Following the success of this year’s West Midlands Rainmaker Awards, we’d like to invite you to join us for our networking lunch for the region’s corporate finance community.

On Wednesday 23 September at Regina’s in Birmingham, we’ll be hearing from three of this year’s standout award winners: Rick Smyth, Changemaker of the Year, and Chris Handy of LDC, whose team picked up both the Medium Deal of the Year and Out of Region Deal at this year’s awards.

It’s an opportunity to hear directly from three of the most recognised names from this year’s awards, discussing the deals, the market and the themes shaping the West Midlands dealmaking landscape – as well as reconnecting with peers from across the region’s M&A, private equity and corporate finance community.

What to expect at the lunch:

• Networking with fellow Rainmakers from the West Midlands
• Hear from 2026’s Rainmaker Award winners
• Enjoy a two-course lunch and welcome drink at Regina’s

Rick Smyth, Corporate Partner, Wilkes

Chris Handy, Partner and Head of West Midlands, LDC

[Chair] Georgia Wright, West Mids Editor, TheBusinessDesk.com