As the corporate finance community anticipates the end of a subdued and uncertain period, the upcoming Rainmakers Seminar will explore the challenge of becoming deal-ready for 2025.

With a more stable policy landscape expected following the general election and some economic headwinds easing, the seminar will concentrate on several key areas:

• Current market demand and appetite

• Funders’ primary areas of focus

• The increasing significance of factors beyond financials, especially ESG and data

• Opportunities within the Midlands market and Rainmakers’ role in driving growth

Hear from Katie Trout, director of policy & partnerships at the West Midlands Growth Company on what opportunities are available for the corporate finance community to engage with across the region.

A keynote speech from Melissa Snover, CEO of Get Nourished will follow, offering her insights into working with Rainmakers on M&A proposals and securing investment.

An expert panel consisting of Tom Hustler, senior investment director at Palatine, Nick Gillott, corporate finance partner at Grant Thornton, Darcy Laceby​​​​, co‑founder & chief people and product officer at Absolute Collagen, David Mitchell, Associate Director at GK Strategy and Deepak Parekh, senior director at Shawbrook Bank.

Agenda:

8.30 – Networking

9.00 – Welcome from TheBusinessDesk.com & Tom Durrant, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

Tom Durrant, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

9.05 – Keynote by Katie Trout, Director of Policy & Partnerships, West Midlands Growth Company

Katie Trout, Director of Policy & Partnerships, West Midlands Growth Company

9.12 – Keynote by Melissa Snover, CEO, Get Nourished

Melissa Snover, CEO, Get Nourished

9.25 – Panel Discussion chaired by TheBusinessDesk.com

Nick Gillott, Corporate Finance Partner, Grant Thornton

Tom Hustler, Senior Investment Director, Palatine

Darcy Laceby​​​​, Co‑Founder & Chief People and Product Officer, Absolute Collagen

David Mitchell, Associate Director, GK Strategy

Deepak Parekh, Senior Director, Shawbrook

10.55 – Networking