4 September 2023
As part of our ‘Meet the Team’ blog series, we spoke to our Corporate Finance Executive Ellie Jacobs about her role, her highlights of working at the firm since joining earlier this year, and about what she likes to do outside of work.
What is your role at Translink UK and when did you join?
I joined Translink UK in March this year as a Corporate Finance Executive.
My role primarily involves assisting the team in the preparation of client specific documents, including information memorandums, forecasts and accompanying assumptions packs. I’m also heavily involved in supporting our overseas Translink Corporate Finance colleagues with their cross-border M&A opportunities, which can range from preparing buyer research to more detailed financial analysis..
What is it about Translink UK that you love being a part of?
I love the international reach that Translink UK has and the varying sectors the firm operates in.
I also love how much the firm cares about its staff. The workplace culture is fantastic, and I feel like a valued member of the team, as opposed to just being a number as it can be at many other firms.
If you had to pick – what are your highlights and biggest achievements whilst working with Translink UK?
I would have to say passing my final ACA exam to become fully qualified!
Working at Translink has widened my commercial knowledge which really helped me in my exam.
Since working at the firm, I have been involved in completed and in progress deals, and I was able to grasp a real understanding of them. If it wasn’t for this wider business knowledge, I wouldn’t have achieved additional marks which led me to come out with an overall high pass of 70%!
I would also like to say a big thank you to my team who supported me throughout – including some wobbles coming up to results day! I am very grateful for the support.
Do you have any role models and, if so, who and why?
If I had to pick a role model, it would be the founder of Gymshark, Ben Francis.
He started his business from scratch whilst at university and working as a pizza delivery driver.
Gymshark is now worth over $1.3bn and he’s shown that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!
What advice would you give to your younger self when starting out in your career?
I would say work hard, but more importantly, do what makes you happy and the rest will fall into place.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love travelling and hope to tick off the majority of countries in my lifetime! So far, I think I have been to near 30, so I am getting there! I am PADI diving qualified, so I also try to get in the sea wherever possible.
When in Sheffield, I will never say no to a bottomless brunch or a meal out. I love trying the new restaurants and bars that the city has to offer.
What is your favourite TV box set or film?
One of my favourite TV series on Netflix is Bridgerton. I’m looking forward to the new season!
My favourite film will always be The Lion King (the original Disney of course).
What is your favourite restaurant to go to? Your favourite cuisine?
Not quite a restaurant, but my favourite meal of the day is brunch, so I would have to say, Joni. I would recommend going to anyone visiting Sheffield!
What/where is the best place you have ever visited and why? Where is your dream destination?
Vietnam is by far my favourite place. I love Vietnamese food and culture so much that I am going back this year.
I hope to visit South Africa soon for a safari and diving with great whites.
