Personal Statement

I have always been passionate about helping local businesses achieve their goals. Whether it’s owners looking for a safe pair of hands to take the business to the next level or management looking for a clear growth plan, a target or funds to grow. After over a decade of working across the South East and beyond, I am now focusing my skills and experience on the local business community. Whatever the transaction, I understand it can be a stressful and busy time for owners and management. I use my experience of managing large projects to not only guide you through the process to ensure you maximise value, but also manage the detail to ensure you can remain focused on the day to day running of your business.

Experience

Jo joined JDC in 2018, having previously worked in an advisory capacity at PwC and Grant Thornton. Jo has over 16 years’ experience of managing a wide range of projects across all stages of the corporate life cycle. She has managed a number of sell side transactions as well as completing countless independent business reviews and pre-lend reviews for lenders and due diligence reports for buyers. She has also spent a significant amount of time project managing large turnaround projects in both the private and public sector, and supported clients of all sizes prepare financial models and business plans.

Recent Transactions

• Trade Sale of 3sun Group
• Trade sale of the milling division for a UK based food service business
• Vendor due diligence for division of listed media and technology business
• Due diligence for listed oil and gas business on the acquisition of a wind turbine specialist
• Due diligence on the acquisition of a South East physio business
• Due diligence for private equity fund prior to providing additional growth capital for online retailer

Experience

Joshua joined JDC in 2019.  He has worked in accountancy for five years, having trained with MHA Larking Gowen in the north Norfolk region. He qualified as chartered in 2018 and specialises in working with owner managed businesses, providing training and support to clients in respect of accounting software, financial reporting, Companies Act 2006 requirements and various tax compliance matters.

Personal Statement

Having run my own business for several years, I understand first-hand the hard work and the challenges involved, both financially and practically.  It now gives me great satisfaction to be able to contribute to the business journeys of our clients, providing guidance and support not only during testing times, but through times of growth and business development.

Our roles here allow us to work closely with clients, getting to know and fully understand each individual business and the people behind it, so as to provide a service that stretches far beyond basic compliance. This was a crucial factor in my decision to join JDC.  Not only is this interaction with clients the most enjoyable aspect of the job, it also enables us to offer honest and effective advice that fits with each business’ requirements and goals.

Experience

Fiona has over 25 years’ experience providing taxation, strategic and accounting advice in a variety of sectors including technology, financial services, professional firms, retail and property. Fiona’s clients have included successful entrepreneurs, start-ups, international groups and household names.

As an experienced forensic accountant she has acted as a named expert in a wide variety of cases over more than a decade.  Fiona has given evidence in court (including High Court) and in Tax Tribunal.  Fiona regularly assists in mediation.

Recent Transactions

• Numerous business and goodwill valuations as party adviser, party expert and single joint expert in divorce and family matters, shareholder disputes and to facilitate the sale of the whole or a part disposal of a business interest.
• Acting as party expert in tax disputes including giving an opinion on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, professional negligence claims, tax schemes, loan charge calculations, EBTs, Entrepreneurs Relief, R & D and CGT.
• Resolution of a long-term shareholder dispute including overseeing the dissolution of the shared business interests in a sizeable property portfolio and advising on the tax consequences.
• Managing the acquisition of a global financial services group including structuring advice, due diligence and tax planning
• Investigations into false accounting, officer and employee fraud and advice on fraud prevention
• Acting as party expert in commercial, agency and joint venture disputes
• Advisory assignments including the merger and disposal of a professional firms and investment management business
• Financial due diligence on various transactions including Multi Academy Trusts, vineyards’, professional services

Personal Statement

I enjoy working closely with my clients and fellow professionals to provide commercial and pragmatic support and solutions whether it is as a business adviser or as a forensic accountant/expert witness. I relish working with like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals providing both a sounding board and proactive challenge. I am known for my tenacity and commitment to my clients and fellow professionals as well as my sense of humour.

Experience

Rob joined JDC in 2018 having previously worked for a large regional firm, managing a varied portfolio of mainly owner managed businesses.  He has experience at advising businesses on a range of services, from start-ups to large groups on matters such as incorporations, accounting software and systems, group restructures, financial reporting and Companies Act issues and tax compliance matters.

Personal Statement

I have gained over 20 years’ experience looking after a variety of clients throughout their business life cycle, from newly incorporated companies looking to put in place accounting systems and procedures, family succession planning and disposals.  The part of my role which I enjoy the most is getting to know my clients and understanding their businesses, to be able to provide clear and straightforward advice on a range of accounting and advisory matters.

Experience

Matt qualified as a chartered tax adviser in January 2012 and has over 10 years’ experience working for Mazars and Grant Thornton.  In particular, Matt has a broad experience of the corporate and personal tax issues relevant to owner managed businesses and has experience of the tax issues associated with transactions and group reorganisations.  Matt joined JDC in August 2018.

Recent Transactions

• Majority Investment in GEV Group
• Structured Partial MBO of Signwaves
• Advising on the capital reduction demerger of one of East Anglia’s largest motor groups
• Advising on the sale of a local oil and gas business
• Vendor tax due diligence assistance on the sale of a plant breeding business

Personal Statement

I enjoy building strong relationships with my clients and take immense pride in providing honest and pragmatic tax advice.  Given the complexity of the UK system, it is vital that both shareholders and management understand the tax issues associated with commercial decisions.  From my experience, I have seen how important it is that professional advice is sought early such that the tax consequences of a strategic decision are understood well in advance of a decision being made.  I take real satisfaction from providing tax efficient solutions to clients which facilitates the prosperity of a business and its owners.

Experience

Before joining JDC in 2005, Jackie gained 12 years experience with a major high street bank and 14 years experience working for an international law firm  where she was originally actively engaged in marketing and business development and as a business analysis coordinator.  Jackie manages the firm’s practice administration and provides support to the whole JDC team.

Personal Statement

I am proud to have been here from the beginning of JDC and to have helped shape the practice into what it is today with exceptional client service at its forefront.

Experience

Maria graduated from the Norwich University of the Arts with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design in 2012.  She joined the JDC team in 2014 and spends her time creating design work and marketing material for the business, keeping the website up to date, focusing on business development activities and providing support to the rest of the JDC team.

Personal Statement

I joined JDC in 2014 and really enjoy being able to utilise  my design skills to support the JDC team in its delivery of market leading services to its clients.

Experience

Alex qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2016.  He joined JDC in 2017 from Larking Gowen where he was in charge of a portfolio of clients and now assists on a wide range of transaction and advisory projects.

Recent Transactions

• Restructuring and Refinancing of Red7 Marine
• Refinancing of Jablite
• Structured Partial MBO of Signwaves
• Trade Sale of Lida Vets

Personal Statement

I like to have a hands on approach to really understand the key drivers of a business, whilst being able to offer strategic advice tailored to the business and its owners individual circumstances. I pride myself on my strong commercial and analytical skills which I have developed throughout my professional career where I have worked with a wide range of businesses across numerous sectors, enabling me to provide a proactive and valuable service to my clients.

Experience

James is a Chartered Accountant and was the highest placed candidate in the UK in the ICAEW Corporate Finance exams in 2015.  He has specialised in corporate finance work for four years and joined JDC in 2016.

Recent Transactions

• Trade Sale of PVS Holdings
• Debt Funded MBO at The Big Prawn Co
• Minority Investment in Cornwall Investment
• Debt Funded MBO of Global Chair Components
• Acquisition of Cosy Carpets & Comfy Beds by Mattressman Group

Personal Statement

I aim to provide clear, proactive advice, whilst giving the highest level of client service.  My personal focus, combined with my background as an experienced and commercially aware qualified accountant, enables me to make a real contribution to a transaction as a trusted professional adviser.  It is important to me to be as accessible as possible to my clients, to go the extra mile and to deliver on budget.  I am excited to be part of the JDC team, bringing my experience of M&A activity in East Anglia to the region’s leading Corporate Finance house.

Experience

Ryan qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2013.  He has over 10 years’ practice experience and has managed several successful transactions since joining JDC in 2014 and has particular knowledge of private equity structures.

Recent Transactions

• Trade Sale of Sitec Infrastructure Services
• Trade Sale of 3sun Group
• Majority Investment in GEV Group
• Refinancing of Jablite
• Trade Sale of Wiggly Amps
• Refinancing of Project Network
• Partial Acquisition of Business and Assets of Southern Salads by Kanes Foods
• Majority Investment in Aquaterra Energy
• Capital Restructuring of Rossi Long Consulting
• Trade Sale of Gasway
• Equity Investment in GEV Group
• Majority Investment in Derrick Services UK
• Capital Restructuring of Pinnacle Consulting Engineers
• Equity Investment in Oxifree Global
• Corporate Advisory for Gnaw Chocolate

Personal Statement

From the experience I have gained through assisting clients in all aspects of their business life-cycle; from strategic plans, debt raising, equity investments to exit, I have seen the importance of understanding the business and shareholder aims and requirements to be able to provide the highest level of service.  My passion is to help business owners and businesses achieve their goals and to make a difference by offering straightforward and valuable advice in a cost effective manner.

Experience

Adam joined JDC in 2013, having previously been a lead adviser for a firm specialising in the sale of companies across the UK.  Adam is an out and out transaction specialist and has been involved in or led over 100 sales transactions of companies in the £2m to £50m turnover range.

Recent Transactions

• Business Growth for Wylie Vets
• Refinancing of Project Network
• Trade Sale of BTS Group
• Trade Sale of Lida Vets
• Trade Sale of R. A. Howarth (Engineers)
• Minority Investment in Cornwall Insight
• Corporate Advisory for Gnaw Chocolate
• Trade Sale of Oakwood Veterinary Group
• Trade Sale of Saxon Packaging
• Trade Sale of ESE Direct
• Trade Sale of Bowden & Knights
• Trade Sale of Reef One
• Trade Sale of J & S Products
• Trade Sale of Haven Veterinary Healthcare

Personal Statement

From my experience in the disposal of a wide variety of companies, I have seen first-hand how unprepared some vendors are for the process.  Selling a company is likely to be the single largest financial transaction that an owner undertakes in their lifetime, and undoubtedly the most important, so seeking professional advice at an early stage can ensure that you and your company are fully prepared to maximise your return.  By joining JDC I am excited to offer clients a wider variety of services in order to prepare a company for sale at the earliest opportunity, ensuring the stress can be removed from an often complicated process.  I pride myself on going above the level of service expected by my clients, and gain satisfaction from agreeing a deal that surpasses expectations.

Experience

Janet is a qualified accountant with a Masters in Business Administration.  She joined JDC in 2006.  Janet has over 30 years’ experience in the accountancy and business advisory profession and is a trusted adviser to many JDC clients.

Personal Statement

The area I pride myself on the most is to understand from the outset exactly what my clients require, support and care for them, trust and respect their views and then give them straightforward and honest advice which can add intrinsic value to their business.  The fundamentals within a good company never change – a clear vision, quality products and service, a strong management team and a robust financial infrastructure are the common denominators of success, but taking a company to the next level is where expertise is vital.   I believe that the addition of external advisers who possess experience and understanding in a wide range of management areas and have the capability to engage and encourage the business to fully participate in a process to improve their performance, is an important step to achieve growth and development.

Experience

Tony is JDC’s Tax Director.  He has over 25 years’ experience as a specialist tax adviser and before joining JDC led specialist tax advisory teams at KPMG and Grant Thornton.  His particular focus is on tax planning for shareholders and their businesses, particularly in relation to transactions and reorganisations.

Recent Transactions

• Debt Funded MBO of The Big Prawn Co.
• Minority Investment in Cornwall Insight
• Acquisition of Rysa Lodge
• Equity Investment in The Cotswold Company
• Structured MBO of Lemon Groundwork Solutions
• Debt Funded MBO of Global Chair Components
• Majority Investment in Aquaterra Energy
• Capital Restructuring of Rossi Long Consulting
• Equity Investment in GEV Group
• Equity Investment in Oxifree Global
• Advisory Services to Lanpro Services

Personal Statement

My broad experience enables me to identify tax efficient solutions and ideas to help clients achieve their objectives, whether they are selling their businesses after decades of hard work or trying to grow a new start up.  Tax is overly complex and my aim is to achieve solutions that are understandable and transparent to clients and which address long term aspirations rather than promoting short term fixes.

Experience

Chris has over 20 years’ experience in advising and managing businesses through all stages of the corporate cycle.  He is JDC’s Director of Business Growth Services.  Chris has completed countless independent business reviews and due diligence reports on behalf of lenders, private equity owners and business acquirers.

Recent Transactions

• Restructuring and Refinancing of Red7 Marine
• Refinancing of Jablite
• Debt Funded MBO of Motorclean
• Partial Acquisition of Business and Assets of Southern Salads by Kanes Foods
• Business Growth for Project Express
• Refinancing for Project Cool
• Business Growth for Mountfield Group PLC
• Business Growth for Global International
• Majority Investment in Aquaterra Energy

Personal Statement

I focus on providing clear, robust advice to clients, often at key points in the development of their business and sometimes in difficult circumstances. I have experience across the business life cycle and am not afraid to take tough decisions and advise clients to do the same in order to breed success and help them grow to the next level.  With a calm intensity, I have the ability to cut through complex issues. Whilst I act in an advisory capacity to many businesses, I am also not afraid to move around the table, roll my sleeves up and provide clients with hands-on management support to help them succeed.

Experience

Dave is JDC’s Director of Corporate Finance.  He has spent over 15 years advising clients across East Anglia and has acted as lead adviser on transactions across a range of sectors with deal sizes from £2m to £100m+.  Dave also has significant experience in providing pre-transaction advice to clients on how to maximise shareholder value.

Recent Transactions

• Majority Investment in GEV Group
• Refinancing of Project Network
• Trade Sale of BTS Group
• Trade Sale of Lida Vets
• Debt Funded MBO at The Big Prawn Co
• Minority Investment in Cornwall Insight
• Corporate Advisory for Gnaw Chocolate
• Debt Funded MBO of Global Chair Components
• Acquisition of Cosy Carpets & Comfy Beds by Mattressman Group
• Majority Investment in Aquaterra Energy
• Equity Investment in GEV Group
• Equity Investment in Oxifree Global
• Trade Sale of Reef One
• Trade Sale of Gasway
• Trade Sale of Saxon Packaging
• Advisory Services to Lanpro Services
• Majority Investment in Derrick Services UK

Personal Statement

I thrive on providing strategic and valuable advice to my clients and seeing the impact it has both in the growth of their business and ultimately on exit.  I am proud to be a trusted adviser for a number of owner managed businesses across East Anglia bringing them challenge, objectivity, honesty and independent perspectives.

Experience

Jon formed JDC in 2004 and is the firm’s Managing Director.  He has over 25 years’ experience and has acted as lead adviser on well over 100 sale and purchase transactions, has structured many minority shareholder exits and is key adviser to many business owners.

Recent Transactions

• Trade Sale of 3sun Group
• Capital Restructuring of Pruce Newman
• Trade Sale of Wiggly Amps
• Structured Partial MBO of Signwaves
• Trade Sale of R. A. Howarth (Engineering)
• Trade Sale of Oakwood Veterinary Group
• Majority Investment in Aquaterra Energy
• Capital Restructuring of Rossi Long Consulting
• Capital Restructuring of Pinnacle Consulting Engineers
• Trade Sale of ESE Direct
• Structured MBO of Lemon Groundwork
• Trade Sale of J & S Products
• Equity Investment in The Cotswold Company
• Numerous ongoing advisory assignments

Personal Statement

My motivation is to provide valuable advice based on real world experience, to be as accessible as possible to my clients, to work with them through the highs and lows of their business journey and to actively lead their M&A transactions. I endeavour to strike the right balance between my role as a key trusted adviser or transaction lead whilst at the same time maintaining my objectivity and professional independence. For me, the key thing is to be there when needed, to introduce a different perspective and to constantly strive to make a real difference.