25 June 2026
In our latest ‘Meet the Team’ blog, we spoke with Translink Corporate Finance UK Manager, Lauren Cooper.
Lauren shares an insight into her role within our Midlands team, what a typical day looks like in a busy corporate finance environment, and how she is seeing technology – particularly AI – begin to shape the future of dealmaking.
She also reflects on the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in building a career in corporate finance.
Can you describe your role and the key responsibilities that come with it?
As a Manager in the firm’s Midland’s team, my role is centred around supporting and collaborating with my team on transactions.
My key responsibilities include attending pitches and client meetings, developing client relationships, researching potential acquirers for a transaction, preparing sales documents, supporting negotiations with potential acquirers, and the general day-to-day execution of a sales process.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
I usually start by reviewing my to-do list from the day before and prioritising my tasks.
Typically, I could be working on an information memorandum, responding to a client or potential acquirer, or completing buyer research.
I also enjoy attending networking events or catching up with individuals within the local professional community, so my day may entail a breakfast event or drinks in the evening.
What’s the one must-do activity that you do every day?
As simple as it sounds, before I sign off for the day, I always write a to-do list for the following morning. This ensures that I am focused and aware of the tasks that need attending to as soon as I begin my working day.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you overcome them?
As someone who is relatively new to the role and the corporate finance industry, I have a lot to learn, which at times can be overwhelming.
I may be working on a task I haven’t completed before and therefore need to learn as I go.
As much as this can be challenging, I enjoy being pushed out of my comfort zone with the knowledge that I am growing professionally. I am fortunate to work alongside supportive colleagues who take the time to mentor and share best practice.
Can you share an example of a successful project or deal that you’ve worked on?
I am proud to have taken an active role in my first pitch process, which resulted in the client choosing our services. It was my responsibility to complete all aspects of the process, including valuation and buyer research, pitch documents, as well as taking part in the pitch meeting and subsequent negotiations.
Are you seeing any trends emerging within the corporate finance landscape?
The adoption and advancement of AI is reshaping every stage of the deal lifecycle. Whether it’s identifying potential targets, analysing complex datasets, improving valuation accuracy, or enhancing due diligence processes, it is rapidly becoming a core tool for advisors in their daily work.
What motivates you most in your work, and how do you ensure you continue to deliver value to your clients?
By taking the time to get to know a client, including understanding their needs and motivations from the start, I can help deliver real value on an ongoing basis. Ensuring that the work I contribute has meaningful purpose within a transaction also helps deliver value.
The opportunity to learn, be challenged and grow professionally is also highly motivating.
Equally motivating is being part of an inclusive team where I feel heard and can build trusted colleague relationships.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for someone to excel in corporate finance advisory?
Strong communication with clients and stakeholders is essential. Clients place significant trust in their advisor to navigate what can often be a complex and demanding process, with the potential to achieve a life-changing outcome.
What advice would you give to trainees starting out?
Always be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge. Exposure to every part of a transaction is very important, so ask to be involved wherever possible.
What’s one thing you learned in school that has stuck with you?
The one thing that has stuck with me is that the moments I was most afraid to say yes to something were almost always the moments that taught me the most. Fear shouldn’t always be a signal of whether you should do something – sometimes it’s the opposite: a sign that something is worth doing.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I have two young children who keep me very busy. Outside of spending time with them, I enjoy cooking, reading, socialising with friends, playing netball, and exploring new countries.
What’s the biggest thing on your bucket list?
To travel and explore as much of the world as possible with my family.
