8 July 2025
In our new Meet the Dealmakers series, we speak with Translink Corporate Finance UK Partner Will Holmes about his path into corporate finance, the evolving M&A landscape, and the skills that define a successful dealmaker.
From navigating a competitive market to building strong international relationships, Will shares valuable insights into working in the industry today.
To round off the interview, Will takes on our quick-fire profile, offering a snapshot of his interests and motivations outside of work.
Can you share your career journey and what led you into corporate finance?
Following a well-trodden path, I began my career in audit and accounts. I saw this primarily as a route to gain my professional qualifications, as I always knew I wanted to move into a role where I could add more value. Compliance work didn’t excite me, and I was keen to find something that felt more passionately about.
As soon as I passed my final exams, I made the move into corporate finance. After a couple of initial years in the sector, I moved to Leeds to join the Translink Corporate Finance UK team, where I’ve spent the last 10 years helping to grow and develop the business.
How has the corporate finance landscape changed since you started your career?
In some ways, a lot has changed; in others, much remains the same. One of the biggest developments has been in the technology and systems now available to us. For example, we use AI and software solutions within parts of the business – especially across our research team which enables them to focus on other areas where they can add more value.
The corporate finance market has also become increasingly competitive and saturated, from M&A advisory firms to legal advisors and due diligence providers. Having a clear point of differentiation is now essential to staying competitive, which is why we’ve invested so much into building a strong brand identity at Translink Corporate Finance.
What skills do you think are most crucial for a successful dealmaker?
Effective negotiation, the ability to influence those around you, and being able to see the bigger picture are three key attributes I see in highly successful dealmakers.
Is there a sector or type of deal you particularly enjoy working on?
I’m actively involved in the Business Services sector at Translink, which is a broad, dynamic and fast-moving sector.
It covers consulting, education, financial and professional services, facilities management, and human capital management. It’s a fascinating space given the level of consolidation happening across Europe and the US, particularly within professional services.
What trends are you currently seeing in the UK M&A market?
My read on the market is that whilst overall deal volumes are down on previous years due to periods of economic and political uncertainty, the UK mid-market landscape is showing signs of resurgence with an uptick in activity from strategic acquirors and private equity investors.
We are experiencing strong demand from acquirors across the UK and overseas for high-quality businesses operating in resilience sectors that we have taken to market as part of a well-run and thoughtful marketing process, resulting in competitive bidding and attractive valuations and deal structures being achieved for the shareholders.
Deal timelines have extended due to acquirors adopting a more selective approach and diligence processes being more extensive which cover a broader scope beyond the standard areas of financial tax and legal, such as commercial, technological, environmental and operational diligence.
What do you enjoy most about working in corporate finance?
For me, it’s the relationships you build with clients and the journey you go on together during a deal. There are always bumps in the road and challenges to navigate, but guiding your client through those and ultimately delivering a successful transaction is hugely rewarding.
How do you work with your overseas Translink colleagues to help deliver cross-border deals for your clients?
We speak daily with Translink colleagues around the world as we collaborate on international deals.
We also meet in person twice a year for 3 – 4 days, which are typically very intensive and productive sessions. We make the most of the time together, including meals and evenings out, which helps build strong personal relationships. That connection is a key reason we work so effectively across borders to deliver great results for clients.
Quick-fire profile
What was your first job?
I used to deliver papers before school for £8 a week which felt like a lot of money back then!
What’s your go-to coffee or hot drink order?
I like to mix it up – I’ve recently got into macha lattes.
Do you have a productivity hack to keep motivated?
I try to work intensely for short periods. This suits my attention span and feels most productive for me.
I’m a big advocate of working smart, not necessarily hard, although sometimes you clearly need to do both.
If you didn’t work in M&A, what would you do?
Something in a related sector, like private equity or restructuring.
What do you like to do at the weekend?
Spending time outdoors with my family and cooking nice meals with my young daughter helping me (she’s mastered the margherita pizza!). I also like to squeeze in a round of golf when I can.
