Meet the Team

We sat down (virtually) with our new Operations Manager, Quintin. One of our first virtual additions to the company. We find out his background, why he chose a career in Corporate Finance and a bit about what he enjoys doing outside of work.

 

  1. What was your background prior to joining Velocity?

I have been in M&A for the past 18 years. My main role was in the capacity of a Senior Project Manager.

 

  1. What were your motivations behind choosing a career in Corporate Finance?

I believe Corporate Finance chose me. I stuck with it as I really felt a sense of being humbled each time clients entrusted me to manage the sale process of their business, and being there through that emotional roller coaster ride played to my strengths.

 

  1. What does a typical day look like for you?

Covid changed what “typical” looks like for me, but having found my rhythm, I wake up early, I tend to go for a long walk, read while having breakfast, all before beginning my day at work, which is now my home office. After work, my family and I have coffee together and chat about our day, then its usually time to catch up on my medical drama.

 

  1. Do you think the world of M&A has changed in some ways due to COVID-19?

M&A has most certainly changed due to Covid. I have seen many “forced entrepreneurships” as people have lost employment and taken the opportunity to start a business, acquire business and some have been forced to realise that life is more than just owning and running a business and decided to sell. It has been a paradigm shift for M&A.

 

  1. What do you find are the main obstacles to watch out for that can threaten a deal, prior to closing?

There are two that I can immediately identify. First, when there is no communication. Communication between buyer and seller is critical throughout the lifespan of a deal, but particularly toward closing a deal.

Secondly, my mantra is “time kills deals”. The longer a deal takes to happen the more likely it comes under threat. This is particularly the case during due diligence. If the DD process is not proactively managed to a timeline, the deal is already under threat.

 

  1. What is one thing you couldn’t live without, and why?

I don’t think I could live without my ability to read. I love reading.

 

  1. We finish the interview, and you step outside the house and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning £10 million. What would you do?

Spend some, save some and give some.

 

Rapid Fire:

  1. Summer or winter? Summer
  2. Favourite sport?  Squash
  3. Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Warren Buffet
  4. Any hidden talents? Sadly, they are even hidden from me