Dealmakers to spearhead launch of Leathers Corporate Finance

Two of the region’s leading dealmakers have joined forces to launch of the North East’s newest corporate finance business.

Abu Ali and Phil Williams have both become partners in newly-created Leathers Corporate Finance, which aims to become one of the key names in its field within the region and beyond.

Leathers Corporate Finance will work in tandem with the already well-established chartered accountants Leathers, which is based in the North East but has significant experience in transactional work across the UK.

Michael Leather, managing partner at Leathers, takes on the additional role of executive chairman of Leathers Corporate Finance, supporting Abu and Phil to develop their existing vast expertise and network even further.

Abu and Phil are both award-winning dealmakers who have strong reputations for their work in supporting North East businesses and entrepreneurs.

Abu has previously worked in a number of well-known regional corporate finance firms and last year was named as Emerging Dealmaker of the Year in recognition of his outstanding work in the sector.

Phil, who has a broad depth of experience stretching back over 22 years, has held a number of senior corporate finance roles within both practice and industry, including several years as in-house Head of Corporate Finance at Hargreaves Services plc.

Phil said: “Having been close to Michael for over 15 years, I know the outstanding capability and client service that is in the Leathers DNA, and the bespoke solutions it offers to every client, so it makes perfect sense to establish our corporate finance business alongside such a respected brand. Leathers has a strong track record for its transactional work and we want to build on that to ensure Leathers Corporate Finance becomes known for offering a trusted, Partner-led service of the highest quality to the regional business community.”

Abu said: “We are absolutely committed to helping our region thrive and want to work with businesses in the North East to make that happen. Phil and I have many years of deal experience and we have the capability to make what seem the most unlikely of deals become reality. We care about our clients and work hard to achieve the best outcomes for them. Working alongside Michael, who is a huge name in this area, we are excited about the future of Leathers Corporate Finance and in making it a force to be reckoned with.”

Michael Leather said: “To create a business led by Phil and Abu, two of the most dynamic and highly-rated advisors in the region, is a huge coup; not just for Leathers, but for the North East business community. Their combined drive and expertise, and the outstanding efforts they put in for their clients, will create a corporate finance firm unlike any other.

“For many years, Leathers has been involved in some hugely significant corporate finance transactions across the UK, although we have never shouted about it. Now, through the formation of Leathers Corporate Finance, we are able to offer this as a standalone service which will offer even greater levels of opportunity to our clients.”