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  • Part 2: People Do Business with People They Like: Get Acquainted with The MGroup Team

Part 2: People Do Business with People They Like: Get Acquainted with The MGroup Team

Our exploration into the diverse and fascinating hobbies of The MGroup team continues. In this second part, we introduce you to more team members and their captivating interests.

Geoff Farmer – Mastering Home Automation

Geoff Farmer has a unique passion for home automation, turning his living space into a haven of technological convenience. His home boasts an array of automated features, from lighting systems that respond to occupancy to window blinds that gracefully open and close with the sun. Geoff’s bathroom even hosts an extractor fan that activates when humidity levels rise, triggered by a steamy shower. His house is brimming with ingenious tech solutions, all coordinated by a home automation system called Home Assistant and orchestrated by Amazon Alexa. While the practical benefits of his setup are undeniable, Geoff’s true motivation is his genuine love for technology, although he modestly attributes it to saving time and effort.

Heather Faulds – Capturing Moments Through Photography

Heather Faulds’ journey into photography traces back to her childhood when her father indulged in home movies. Gifted with a camera at the tender age of 10, Heather embarked on her photographic odyssey. Over the years, she’s perfected her skills, joining photography clubs in Witney and Shipton under Wychwood to delve deeper into the art’s technical aspects. Heather relishes the artistic side of photography, offering a refreshing escape from her professional life. Her photographic interests encompass a wide spectrum, as she seeks out the unique and unusual in every shot. Heather also aims to explore the world of phone photography, recognising the vast potential of modern smartphone cameras.

Heather Faulds Photography 4

Heather Faulds Photography 3

Emily Robinson – A Black Belt in Martial Arts

Emily Robinson, a valued member of our team, holds the esteemed title of a 1st-degree black belt in martial arts. Her journey began when she agreed to attend a women-only martial arts class with her cousin, driven by her love for martial arts in films. Emily finds immense satisfaction in mastering kicks, learning self-defence techniques, and showcasing flowing sequences of moves known as forms. Since starting her martial arts journey in October 2018, she has progressed through 11 grading exams, each more challenging than the last. Emily’s dedication shines through as she sets her sights on achieving a 2nd-degree black belt in the coming year.

Ollie Butt, Jordan Lyne, and Oliver Squire – Golf Enthusiasts

The summer season at The MGroup sees a spirited competition among our team members who are avid golfers. Engaging in ‘The MGroup Summer League Competition’ at Studley Wood Golf Club, they vie for the prestigious title of ‘Summer League Champion.’ The competition culminated with Ollie Butt emerging as the 2023 champion, closely followed by Jordan Lyne and Oliver Squire. Beyond the competition, The MGroup enjoys a close relationship with Studley Wood Golf Club, hosting monthly golf networking events. This idyllic golf course offers a challenging experience set amidst the tranquil Oxfordshire countryside, uniting our team in friendly rivalry and camaraderie.

Studley Wood Golf Club Summer League 2

Ian Walker – Refereeing the Game of Rugby

Ian Walker, a member of The MGroup team, doubles as an Oxfordshire Society Referee. For the past few years, he has officiated rugby games across the county. Ian’s commitment extends beyond refereeing; he has also ventured into coaching. The Oxfordshire Society of Rugby Football Referees, a small and friendly society, benefits from his dedication to providing capable match officials at all levels of the game. Ian’s passion for rugby keeps him in shape, and he recently embarked on a new season, starting with a game between Grove 2nd RFC and Faringdon.

The MGroup team members bring their unique interests and talents to our conservative world of personal and business accounting. These diverse hobbies showcase their well-rounded personalities and the depth of their passions. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know our team a little better through their fascinating pursuits. Stay tuned for more updates from The MGroup!

Testimonials

What our Customers Say

The MGroup have really been there for me and my business through the good times and the more difficult ones. Their advice has always been spot on, and has really ...
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Jessica Harvey-Smith
Debate Chamber Limited
The MGroup have really been there for me and my business through the good times and the more difficult ones. Their advice has always been spot on, and has really helped me to plan ahead and to consider angles on decisions which I might not have thought about otherwise. As well as being admirably clear and straightforward, everyone I have dealt with there has been friendly, patient, and thoughtful, and has really taken the time to get to know my business.
Jessica Harvey-Smith
Debate Chamber Limited
Mark has given me excellent Corporate Finance advice and support for 3 years and I would thoroughly recommend him. He is very tenacious in finding suitable companies to acquire and then ...
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Mark Swaby
Management Buy In client
Mark has given me excellent Corporate Finance advice and support for 3 years and I would thoroughly recommend him. He is very tenacious in finding suitable companies to acquire and then good at negotiating and putting deals together, including the all important funding. He is also very innovative in finding solutions to issues arising along the way.
Mark Swaby
Management Buy In client
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgeable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. ...
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Peter Mace
Managing Director, TT Concrete
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgeable, 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 by Peter Smith and his team. I couldn't fault them.
Peter Mace
Managing Director, TT Concrete
I have nothing but admiration and respect for Geoff, Sandie and Lesley, the team at MGroup Corporate Finance who led us through the sale process - they are...
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Dan Graham
co-founder of F45 Training Stratford
I have nothing but admiration and respect for Geoff, Sandie and Lesley, the team at MGroup Corporate Finance who led us through the sale process - they are true professionals. Our key contact was Partner, Geoff Pinder, who took us under his wing, asking the right questions to help us make sensible decisions and protect our best interests. From the very first conversation it felt like they cared as much about our endgame as we did. We were both under a lot of pressure to close the deal and move on with our lives, so having a team we trusted by our side as we navigated game-playing, time-wasting potential buyers, was incredibly helpful. They are all wonderful people, and I would highly recommend you talk to them if you’re planning to exit your business.
Dan Graham
co-founder of F45 Training Stratford

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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.