Jo Haigh

The corporate finance team is lead by the award winning Jo Haigh. An experienced dealmaker, Jo specialises in putting together the right deal at the right time and in the right format for growing businesses throughout the country.  She has bought and sold over 300 companies in the last 20 years specialising in owner managed companies.

She is a regular presenter for the Institute of Directors on corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.

Jo is also a Partner of fds – a highly successful training and consultancy organisation and specialist Corporate Finance Boutique that she founded at the start of the 90s.  Please click here to visit Jo’s fds website.

Over the period she held numerous Non-Executive Roles in companies across the region and helped many businesses through successful transactions.  She has sold 3 of her own companies.

Some of Jo’s most recent awards and achievements are listed below;

  • Part of the judging panel for the Growing Business Awards 2010
  • Short listed for the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2010 in the Corporate Leader category
  • Short listed in the Women of the Future Awards – Mentor of the Year category 2009
  • Winner of IoD Business Advisor of the Year 2009
  • Nominated for Financial News’ Top 100 Most Influential Women in Finance 2009.
  • Entered into the 2008 edition of “Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite”.

Here are some testimonials from past clients;

Jo is a pleasure to work with. She really cares for her clients and works hard to achieve the best results for them. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious and drive a deal through. She delivers! Edward Persse. Partner, Irwin Mitchell

I've seen both sides of Jo in action; the authoritative yet motivational speaker, and also the Corporate Financier. In either role she is superb. Her knowledge, coupled with her ability to impart it to others in terms that are easily understood and her practical and pragmatic approach places her in a unique position - an advisor who walks the talk! Grant Ellis. Executive Chairman, Broker Network Group

Jo is a real "hot-shot" corporate financier and what she doesn't know about deal making............is very little!. She's negotiates strongly to get the best deal for her clients, whilst ensuring a "win-win" position for all parties. As a Vistage and IoD speaker, she's recognised as a leading light in her field and is always engaging to hear and see. She's a polished presenter and she's also great fun to spend time with.” Paul Luen. MD, Martek Marine Ltd

Jo was extremely professional, thorough and persistent in negotiations on our behalf in a potential acquisition situation. She is also an enthusiastic and knowledgeable speaker, in both academic and business-to-business situations. Max Hodgson. Chairman, Hodgson Sealants Limited

As a business coach, I often have need to find someone in corporate finance to advise my clients whom I can trust implicitly to do a good job. Jo is just such a person for whom I have the highest regard and who's name is always top of the list when it comes to recommendations. David Adams. Group chairman, Vistage International

Jo worked tirelessly for us and achieved a deal that was beyond our expectation. Through her negotiations and understanding of both the legal and financial situation she obtained another 40% more than was originally offered. Jo guided us through the process and helped us to maintain sanity, when at times things became fraught. We could never have done it without her. Highly recommended. A Hillier. FAP Europe

We had no idea about selling a business but have been delighted with the professional support from MGR to help us realise the value in the company.  We couldn't have done this without them.  But most importantly for me, Jo and her team took good care of us and relieved my anxiety throughout ... it's not just about professional help ... it can be quite an anxious time if you're a worrier, so personally supporting me was much appreciated too.

Jo, thanks so much for everything you and your team have done for us, you made a difficult process very bearable and I enjoyed working with you. Hope business going well for you, but am sure it will be knowing you! K Watson. Beads Direct