Poonam Kaur - BMUK Leeds Group Member
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Poonam Kaur
BMUK Leeds Group Member
Business Name : fds
Industry: Corporate Finance
Introduction Video:
(Coming Soon)
About:
fds is an award-winning, employee-owned corporate finance boutique providing services to owner-managed and employee-owned businesses and supporting them on their business journey from the early stages through to a successful exit.
fds offers a range of services, including succession planning, such as disposals and management buyouts, employee ownership trusts, vendor-initiated management buyouts, mergers & acquisitions, valuations, board support through non-executive director/trustee appointment and consultancy, dream/strategy days, and raising finance. fds can provide ad-hoc consultancy support in addition to shareholder disputes and negotiations.
A corporate finance company like no other, we can assure you that your project will be managed effectively and positioned in the best possible way, all supported by our in-house expertise and industry know-how. We always endeavour to provide the best possible service to help our clients achieve their most desired outcomes.
Here are a few facts about us:
• Our largest transaction completed to date is $72m, but our average deals range from £2m - £20m
• We are sector agnostic - our specialisms include owner-managed and employee-owned businesses
• Whilst our HQ is in Yorkshire, we have clients across the UK and Europe
• We proudly won the AI One to Watch in Corporate Finance and Most Innovative UK Deal Negotiator from Acquisition International M&A Awards
• We were also shortlisted for Business Advocate of the Year at the British Business Awards
About Me
With over 25 years of experience in the accounting and corporate finance industry, I have worked with organisations across a wide range of sectors, including global businesses, supporting them with their succession planning, particularly mergers and acquisitions, or serving on their boards through appointments or director‑level training. My specialisms in director‑level training include the Role of a Company Director, Good Corporate Governance, Finance for Non‑Finance Directors and Managers, Buying and Selling Businesses, and the Role of a Non‑Executive Director.
As CEO of fds, I lead all projects and director‑level training with the support of our Chairman, Jo Haigh. I am passionate about helping organisations and directors navigate their business journeys, whatever stage they are at.
In August 2020, as part of our succession planning, fds became an employee‑owned business. I now lead the organisation and serve on the Trustee Board.
I have been fortunate to receive industry accolades and recognition, including being shortlisted for Company Leader by The Business Desk, Director of the Year by The Institute of Directors, and winning Leeds City Region Leader from The Northern Leadership Awards and Mentor of the Year by Forward Ladies.
Poonam Kaur - is looking to work with:
Business Owners
Employee-Owned Businesses
Professional Services
Client Testimonials:
1) "When the decision was made to sell one of our subsidiary companies, we only knew that selling was the right thing for us and for the company being sold; we did not know how to start the process and had no direct experience in M&A. So, choosing the right M&A advisor who could navigate the intricate waters of mergers and acquisitions was crucial. From our initial meeting, we felt strongly that fds would be a good fit.
Throughout the entire sale process, fds's expertise, dedication, and strategic approach were evident. Their vast experience across all types of industries meant that they provided invaluable insights, helping to position our company in the best possible light to potential buyers. Every detail, from constructing the Information Memorandum to helping us manage the due diligence process, was handled with meticulous attention.
What truly set them apart was their ability to seamlessly connect with us, understand our company's culture, and prioritise our objectives. This personal touch, combined with their impeccable professionalism, made the process less stressful and more streamlined. We always felt that they were in it for us, not for themselves.
We were particularly impressed with how they guided us through the negotiations, always ensuring that our interests were safeguarded while fostering a positive environment for constructive dialogue with potential acquirers. This balanced approach ensured that we not only received a good valuation but also found a buyer who aligned with our subsidiary’s
values and vision for the future.
It is not an exaggeration to state that the successful sale of our company would not have been possible without the exceptional services of Poonam and the wider fds team. Their dedication, expertise, and genuine concern for our success certainly met our high expectations. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to any company embarking on an M&A journey."
- Stuart Colligon, Panacea
2) "We have recently gone through the process of creating an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in respect of a client who introduced us to fds. Throughout the process, Poonam and her team were extremely attentive and prompt in their responses to all enquiries which were raised. They introduced us to suitably qualified advisors across the required areas and worked extremely hard to complete the project within the prescribed timescale. The deadline was met, and we were impressed with the level of expertise offered.
If anyone else is looking at this sort of situation, we would strongly recommend fds as a suitable project leader, enabling the establishment of an EOT."
- Melvyn Sadofsky, Jane Brooks Law
3) "fds has been an invaluable partner to our company since we first partnered with them in 2019. Poonam and her team assisted in skilfully navigating a complex shareholder dispute, effectively mediating and negotiating a resolution while also connecting us with experienced legal counsel.
Their expertise went beyond resolving the immediate dispute, seamlessly transitioning into collaborating with our Board to formulate a comprehensive disposal strategy. With fds's guidance, we explored various avenues, including trade sales, private equity acquisitions, and employee ownership transactions.
Throughout this process, fds demonstrated an unwavering commitment to understanding our business's DNA and the unique needs of our shareholders. We wholeheartedly recommend fds, confident that their strategic acumen and deep industry knowledge will significantly benefit any organisation they serve."
- Client