The Corporate Finance Network (The CFN) is marking a major milestone in UK SME development. Over the past year, 21 businesses have become acquisitive for the first time.
This has been with support from CFN member firms, who have been on a campaign to grow the number of companies who will consider buying another business.
These companies, all of them owner-managed and previously unfamiliar with the M&A process, were guided through every stage, from strategy and target identification to due diligence and integration.
This structured coaching forms part of The CFN’s ongoing work to help regional businesses access the same growth opportunities traditionally associated with larger corporates. And to boost local economies across the country.
Demystifying acquisitions for SMEs
For many business owners, acquisitions can appear complex and risky. Through The CFN’s hands-on support, advisers have helped demystify the process, giving SME leaders the knowledge and confidence to acquire successfully.
And with databases and market intelligence available to each of the member firms, their clients have had access to the same research which only large national firms have historically been able to provide.
As experts in corporate finance transactions for owner-managed businesses, the member firms of The CFN are ideally placed to support clients through this process.
A catalyst for regional growth
First-time acquisitions are particularly significant for the wider economy. They bring renewed energy into local markets, creating opportunities for innovation, employment and supply chain expansion.
According to Chairman of The CFN, Kirsty McGregor, the timing of this campaign was critical.
“With so many business owners reaching the stage of wanting to exit (almost 1m business have owners who are aged over 60 according to data from MarktoMarket at September 2025, or 16% of all companies), it’s imperative for the economy that we transition these brands and employers to new owners so that they continue trading and providing employment and contribute to GDP.
“We estimate that 90% of companies are not currently sellable, so we need to protect the 10% that are and ensure we can find buyers. Very few businesses make acquisitions, so we felt a drive was needed to encourage more to consider it. And I’m delighted that we have had this result.”
Building confidence for the future
As these businesses grow, they strengthen regional ecosystems, improve productivity, and contribute to a more resilient SME sector.
As typically happens, several of these new acquirers are now considering further transactions and are intending to become serial acquirers.
As the UK economy adapts to new challenges, initiatives like this demonstrate the vital role of professional advisers in supporting SME growth. The achievements of these 21 businesses highlight what can be accomplished when expertise, planning and ambition come together, with a strategic vision for increasing the number of deals in the UK.
The Corporate Finance Network continues to champion practical, collaborative solutions that enable more SMEs to grow through acquisition and build long-term value for their owners, employees and communities.
To continue to spread the word, The CFN has issued a new Guide for its member firms, entitled “A Practical Guide to SME Acquisitions”.
For a copy of this guide or for more information about The CFN’s coaching and acquisition support, email info@TheCFN.org.uk
