2018: A better year ahead for deals?

David Sharpe, corporate finance director, Pierce.

Despite the grim predictions, 2017 has run its course with fewer bumps in the road than many businesses expected. At Pierce, it’s safe to say we have completed a lot of work on deals.

As we look ahead to 2018 – a year Forbes rates Britain as being the most attractive country in which to do business – you might be wondering if the appetite for investment is better than 2017?

In short, the environment for deals has improved thanks to a couple of recent developments.

The UK and EU have moved onto the next phase of talks on trade and we now know there will be two-year Brexit transition phase, which gives businesses large, small and regional, much needed continuity and time to adjust.

This essentially means that there is more certainty around investment. And while we need to keep this in perspective, two years of relative clarity, is better than the 12 months of guesswork we managed to navigate in 2017, so we see this providing an uplift.

Regionally, Lancashire has a diverse business community. Firms large and small. Producers and service providers. Local players. Exporters.

Most importantly, they are overwhelmingly run by straight-talking Lancastrian entrepreneurs, families and leaders that innovate when presented with a challenge.

We have worked with numerous regional businesses owners and managers over the years to help them during acquisitions and disposals.

As such, we know how to prepare your business to ensure that efficiencies are maximised and you’re in a position of strength to get the best deal, whether expansion by acquisition, or ultimately by business disposal.

At Pierce we combine market knowledge and communication to build a strong working partnership. So as your no-nonsense local experts – we’re on hand to support your business whether you see 2018 as the year for investment or are simply looking to maximise ongoing efficiencies.