• News & Views

News & Views

Keep up to date with the latest News & Insights from The MGroup.

Unused pension funds and death benefits

Unused pension funds and death benefits

In summary Unused pension funds are set to fall within the scope of Inheritance Tax from April 2027, marking a significant change to how pension death benefits are treated. This article explains what the unused pension fund IHT change means, who is affected, and why...

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Points of view, the Mansions Tax

Points of view, the Mansions Tax

Context from The MGroup The proposal of a High Value Council Tax Surcharge has prompted strong and varied reactions across the media, property sector and political commentators. Often referred to in the press as a mansion tax, the measure raises wider questions around...

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How AI can help small business owners work smarter

How AI can help small business owners work smarter

Supporting businesses with practical insight At The MGroup, we work with small business owners every day to help them make better use of their time, data and resources. As AI tools become more accessible, many businesses are asking how they can use them sensibly,...

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Why long term planning makes sense

Why long term planning makes sense

Most business decisions are shaped by the pressure of the moment. Cash flow, deadlines, staffing changes, and new opportunities often push long term questions to one side. Yet the most resilient businesses tend to be those that step back and take a wider view. Long...

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Testimonials

What our Customers Say

★★★★★
Joining forces with Smart Systems UK Ltd represents an exciting new chapter for Phi Lighting. We believe their forward-thinking approach and established presence in the industry will enable us to ...
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Jon Dale
Managing Director and Co-Founder of Phi Lighting Systems Ltd
★★★★★
Joining forces with Smart Systems UK Ltd represents an exciting new chapter for Phi Lighting. We believe their forward-thinking approach and established presence in the industry will enable us to bring our innovative designs and technologies to a wider audience while continuing to deliver the quality and tailored solutions our clients have come to expect.
Jon Dale
Managing Director and Co-Founder of Phi Lighting Systems Ltd
★★★★★
Thank you Geoff, to you and your team. First class work by yourself, navigating extremely challenging waters. Without your professionalism, wisdom and expertise this deal would not have happened. Your ...
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Nick Joslyn, Steve Welch and Simon Davies
4i Solutions Ltd
★★★★★
Thank you Geoff, to you and your team. First class work by yourself, navigating extremely challenging waters. Without your professionalism, wisdom and expertise this deal would not have happened. Your calm and supportive guidance has been a blessing throughout this process and the expertise of your team has helped to take a lot of the load along the way. Sincere thanks and gratitude to all involved. This deal would not have happened without your personal support, guidance and experienced hand on the tiller, never mind the calmness, patience and professional approach that you and your team at the MGroup met each and every challenge with. I can't think of a meeting or discussion that I came away from, without feeling better for it, on the basis of having received your advice. Been a pleasure working with you and being supported by you and the team. Don't hesitate to offer me up, if it helps, as a reference for others should they want to talk to MGroup's previous clients.
Nick Joslyn, Steve Welch and Simon Davies
4i Solutions Ltd
★★★★★
The MGroup team guided me through the entire buying process from my first inquiry to post-transaction. I understood what was achievable for me, and the personable, approachable nature of the ...
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Alex Forster
Hunt Bespoke Kitchens
★★★★★
The MGroup team guided me through the entire buying process from my first inquiry to post-transaction. I understood what was achievable for me, and the personable, approachable nature of the team members enabled us to form a trusted partnership. The MGroup acted in my behalf, always with professionalism and diligence. They were proactive and conscientious and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Alex Forster
Hunt Bespoke Kitchens
★★★★★
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. ...
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Peter Mace
TT Concrete Products Ltd
★★★★★
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. We frequently get approaches from other accountancy firms and I tell them that we have no need to look elsewhere as everything is catered for very efficiently. I couldn't fault them.
Peter Mace
TT Concrete Products Ltd
★★★★★
My company was recently introduced to the MGroup because we undertook an MBO and they advised us to a successful conclusion. As part of this exercise they undertook due diligence ...
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Simon E Hersh
NS Optimum Ltd
★★★★★
My company was recently introduced to the MGroup because we undertook an MBO and they advised us to a successful conclusion. As part of this exercise they undertook due diligence work to show the lender that the deal would be fundable. In my view the standard of their work was excellent and I would recommend them to other potential clients. Many of the bigger professional firms no longer put their client's requirements and interests first, they tell you what can't be done not what can. I am glad to say that MGroup are refreshingly different in this respect.
Simon E Hersh
NS Optimum Ltd
★★★★★
We were recommended to use MGroup by our solicitor, and they proved to be invaluable in helping us acquire ownership of the company. After taking the time to come and ...
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Andrew Simpson and Sam Kemp
Apex Fluid Engineering Ltd
★★★★★
We were recommended to use MGroup by our solicitor, and they proved to be invaluable in helping us acquire ownership of the company. After taking the time to come and visit our business premises, MGroup understood our industry, our situation and our hopes and expectations. MGroup were efficient and supportive and on hand, often at short notice, to join calls, answer questions and guide us through the entire MBO process. MGroup have been efficient and thorough throughout the process, and are still supporting us on some additional tasks even though we have completed our MBO. We will definitely go back to MGroup in the future if we need require any further financial services.
Andrew Simpson and Sam Kemp
Apex Fluid Engineering Ltd
★★★★★
I couldn’t have wished for a better team supporting the deal. The MGroup team certainly earned their fee, and I’m grateful for their efforts. They were professional...
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Dan Rigden
Renews Ltd
★★★★★
I couldn’t have wished for a better team supporting the deal. The MGroup team certainly earned their fee, and I’m grateful for their efforts. They were professional, approachable, and worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for us. Their dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for our long-term goals were evident from start to finish. I would recommend Geoff and his team without hesitation to anyone considering an exit.
Dan Rigden
Renews Ltd
★★★★★
The MGroup team provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and dedication were second to none, and I couldn’t have asked for a better...
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Derrick Quick
Nu-Venture Coaches Ltd
★★★★★
The MGroup team provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and dedication were second to none, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to support us.
Derrick Quick
Nu-Venture Coaches Ltd
★★★★★
Working with The MGroup Corporate Finance was a game-changer for me and my company. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in navigating the complexities of my sale journey. Thanks to ...
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Barney Dorman
Log Delivery Ltd
★★★★★
Working with The MGroup Corporate Finance was a game-changer for me and my company. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in navigating the complexities of my sale journey. Thanks to their guidance, we were able to secure the right future home for the business and a deal which delivered my strategic exit objectives. I am immensely grateful to Geoff and his team for their invaluable contribution and would highly recommend their services to any company looking to exit.
Barney Dorman
Log Delivery Ltd
★★★★★
It's hard to put into words the depth of gratitude we have for The MGroup Corporate Finance team. Throughout the entire process of selling our business, they were...
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Chris & Paul
Integrity Group Ltd
★★★★★
It's hard to put into words the depth of gratitude we have for The MGroup Corporate Finance team. Throughout the entire process of selling our business, they were not just consultants; they were partners, guides, and pillars of support. From the very beginning, they brought a level of technical expertise that was unparalleled and took the time to really understand the business and our personal motivations for seeking an exit. The detailed valuation analysis and strategic insights gave us confidence in the decisions we were making. They navigated the complexities of the deal, ensuring that every aspect was thoroughly examined, explained and then negotiated to deliver the best outcome for us. The senior partner of our buyer’s lawyer commented that MGroup’s set up of the data-room was the best they’d ever seen. But perhaps what truly sets them apart is their unwavering emotional support. Selling a business isn't just a financial transaction; it's an emotional journey filled with uncertainty and anxiety. The team understood this implicitly. They were there for us every step of the way, offering reassurance, empathy, and a listening ear when we needed it most. Thanks to their expertise and support, we were not just successful in selling our business; we were able to do so with confidence and peace of mind. We couldn't have asked for better partners in this journey.
Chris & Paul
Integrity Group Ltd

Ollie Squire

Partner

Chris Denton

Partner

Jordan Lyne

Partner

Jordan has worked with various client’s over his ten years at The MGroup. The services provided range from bookkeeping, VAT returns, annual accounts and management accounts. He has been involved in recruitment of new staff members and helped move the firm on with it’s systems by creating and improving internal controls and procedures.

Jordan manages his resources efficiently to meet deadlines and where clients have specific requirements, he works closely with them to ensure these are both feasible and met in a timely manner. Jordan has clients in various sectors, ranging from international companies to smaller locally based businesses.

Wendy Tatham

Partner

Wendy joined the firm in 2015, after starting in finance for the NHS and then qualifying with another local firm of accountants. She brought with her experience across all areas, having previously managed payroll support, corporate and personal tax compliance and planning alongside other general practice elements.

Wendy works with clients across a range of sectors and enjoys supporting them with their statutory reporting, internal financial processes, corporate and personal tax planning and business advisory services. A key area of interest is working closely with her clients to support them with growing and restructuring their businesses to align with their long term goals.

In her spare time Wendy is the lead volunteer for Oxfordshire Scouts, supporting 95 Scouts groups across the county to deliver a fun programme of activities to young people aged 4 to 24.

Geoff Pinder

Corporate Finance Partner

Geoff has operated in the Mergers & Acquisitions and the corporate finance arena since 2004. He has held Executive roles leading and managing the performance and productivity of cross functional teams focused on delivering a high quality service to clients across complex portfolios.

Selling a business is a life changing event, and Geoff’s passion is working with businesses owners to help them explore the various exit options and strategies available to achieve their objectives, leading to excellent results for all stakeholders.

Geoff has been involved in over 500 deals across multiple industry sectors, working predominantly on the sell side of transactions, including sales to strategic buyers, private equity, and MBO’s.

Darren Green

Partner

Having grown up in North Oxfordshire, Darren joined The MGroup in 1999 as a trainee, qualified in 2003, and became a partner in 2010. Darren is best known for his ability to ‘go the extra mile’ for clients; even changing a flat tyre outside the office when it was discovered after a meeting, helping his clients to safely make their way home.

Aside from changing tyres, Darren enjoys helping clients to grow their varied and interesting businesses, and gaining insights into a wide range of sectors. In particular, he likes working within the corporate finance team, assisting with financial projections and due diligence for prospective buyers. Darren enjoys the challenging and pressurized nature of this type of work. Many of his clients are from manufacturing, technology or start-up backgrounds.

In his spare time Darren is a family man and he also enjoys sport, including football, skiing and running. He has taken part in a 26 mile walk for a cancer charity with colleague Geoff.

Peter Smith

Partner

Peter joined The MGroup in 1990 and became a partner in 1996. Originally from Wiltshire, Peter is a member of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce where he has been a Chamber council member for over 20 years.

Helping to provide a complete finance solution to companies is one of Peter’s key focus areas. He believes this to be a service that sets the partnership aside from its competitors, alongside The MGroup values and employees.

Peter provides financial mentoring, support with strategy and planning, solutions to increase profitability and improve cash flow, and help with expansion/diversification plans. His specialist interest areas include not-for-profit, healthcare and international organisations.

Peter enjoys the opportunities and challenges he is faced with every day at The MGroup and making a difference to clients’ lives. He is also a keen local charity supporter, regularly helping to raise funds and awareness for SeeSaw and SpecialEffect where he is an ambassador.

Outside of work, Peter is a Chelsea Football Club season ticket holder. He likes walking in the local area, especially if there is a pub or café at the end of the walk, and enjoys holidays in Devon, in particular to a secret escape in Dartmouth.

Richard Clayton

Partner

In 1984 Richard became the youngest ever partner at The MGroup at the age of 27 and is now the longest serving partner. Richard is a true team player, having been a prominent local footballer in his early years. He very much brings the team ethos to The MGroup who like to work as an integral part of their client teams.

Richard qualified in 1982 and has worked with many of his clients for decades, evidence of the excellent service provided by both Richard and the firm. Richard is proud of the firm’s exceptional reputation. He continues to develop new strategies and explore improvements to the services they provide and remains highly ambitious and committed. Outside of work Richard enjoys golf, football, spending time with his family and the very occasional glass of wine (normally accompanied by too much food!).

Richard has a depth of knowledge and experience in all areas of the construction industry and also deals with most of the firms agricultural clients. He also deals with a wide range of other clients which include a substantial number of UK subsidiaries of overseas companies together with a number of high profile local businesses. Richard is a firm believer that the role of a trusted accountant is to provide clients with the best possible advice and support. The client does not always have to follow advice but he believes they must have all options on the table to form a meaningful decision.