HURST has appointed a new head of its corporate finance team who succeeds the long-serving Nigel Barratt in a planned transition.
Partner Ben Bradley, who joined the firm as a graduate trainee in 2011 after a 12-month university placement, takes on the role at HURST Corporate Finance.
Bradley qualified as a chartered accountant in 2014 while working in the business services team, before joining HURST Corporate Finance in 2015.
He progressed through the ranks, becoming a partner in 2023 and joining the HURST board.
Nigel Barratt, who has led the corporate finance team at HURST since 2007, will continue to be a senior partner, supporting Ben Bradley and providing strategic advice to clients.
Bradley has advised on a broad range of transactions, typically up to £50m in value, with experience on a number of deals topping £100m.
These include company sales and acquisitions, management buyouts and private equity investments, along with debt and growth capital fundraising.
HURST managing partner Tim Potter said: “I’m delighted that Ben has achieved this great step in his career, and I’m looking forward to working alongside him as he continues to build the HURST Corporate Finance team.
“Nigel has delivered a terrific performance over many years, and I’m grateful to him for all he has achieved. He now transitions to a senior role, remaining in corporate finance while also working within the senior leadership team to deliver the firm’s strategy.”
HURST last year unveiled plans to double in size to become a £20m turnover practice in 2028, underpinned by an expanding national client base, extensive recruitment and new service lines, alongside a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
The Stockport-headquartered practice recently became part of the Dains Group, a national accountancy and business advisory firm with 30 locations across the UK and Ireland, further strengthening its resources and expertise for clients in the UK and internationally.
Nigel Barratt said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the corporate finance team and am very proud of what we have created.
“I am grateful for the support I have had from our clients, HURST’s partners and staff, and particularly the colleagues who have been part of our success.
“Ben is fantastic to work with, and I know that under his leadership the team will continue to flourish. I look forward to continuing alongside him through this transition.”
Ben Bradley said: “Having joined HURST as a graduate, it’s incredibly rewarding to now lead the corporate finance team.
“We have built a strong team and reputation over the years, and I’m looking forward to taking that to the next level with the backing of Dains’ national presence, which gives us a real opportunity to expand our reach and support more ambitious businesses on their growth journeys.”