RMT Accountants & Business Advisors has appointed experienced deals adviser Michael McCulloch as its new head of corporate finance.
Michael brings almost two decades’ experience of leading and delivering complex transactions to his new role, and will also contribute his wider insight as he joins RMT’s board of directors.
A qualified FCA, he is leading RMT’s drive to enhance its corporate finance advisory service for owner-managed and growth-stage businesses.
We spoke to Michael about joining RMT, the North East corporate finance market and his ambitions for the future.
What was behind your move to RMT?
“RMT is in a really exciting phase of growth. The firm is focused on making significant strategic investments in its people, technology and services, and it’s that ambition that really appealed to me.
“Taking responsibility for developing and leading RMT’s corporate finance business is a huge opportunity for me – but it’s not just about leading transactions, it’s about shaping its wider strategic direction.
“Being invited to join the board was also a big attraction. It means I’ll be able to influence how the wider firm evolves, and aligning that strategy across the business will be incredibly powerful, particularly with the backing of the Sumer Group.”
You’ve worked on transactions of every shape and size. What’s the most rewarding part of that work?
“Without a doubt, it’s the impact deals have on the people I have worked with. Behind every set of financials are business owners making life-changing decisions, families navigating succession and employees whose livelihoods often depend on the outcome of the transactions we advise on.
“I often find that business owners are not purely interested in maximising their financial return – there’s real emotion tied into protecting the legacy of the business and ensuring continuity for the workforce they’ve built.
“The human side of advisory work is often overlooked, but it’s what makes it so meaningful.”
What are your immediate plans for the corporate finance team?
“The first step is to set a clear direction for how we build our corporate finance offering and how we can deliver it to a broader cross-section of the market. We already work with ambitious clients who are actively looking to grow their business or wanting to realise an exit, but there’s scope to do so much more.
“I’m building a team with the breadth of experience required to advise on deals that meet the needs of local businesses, and focused on creating an environment where talented advisers want to join, develop and stay, and are recognised for the work they deliver in a business that supports them to achieve outstanding results.
“Ultimately, I want RMT to be seen not just as dealmakers, but as the long-term partner who helps owners navigate risk and approach decisive moments with confidence.”
What’s your take on the state of the current North East deals market?
“The mood is positive. People want to get deals done, and the capital to support them is available in the region. That combination should create real momentum and I’m excited to see how activity builds through the rest of the year.
“RMT is in a great position to take advantage of the opportunities this presents and we’re already busy working on a range of live mandates across multiple sectors.”
Established in 1954, RMT Accountants & Business Advisors provides the full range of financial and business advisory services through its specialist accountancy, tax, medical and healthcare, corporate finance and restructuring teams, and is part of the Sumer Group, the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy firm.
For further information, please visit www.r-m-t.co.uk or call 0191 256 9500