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Corporate Financier

Analysis and insight from the Corporate Finance Faculty

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July/August 2026

This month, we ask if a slew of VC-backed companies are set for transition to the next stage of funding. We also take a look at business services sector deals, the PISCES secondary market for shares and the commercial opportunities offered by Northern Ireland and the Republic.

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Cover: From start-up to scale-up

UK early-stage businesses have received record backing over the last decade, but it’s the next step that will keep the cycle of life going for VCs. David Prosser looks at exit opportunities and where M&A will come from.
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Views

Doug Lawson
Column: Doug Lawson

Five years ago, during the pandemic, VC investment boomed. MarktoMarket’s Doug Lawson asks whether those businesses have the fundamental quality to generate material exits and get the VC cycle moving.

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Editors letter: Fertile grounds

In this month's cover story we look at VC exits. Whilst exits continue to be a challenge, money is still being invested in AI, genetics, advanced breeding and digital technology start-ups.

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Faculty news

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Faculty news: July/August 2026

Guideline launch photos, consultation responses and dates for your diary.

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Innovation and sustainable growth

Roadshow: Pluck of the Irish

In an M&A market shaken by constant volatility, the island of Ireland offers a rare pocket of stability for corporates and buyout firms to deploy capital. By Nicholas Neveling.
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Insight: Swimming in a new pond

A year ago, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) created the new PISCES regulatory framework, which enables private companies to trade their shares on a secondary market as an alternative to full listing. Charlotte Hamilton of Burges Salmon looks at its progress.
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Analysis

In numbers

UK CEOs prioritise AI and anticipate profits, while Indian-owned companies strengthen their foothold in the UK.
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Trendwatch: Significant others

A catch-all term for companies that otherwise defy categorisation, the business services sector broke records in 2025. Jason Sinclair investigates a rich source of UK mid-market M&A.
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Future advisory professionals

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Career paths: Leeds advisory

Building a network – and Cortus Advisory’s reputation in Yorkshire – is what drives transaction services associate director Felicity Roberts.

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On my CV: Inside view

Getting the right expertise and advice from the start can successfully move early-stage businesses from product development to commercial execution, says BGF’s Maggy Lau.

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Profile: Challenge better than a rest

It’s a challenging time to be doing deals. But, despite the complex macroeconomics at play, PwC is delivering record revenues. Marc Mullen speaks to its UK head of corporate finance, Dan Gallagher.

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molecule blue bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections

Connections

Who’s on the move in the world of corporate finance, private equity and legal.
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The archives

Browse Corporate Financier content from June 2026 and earlier.

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