Azets expands debt advisory leadership

Leading accountancy and advisory firm Azets has promoted Mark Barrie to head of debt advisory, reflecting growing demand for specialist funding solutions.

Mark, previously funding & strategic partnership director, will now lead a national team assisting businesses with complex funding challenges, including working capital, asset finance and property-related funding.

A chartered banker with over 25 years of financial services experience, Mark has worked across sectors such as manufacturing, retail and property development. His team includes four regional debt advisory directors and plans to expand further to meet demand.

Mark, who works out of Azets’ offices in London and Hertford, said: “Many businesses need lifeblood finance to support cashflow. They have faced 16 years of constant curve-ball challenges since the global financial crash of 2008, including a flatlining economy, Brexit, the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, increased borrowing costs, reduced consumer spending and, from April, the hard-hitting increase in employer national insurance contributions.

“Against this backdrop, there is clear need for strategic guidance and support regarding corporate finance options, risk management, efficiencies and restructuring as companies navigate these difficult times, with our debt advisory service able to unlock new opportunities and build business value.”

Peter Gallanagh, Azets UK chief executive officer, added: “The formation of our debt advisory team, led by Mark in a newly created role, meets the demands of businesses which are either growing or are experiencing trading problems.

“Azets continues to develop service lines which provide strategic support to our 93,000 clients.”

Azets’ promotion aligns with rising funding needs; last year alone, UK banks lent £59.2 billion to smaller firms, according to the British Business Bank.

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