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Justin Sparks

Experience

With nearly 30 years' experience as a dealmaker helping clients to sell their businesses, buy companies and to raise finance.

As an owner manager, who has set up, developed and successfully sold their business, Justin can relate to and understand the issues facing clients who need help finding the best solution for them and supporting them to navigate the pitfalls of a complex transaction.

Education

University of Cardiff

Member of ICAEW

Professional career

Founding partner of Evolve Corporate Finance and Evolve Capital Partners.

Qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994 with PWC including joining their Insolvency and Restructuring team gaining invaluable commercial experience dealing with insolvent and distressed companies.

Joined Ernst & Young’s Corporate Finance team in 1996 with roles in Financial Due Diligence, Private Equity & Mergers & Acquisition teams.

Worked at Bridgepoint, a mid-market PE institution in 2003, in their investment team.

Founding partner of Springboard in 2005 which Justin managed and developed into a multi award winning National M&A practice before selling the business to Begbies Traynor PLC in 2018.

Interests

Justin is married with two children and is a keen F1 and motorsport fan, enjoys mountain biking, keeping fit and travelling.

Don't just take our word for it...

Our Partners have completed numerous deal and are personally recommended.

Katharine Pinfold

Former owner and Director
,
Claremont Ingredients

“Justin helped steer the sale of our company through a challenging period of Covid-19. Throughout a long process they worked tirelessly and were always available, professional and supportive. We h...”

Full testimonial:

“Justin helped steer the sale of our company through a challenging period of Covid-19. Throughout a long process they worked tirelessly and were always available, professional and supportive. We have no doubt that we chose the right partner to manage the sale process.”

Nick Smith

Former owner and Director
,
Alanto

“Justin guided us through the sales process, providing expert and honest advice to ensure this deal happened. We selected Justin based on his international capability, partner-led approach and str...”

Full testimonial:

“Justin guided us through the sales process, providing expert and honest advice to ensure this deal happened. We selected Justin based on his international capability, partner-led approach and strong track record and would recommend him to anyone wishing to sell their business.”

Daniel Zaydman

Former shareholder and Chairman
,
RedSpeed International

“I have previously worked with other advisers to sell my businesses and Justin brought a fresh approach to this transaction.  I am very happy with the outcome of the sale, Justin was fully committ...”

Full testimonial:

“I have previously worked with other advisers to sell my businesses and Justin brought a fresh approach to this transaction.  I am very happy with the outcome of the sale, Justin was fully committed to making it happen and their senior team provided helpful and practical advice at all times.”

Mark Hoptroff

Director and former owner
,
DG8 Design and Engineering

“The only mistake we made in using Justin was not getting him involved sooner! He joined the project at a difficult stage but turned the deal around to ensure that all of our hard work didn't go t...”

Full testimonial:

“The only mistake we made in using Justin was not getting him involved sooner! He joined the project at a difficult stage but turned the deal around to ensure that all of our hard work didn't go to waste. Both sides of the transaction commented that without Justin's involvement we wouldn't have got the deal over the line and their support was excellent, no matter what time of day.”

Jonathan Hildred

Former shareholder and Managing Director
,
Medical Imaging

"We were guided through the process from start to finish and Justin was always on hand to assist.  We would certainly recommend the services of Justin to anyone wishing to consider selling or buyi..."

Full testimonial:

"We were guided through the process from start to finish and Justin was always on hand to assist.  We would certainly recommend the services of Justin to anyone wishing to consider selling or buying a business."

Julian Bryan

Former Chief Executive and shareholder
,
Veterinary Solutions

"It wasn’t until we had engaged the services of Justin that we realised how valuable he was in supporting us through our recent sale.  Not only did he know how to manage the relationship with a se..."

Full testimonial:

"It wasn’t until we had engaged the services of Justin that we realised how valuable he was in supporting us through our recent sale.  Not only did he know how to manage the relationship with a seasoned acquirer, but he ensured we secured full value and, most importantly, allowed us to get on with the ‘day job’ of running the business to maintain the value through the transaction.  This was particularly important to us as we were continuing on within the business after completion.  Money very well spent!"

Stuart Finlator

Former owner and Director
,
Race Furniture

“Throughout the whole process Justin worked relentlessly towards making this fantastic deal happen.  He is hugely knowledgeable and skilful in his approach and was able to negotiate the very best...”

Full testimonial:

“Throughout the whole process Justin worked relentlessly towards making this fantastic deal happen.  He is hugely knowledgeable and skilful in his approach and was able to negotiate the very best outcome for us; I could not recommend his services more highly.”

Alan Taylor

Managing Director and Major Shareholder
,
Midland Industrial Glass Limited

"Having already been through an MBO we felt that we had learnt a lot about negotiating a deal and raising finance.  However, we are extremely thankful that we appointed Justin and David to work wi..."

Full testimonial:

"Having already been through an MBO we felt that we had learnt a lot about negotiating a deal and raising finance.  However, we are extremely thankful that we appointed Justin and David to work with us on this new deal as they added value throughout the whole process.  It is a fact that without their dedication and expertise we would not have successfully completed this deal.  They supported and guided us at all times but we always felt in control and more than comfortable in what can be a fairly daunting and involved process. We would highly recommend using them and know that although it felt like a big financial commitment at the time, all parties involved agreed it was certainly money well spent. We shall be using them again without hesitation."

David Keene

Shareholder and Managing Director
,
RDM Group

"Justin and David promised to provide a premium and highly professional service with value added advice.  They delivered more than they promised and exceeded our expectations on all counts.  They..."

Full testimonial:

"Justin and David promised to provide a premium and highly professional service with value added advice.  They delivered more than they promised and exceeded our expectations on all counts.  They shared our commitment and drive to make the deal happen.  I would have no hesitations in recommending them."

Brian McCluskie

Former shareholder and Managing Director
,
LFI UK

"We are indebted to Justin for his professional, dedicated work in successfully bringing the two companies together.  His experience proved invaluable in the complex negotiations whilst allowing t..."

Full testimonial:

"We are indebted to Justin for his professional, dedicated work in successfully bringing the two companies together.  His experience proved invaluable in the complex negotiations whilst allowing the management team to focus on continuing to grow the business.  I am in no doubt that Justin saved us time and energy and worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome."

Julian Bryan

Managing Director
,
Quill

"With Justin I know I am getting thought-through advice and guidance based on experience and knowledge of the market.  It was always very reassuring to have calm and professional support on hand t..."

Full testimonial:

"With Justin I know I am getting thought-through advice and guidance based on experience and knowledge of the market.  It was always very reassuring to have calm and professional support on hand throughout the process."

OUR TEAM EXPERIENCE

25+

average partner experience

100+

completed deals

>50%

proportion of deals that are cross border

100+

years of combined experience

International Experience

We have an extensive network of global partners to help support deliver cross border deals for our clients.  Our partners have successfully completed deals in most major economies across the globe.

Our Team

Having previously developed an award-winning firm, we are continually investing in our team to deliver the best outcomes for clients. We have the strength in depth to support you.

David Neate

Partner

Justin Sparks

Partner

Peter Talbot

Partner

Jonathan Wright

Partner

David Lee

Director

Tom Hammond

Director

Doug Allan

Assistant Director

Daniel McCartney

Manager

Georgie Arthur

Executive

Harry Ferguson

Associate

Our Partners

We are an independent, corporate advisory firm. Owned by its Partners, with a track record of running a multiple award-winning firm, committed to delivery the highest quality, truly independent and confidential strategic advice to clients to deliver outstanding results.

Daniel McCartney

Manager

David Lee

Director

David has over 25 years’ experience encompassing advising institutions, owner-managers, founders and corporates across a number of sectors.

Doug Allan

Assistant Director

Georgie is an Executive at Evolve and joined the team in 2024 with 9 years of experience having held roles in Audit at BDO and as a finance manager for a leading retail brand. Georgie works in our deal team supporting both buy and sell-side transactions across a range of industries.

Harry Ferguson

Associate

Justin has over 26 years’ dealmaking experience advising clients. He has set up, invested in, developed, managed and sold businesses so he can relate to his clients.

Delivering creative and practical solutions to complete your deal!

We believe that clients want advice delivered by experienced partners with a track record of delivering successful outcomes for our clients. Our philosophy is to deliver a hands on partner led approach on transactions.

Get in touch with a partner