The view from Cardiff – reflections on the first year

It’s approaching a year since Koo Aseeley and Michael Dunn launched Dow Schofield Watts’ Corporate Finance team in Wales & the South West. Here, they reflect on their journey.

What are your highlights?

Koo: It’s been an absolutely fantastic first year! Joining such a forward-thinking and positive culture at DSW has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve introduced a dynamic service offering to the market, and it’s clear that this approach is resonating. Our ability to expand the team locally, with some exciting new additions, has helped us manage an ever-growing portfolio of live client mandates.

One stand-out achievement was advising Hazrem Environmental on its acquisition by Biffa, a landmark deal and a major success for us within such a short timeframe. We’re immensely proud of completing a hat-trick of deals in our first year.

On top of that, being nominated for two prestigious Insider Dealmaker Awards—Emerging Dealmaker of the Year and Small Business Deal of the Year—within our first 12 months was the perfect capstone to an exceptional year.

Michael: We have really enjoyed bringing DSW’s comprehensive professional services offering and forward-thinking brand to the Wales and South West market.

The progressive approach of DSW has been a highlight when introducing ourselves locally, including its strong commitment to diversity, with women representing 40% of our Board, and its ESG commitments. We have particularly enjoyed focusing on the ‘S’ in ESG by working and engaging with local charities, academic institutions, and creating jobs in the local market. To that point, we are delighted with the recent appointment of Benjamin Nix as a Senior Analyst and look forward to the further growth of our team in due course.

Koo: Also, on a personal note, my recent appointment to the CISI / ICAEW Corporate Finance qualification Subject Panel as a Financial Services Specialist was a major highlight and, going back to what Michael touched on above, is an opportunity to give back to future learners. My ACA and CF qualifications have provided a solid technical foundation, allowing me to confidently navigate complex financial scenarios, so academic backing has always been important to me.

How has the region reacted to another player entering the market?

Michael: Our launch has been well received in Wales and the South West. Our strategic focus to do what’s right for the client whilst delivering a personable, outcome-driven service has resonated strongly with the market. We are committed to aligning ourselves with causes, events and initiatives that really matter in our region.

A great example was our sponsorship of the Royal Welsh Show, the largest of its kind in Europe. Being increasingly involved in the food, beverage and agriculture sectors, we were proud to support the event and to see first-hand how these industries continue to move from strength to strength.

Koo:  We have been received with such warm enthusiasm from local funders, advisors, lawyers, and other professionals who are eager to collaborate with us. Bringing a new option to the market in Wales and the South West has been met positively, as we enhance the range of choices available to businesses and offer a fresh, forward-thinking perspective.

In addition to sponsoring the Royal Welsh Show, we’ve hosted a well-attended summer celebration event, and we’re proud to be sponsoring the Insider Dealmaker Awards. These efforts demonstrate our strong commitment to becoming an integral part of the local business community and fostering long-term relationships in the region.

How are you different in the market?

Koo: DSW’s corporate finance offering stands out in the market due to a blend of top-tier qualifications and extensive industry experience. Having worked at PwC in London, one of the leading global financial services firms, I felt DSW was a great fit with my background. Being surrounded by colleagues of the same calibre and credentials gives our clients access to an exceptional talent pool.

However, what truly differentiates us is our client-focused approach. Unlike larger firms, we offer tailored solutions and hands-on support, adapting to each client’s unique needs. We combine the best of big-firm expertise with the agility and personal touch of a specialised practice, ensuring our clients receive bespoke advice and services designed to help them grow and succeed.

Michael: Being part of DSW fundamentally enables us to provide comprehensive professional services to our clients, which is unique in the local market. The collaboration within DSW is strong, and coupled with our personable, commercial approach, we believe we are very well placed to support the businesses in our region with their strategic priorities, whatever they may be.

Additionally, DSW has a UK-wide team, meaning we have access to a vast network of contacts, including acquirers and funders. This national reach enables us to open doors and create opportunities for our clients wherever they may be based, whilst its international M&A network, Pandea, gives us access to a further 30+ countries.

Looking ahead: What are you most excited about?

Michael: The further rapid growth and expansion of our talented team. After a successful first year, there is much to be optimistic about, and we look forward to continuing to build on our strong progress. We are very excited to see what the future will bring.

Koo: Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue working closely with our diverse client base, helping them achieve their goals and facilitating impactful deals across Wales and the South West.