Four partner promotions at PKF Francis Clark

Congratulations to Louise, Matt, Nick and Nick!

PKF Francis Clark has promoted four new partners, including three who joined the firm as trainees. They are head of not-for-profit Louise Bridgett, corporate finance specialists Matt Willmott and Nick Tippett, and restructuring expert and insolvency practitioner Nick Harris.

From left: Matt Willmott, Louise Bridgett, Nick Tippett and Nick Harris (Photo: Steven Haywood)

Louise started her career with PKF Francis Clark as a graduate in 1997, rejoining the firm in 2012 after five years working in local government finance. Since being promoted to director in 2017, she has focused on growing a dedicated team serving more than 200 charity, education and other not-for-profit clients.

“Becoming a partner at PKF Francis Clark has been my goal since I began my career with the firm as trainee,” said Plymouth-based Louise. “I feel incredibly lucky to be taking the next steps on my career path within the firm I love, working with clients in the not-for-profit sector I care passionately about.

“The people here are very special and the support I’ve received throughout my career has been invaluable. As the firm’s new head of not-for-profit, I’m excited about growing and developing this key sector of our business.”

Matt, who joined the firm in 2007 as a graduate, has been one of the leading dealmakers in the South West over the past 10 years, completing over 100 transactions. Based in Exeter, he specialises in company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts and employee ownership trusts.

“I’m very proud to have been invited into the partnership, which highlights our firm’s strong promote-from-within ethos,” said Matt. “This is an exciting time in the profession, especially being part of a growing and ambitious firm while playing a key role within the leading corporate finance team in the region. I look forward to continuing to support management teams and business owners on their M&A plans across the South West.”

Nick Harris joined PKF Francis Clark’s Exeter office as a graduate trainee in 2004. As a restructuring specialist and licensed insolvency practitioner, he advises directors and creditors on their options in times of financial distress, helping to save businesses and jobs where possible.

Nick said: “Since I joined 20 years ago, the firm has been on a growth journey, including the opening of our offices in Bristol and Southampton. This has created so many opportunities for new challenges that I’ve never wanted to work anywhere else.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our restructuring team. With the breadth of talent we already have, we’re well placed to take on increasingly complex referrals.”

Nick Tippett focuses on mergers and acquisitions, supporting private and corporate clients on business sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, fundraising and strategic planning. Since joining PKF Francis Clark as a recently qualified accountant in 2010, he has advised on transactions with a combined value of more than £1 billion.

Nick, who works across the firm’s Bristol and Plymouth offices, said: “Stepping into the role of partner is an incredibly meaningful milestone in my career and a testament to the supportive environment at PKF Francis Clark. The encouragement, expertise and unwavering support from my colleagues and mentors have been instrumental in my professional growth.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future and eager to drive innovative corporate finance solutions for our clients and support the team around me to develop in their careers.”

The latest promotions mean PKF Francis Clark now has a 59-strong partnership.

CEO Paul Crocker said: “The fact that three of our new partners started their careers with us as graduate trainees demonstrates our commitment to developing our people. I’m delighted to welcome Louise, Nick, Matt and Nick to the partnership and look forward to them playing an even greater role in our continued success.”

More information can be found on the PKF Francis Clark careers website.