ed Shurville-Darlington joins as Senior Director, bringing extensive experience in strategic advisory and deal execution across Professional and Financial Services sectors. Ed will support the Advisory team in delivering tailored solutions for founders, investors and private clients, enhancing the firm’s capability to manage complex transactions and drive growth.
The new London office, based in Fitzrovia, will serve as a hub for the Advisory team’s growing client base, complementing the firm’s Midlands office and underscoring Debrett’s commitment to national coverage with local insight.
Darryl Eales, Debrett's Chairman, said:
“Clive and Mark’s appointments mark a significant moment in our growth story. They bring outstanding sector knowledge, strong relationships, and the credibility needed to deepen our presence in the London market.”
Clive Hatchard added:
“Joining Debrett’s is about giving our clients the right advice, the right connections and the right outcomes, wherever they are in the UK. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s so committed to putting clients first and delivering results that truly make a difference.”
Mark Farlow said:
“What really drew me to Debrett’s is the way the team builds long-term relationships with clients. It’s not just about getting a deal done, it’s about understanding what success looks like for them and making it happen. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the table and helping more business owners achieve the outcomes they deserve.”
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s combines its centuries-old heritage with a modern advisory platform spanning M&A, investments and executive coaching offering founders, entrepreneurs and private clients a complete suite of services to support every stage of their personal and business journeys.
The firm is guided by a board including Darryl Eales, former chief executive of LDC; Richard Swann, partner at Inflexion and chair of its investment committee; and Richard Sanders, co-founder of Catalyst Corporate Finance (now Alantra). This leadership places Debrett’s at the heart of the UK’s mid-market dealmaking community.
