UNW strengthens corporate finance team

Newcastle-based chartered accountancy firm UNW has expanded its corporate finance team with the appointment of award-winning dealmaker Naomi Townsend as senior manager.

Naomi, a North East native, joins from private equity firm LDC, where she supported management teams across a range of sectors. 

Prior to that, she spent seven years at KPMG Newcastle, advising on high-profile deals, including the sale of Visualsoft to Livingbridge, the investment by LDC in WCCTV, and the sale of Bloom Procurement to BGF. 

Her achievements earned her titles such as ‘North East Emerging Dealmaker of the Year’ and ‘Young Financier of the Year.’

Naomi said: “I’ve always admired UNW’s reputation – not just for the quality of its work but for how it supports its people. 

“Having worked alongside the team in various capacities over the years, I could see firsthand how much trust clients place in them, and I’m excited to now be part of that.

“UNW has built a fantastic corporate finance team, and I’m looking forward to working with ambitious businesses across the region, helping them navigate their growth opportunities.

“I’m also really pleased to be working with Chris Wilson and Nick Broadhead again, having previously worked together at KPMG. 

“This is an exciting new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Naomi’s appointment follows a successful year for UNW’s corporate finance team, which was recognised as one of the region’s most active advisors in 2024. 

Naomi is joined by ICAEW-qualified Jack McCullagh, who recently transitioned from UNW’s audit team into corporate finance.

Chris Wilson, partner and head of corporate finance at UNW, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Naomi and Jack to the team. 

“Naomi’s extensive experience and proven track record in dealmaking – as both an advisor and an investor – will offer a unique perspective and provide immediate value to our clients. 

“At UNW, we’ve consistently stated that we want to provide the highest quality advice to our clients and having the best and most experienced people is a big part of that strategy.

“We are also committed to creating opportunities for talent to develop and progress. 

“Jack’s recent move from audit to corporate finance is a great example of how the firm invests in its people and offers varied career paths.

“With Naomi and Jack on board, our team is stronger than ever as we head into another exciting and busy year.”

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