For 2018, get to know the people behind Assay Corporate Finance better, with our short monthly interviews. First up is Ian Bussey, a partner based in our London office.

Tell us about how 2017 went for you.
In a word exciting! It’s been a year of change. We’ve had the merger with Assay Birmingham and the MBO of Assay Corporate Finance as well as an ever growing pipeline of work to manage.

What can people expect from Assay in 2018?
A strong focus on supporting owner-managers in the journey towards exit. We’re really excited about our consulting product and how it helps unlock equity value for owner managers.

What deal are you most proud of?
The sale of Rapita Systems to Danlaw, because this delivered a return on investment to the external shareholders who supported the business from inception, as well as finding the right home for the three founder managers within a larger global business that shared values, which is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Whats the strangest thing thats happened to you on a transaction recently?
I spent a whole night in a car in Cornwall driving our client from Gatwick to Newquay in the wee hours of the morning to get to a breakfast meeting because they missed their connecting flight. Thankfully we got the deal over the line.

Do you have an industry focus or speciality?
My main area of expertise is in medical devices.

What non work related achievement are you most proud of?
It’s a close thing between playing for England U19 cricket team at Lords (a very long time ago) and coaching a talented bunch of youngsters in 2013 who became national cricket champions (St Cross Simmondians) out of 1700 teams who entered the competition.

What was your favourite film in 2017?
Baby Driver.

What was your sporting highlight in 2017?
Australia retaining the Ashes.

What is your favourite food or restaurant?
My beautiful wife’s home cooked Indian food.

Where did you spend Christmas this year?
Austria, where I went skiing.

When you are not at Assay what do you like to do to relax?
I like to ski, go to the movies and read.

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised about.
I once completed in Australia’s longest white water canoe race. It was 132km long, took 2 days and was cold and wet.

Get in touch with Ian on 0207 798 2840 or ibussey@assayadvisory.com