2 June 2023
As part of our brand new ‘Meet the Team’ blog series, we spoke to Translink UK Partner Andrew Wheelan about working at Translink, his biggest career achievements, his role models, and what he enjoys doing outside of work.
When did you join Translink UK?
I joined the firm in 2020 (previously known as IMA Corporate Finance before rebranding to Translink Corporate Finance UK).
What is it about Translink UK that you love being a part of?
The team both in the UK and internationally is what truly sets us apart. We are more than just colleagues and we collaborate on diverse projects within a variety of industries across the globe.
The team are always willing to go above and beyond to support each other and our clients. We have deep sector experts that are always on hand to provide insight and knowledge.
If you had to pick – what are your highlights and biggest achievements whilst working with Translink UK/IMA?
On a personal level, my biggest achievement was being promoted to Partner. Translink UK is a great company to work for as they’re passionate about fostering talent and providing opportunities for individuals to shape their careers.
Professionally, one of our engagements presented a challenging situation when the vendor unexpectedly passed away. In what was a difficult time, we successfully assisted the family in achieving the sale, showcasing our expertise in unprecedented and complex situations and our commitment to supporting our clients’ needs.
Do you have any role models and, if so, who and why?
Believe it or not, my dog Coco is a great role model! Her unwavering positivity, ability to find joy in every moment, and her resilient spirit inspires me. I strive to approach life with the same enthusiasm and light-heartedness!
What advice would you give to your younger self when starting out in your career?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would emphasise the importance of learning to sell, developing business development skills, and networking early on.
In the world of professional services, winning work is crucial for success, so the sooner you learn the skills to do so, the better.
Building trust, authenticity, and not overpromising during the sales process are also important skills to learn.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit and CrossFit. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee – I can often be found at a local Starbucks!
Above all, spending quality time with my family is something I truly value.
What is your favourite TV box set or film?
My favourite TV box set is The Last Kingdom. It has a brilliant cast, storyline and a good ending. The show leaves viewers with a thoughtful message – “Destiny is all!”
What is your favourite restaurant to go to or your favourite cuisine?
I love a good Italian restaurant – pizza is my favourite on the menu!
What/where is the best place you have ever visited and why? Where is your dream destination?
The area surrounding Kelso in Scotland stands out as the best place I have visited in recent years.
My family and I stayed in a lodge in a rural area next to a beautiful river. The amazing views and great weather made it one of the most relaxing weeks I’ve ever had.
As for my dream destination, I have my sights set on Canada. Its landscapes, things to do, and famously friendly people make it somewhere I would like to visit one day.
