PARK PLACE CORPORATE FINANCE - Key Persons
Adam joined Park Place after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, where he provided Indirect Tax advice to FinTech, Wealth Management, Private Equity, and Private Banking clients and worked with the M&A team on a variety of transactions. Adam's experience spans a broad spectrum of deal types across a variety of sectors, and he has advised C-suite stakeholders at large multinational groups as well as shareholder-managers of SMEs.
Prior to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Adam studied Music at the University of Leeds where he specialised in both composition and the history of music, with particular focus on orchestral and chamber music composed in Italy during the interwar period.
Outside of work Adam is a self-confessed wine geek and has studied towards formal qualifications with WSET in an effort to legitimise his activities amidst claims that "drinking wine isn't a hobby". Despite working in the world of finance he also remains a keen musician, and can often be found either playing or watching live music, particularly jazz.
Having spent the early part of his career at Ernst & Young in Leeds, Ben joined Park Place in 2005. He became a partner in 2015 and is now recognised as one of the region's leading corporate finance advisors.
In his career to date, Ben has advised on a wide range of transactions covering many different sectors and involving private companies valued between £2 million and £800 million. He has significant experience advising owner managers as they work towards realising value from their businesses. Ben has also advised management teams on a series of high value, private-equity-backed management buy-outs (both primary and secondary).
Ben attended Cambridge University where he gained an economics degree and a blue in golf. He remains a keen golfer and an all-round sports fan. His perfect holiday is on the slopes of Avoriaz with son Harry and wife Lauren.
"I am fortunate to be able to meet lots of great people and businesses. I particularly enjoy working together with clients to understand their personal drivers, to design solutions that suit their specific circumstances and to deliver great outcomes for them. It is hugely satisfying to be able to look back on a job well done and to know that your client is going to recommend you to others."
Danny graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in accountancy and the award for academic excellence, having completed the PwC flying start programme.
From there he qualified as a charted accountant at PwC within the audit practice, working with both public and private clients across a range of industries. He subsequently spent three years at Lloyds Bank, working within the commercial finance team supporting the growth and development of the product offering through financial insights and analysis.
He joins Park Place with a passion for supporting business owners through understanding how their business operates and helping them achieve their potential.
Outside of work, Danny enjoys sport and is a regular at the boxing gym. Having competed as a kickboxer for a number of years, winning multiple British Championships and a gold medal at the world games, he now enjoys boxing as a hobby and as a spectator.
Hector joined the team in 2018 and has worked on multiple deals across a variety of sectors. He is currently studying to become a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW.
Prior to joining Park Place, Hector was a professional sailor and member of the British Sailing Team where he competed in the Finn Class. During his career he has won multiple Olympic Class national championships and has medalled at the U23 World Championships. Before turning full-time, he gained an economics degree from the University of Warwick.
When not studying or working, Hector can be found glued to the weather forecast trying to see when he can fit in his next kitesurfing session or what the wind is going to be like for a forthcoming sailing regatta. He also likes to dabble in online poker and the occasional live MTT.
Ian joined Park Place Corporate Finance in 2001.
Prior to joining Park Place, Ian worked for 10+ years in the corporate finance team at PwC, focusing on private equity. He qualified as a chartered accountant with Coopers & Lybrand.
In the main, Ian concentrates on privately owned businesses and management teams. His experience covers a broad spectrum of deal types within a diverse range of market sectors, with deals ranging in value from £2m to in excess of £300m.
Outside of work, and when not performing fatherly taxi duties, Ian loves his sport, especially football (as a spectator, not a participant) and F1 He is also a big fan of live Indie music particularly when it's performed at the Brudenell Social Club.
Luke graduated from Strathclyde Business School with a BA (Hons) in Finance and joined Park Place after two years on DHL's management graduate scheme.
"Park Place offers a great opportunity to develop excellent corporate finance knowledge and experience. When deciding to work in my field of study, I was questioning whether I would find fulfilment; however, after discovering Park Place's strong foundations in integrity and independent advice, I knew this was the right place to build my career. Being able to actively contribute by helping business owners or management teams achieve their goals is a great feeling."
Outside of work, Luke enjoys the outdoors, and going on the occasional skiing holiday with his fiancée Kirsteen. He has a strong interest in football and enjoys the ups and downs that come with being a Dundee United fan. Luke also looks forward to Sunday nights watching the NFL and supporting the Cincinnati Bengals.
Michelle joined the team in 2006 having previously worked as a PA in the legal profession. Michelle is responsible for managing the office and financial administration.
Outside of work, Michelle spends most of her spare time outdoors running or hiking
Richard graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a degree in accountancy and finance having also spent a year at an international business school in The Netherlands.
During his time at Park Place, Richard has actively advised on 40 completed transactions with an aggregate deal value of £2bn. The nature of the transactions includes disposals to strategic acquirers and financial investors, providing advice to corporates on raising funds for growth or acquisitions and advising management teams through private-equity-backed MBOs.
Richard is a keen cyclist having twice been national mountain bike champion and has represented Great Britain as a junior.
"I am passionate about helping business leaders realise their objectives. Having worked my way up through Park Place starting as a graduate in 2007, I am in a privileged position to be able to share my insight and experience with some of the region's leading business owners and managers."
Ros joined Park Place to provide marketing and administrative support to the executive team. Ros is also responsible for the day to day running of the office.
Outside of work, Ros enjoys spending time with her family. Her hobbies include walking and running and she also has a passion for home renovation projects and interior design.
In his 35+ year career in corporate finance advisory, Tim has been involved in over 100 transactions.
A qualified FCA, Tim has held senior partner positions in the UK's largest professional services firms. More recently he held the role of audit chairman for Fintel plc, an AIM-listed fintech and services business. He has been a trusted advisor to many corporate clients with whom he maintains an ongoing relationship.
His expertise and knowledge covers the spectrum of business sectors, sizes and ownership structures, including both public and privately held organisations. Over the years, Tim has nurtured an extensive network of UK and International, business, finance and advisor relationships.
Tim, has helped build a number of corporate finance businesses from scratch and enjoys being part of a team of bright, intelligent and driven individuals.
He is a long-suffering Burnley fan who loves spending time with his family and their Golden Retriever, Boris!
After 18 years in private equity, investment banking and stockbroking Tim founded Park Place to "address the clear market need for uncompromised, independent corporate finance advice."
Since moving to Leeds with 3i in 1994, he is known as one of the region's leading dealmakers. Through his ability to identify novel funding sources and develop creative deal structures, Tim has helped pioneer the development of larger transactions in the region and has led many ground-breaking transactions.
When not in the office, Tim spends as much time as possible in the fresh air on bikes, boats and hillsides.