2025: Summer update
Highlighting our recent deals, key developments within our teams,
and insights into the trends shaping the market.
Welcome to the FRP Corporate Finance Summer Update.
As summer draws to a close, we take a closer look at M&A activity over the past few months, and what it could signal for the months ahead. From shifting economic conditions to evolving technologies and buyer priorities, Partner Dan Sheahan reflects on recent activity and considers the outlook for dealmaking as we approach the final quarter of the year.
Debt Advisory Partner Tom Cox shares his perspective on the current debt funding landscape, evolving diversity in financing structures, and why preparation and proactivity is key when considering investment.
We reflect on recent activity and news from across our national team including new senior appointments, deal completions and award nominations.
Over the past few months we have welcomed Director Jessica Ring in London, Partner Dan Sheahan in Leeds and Director Chris Ryan in our new Liverpool office – adding further expertise and regional presence to our growing team.
We are delighted to have been shortlisted in multiple categories at regional dealmaker awards in the North East, North West, and Wales, and have recently been shortlisted in the Debt Advisor of the Year category at the Mergermarket British Private Equity Awards 2025. We’re also thrilled to have won Corporate Finance Team of the Year at the South Coast Deals Awards.
Market sentiment remains cautious
Partner, Dan Sheahan reviews the latest developments in the M&A market
Market sentiment remains cautious as we approach the final quarter of the year.
The current economic headwinds businesses are facing are well documented, with recent rises in inflation adding to existing concerns. At the same time, the geopolitical situation remains volatile with developments around international conflicts, tariffs and trading remaining unpredictable, creating uncertainty across supply chains.
That being said, there is cause for optimism, particularly as we are entering a time of year when we typically see an uptick in M&A activity. Indeed, we’re seeing a strong pipeline of assets ready to come to market, and interest rates are continuing to steadily decline, opening up more funds for firms to invest.
While the risk appetite among private equity firms may be more cautious than it was a couple of years ago, they still have a wealth of capital ready to deploy. So where will they be looking to spend it?
Preparation key for combatting funding uncertainty
Tom Cox reviews the latest developments in the debt funding space
The past six months has seen the debt funding market operate against a challenging financial backdrop, driven by factors ranging from geopolitical instability and tariffs through to ongoing inflationary pressure.
As can be expected, this has impacted deal activity, causing some business leaders to temporarily hold back on expansion plans as they assess their options.
Yet confidence has not been diminished. With UK interest rates steadily easing there is a growing sense that conditions have stabilised and the past few months have given businesses and lenders alike greater clarity on what “normal” looks like in this new cycle. Having also digested NI and National Living Wage rises in the last six months, businesses are now able to better understand how robust their business model truly is, allowing them to plan with greater certainty, having demonstrated an ability to maintain profitability despite cost base pressure.
Lucy joined FRP in 2024 and is an Associate Director in the Corporate Finance team based, in the Newcastle office.
She is a Chartered Accountant and qualified Corporate Financier, with over 15 years’ experience in lead advisory, with a focus on M&A providing advice to clients across a broad range of sectors. Lucy’s specialism is in company disposals and she has advised on many cross-border transactions across a range of sectors.
Can you tell us a little about your professional background?
After completing my Accounting degree, I began my ACA training contract at a mid-sized firm in Newcastle. Once qualified, I took a six-month secondment to the Tax team (a tactical escape from audit!) before moving into Corporate Finance, where I quickly found my stride.
I specialised in sell-side advisory, working on a wide range of transactions and developing a particular interest in cross-border deals. I’ve always enjoyed the variety and the opportunity to work closely with clients on transformative moments in their business journey. In 2023, I joined WilliamsAli, a Corporate Finance boutique also based in Newcastle. The culture and client base were a great fit, and in September 2024, WilliamsAli became part of FRP through an acquisition. It’s been an exciting transition, and I’ve really enjoyed the fast-paced, collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with new colleagues across the wider FRP network.
What led you to choose this career path?
From the start of my career, I’ve been drawn to roles that offer variety and the chance to work closely with people. Corporate Finance ticks all those boxes, it’s fast-paced, commercially focused and allows me to combine technical expertise with strong people skills.
What really sets the role apart for me is the opportunity to build long-term relationships with clients. Selling a business is often one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make, and being able to guide them through that journey, with empathy and clarity, is rewarding.
I thrive on the collaborative nature of the work. No two deals are ever the same and that constant variety keeps things fresh. Whether it’s working alongside talented colleagues, mentoring junior team members, or learning something new with each transaction, there’s a real sense of shared purpose and continual growth. Organisation, adaptability and clear communication are key, I genuinely enjoy the challenge of bringing all those elements together.
Tell us a little about what you like to do in your spare time.
Outside of the office, I spend most of my time with family and friends, catching up over dinner or enjoying time outdoors.
I am currently training for the Great North Run, so weekends are filled with long runs, sore legs and numerous injuries! It has been a learning curve, starting with C25K, but has been a great way to clear my head, stay active, and challenge myself in a completely different way.
