James Bagley

Hello

I’m James, Managing Partner here at Smith Cooper and I work with a broad range of privately owned companies, providing advisory services to help develop and grow your business.

In my role as Managing Partner, it’s my responsibility to ensure we as advisors remain at the forefront of the rapidly changing world, making an enduring impact on our clients and focusing on our purpose of adding true value that goes over and above statutory requirements.

What can I do for your organisation?

In short, I help clients drive their business forward.

As an advisory Partner, my focus centres around helping businesses develop and implement their corporate strategy. I work alongside clients to deliver practical and astute advice that helps meet their business goals and aligns with their personal and commercial aspirations.

As part of Smith Cooper’s award-winning corporate finance team, I strive to deliver exceptional service quality by building close relationships with clients on both a commercial and personal level. I take the time to fully understand their objectives and issues, before assisting them with executing their transactions.

I also form part of Smith Cooper’s specialist audit division, which is where a large proportion of my clients are. I support many businesses of varying size, across a wide range of sectors, ensuring they meet their regulatory requirements.

Experience counts

I have been with Smith Cooper since 2004, when I joined as a fresh-faced graduate from Newcastle University, having obtained a first-class degree with honours in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University Business School.

I joined the Nottingham office in 2010, became a Partner in 2011 and went on to become Managing Partner of the firm in 2016. This progression from grass routes has provided me with an innate understanding of the industry in which we operate here at Smith Cooper and has equipped me with invaluable experience.

I’ve advised clients in a variety of sectors, ranging from small owner-managed businesses, to large groups with turnovers in excess of £100 million. Client service and integrity is crucial, and my wide-ranging experience means I have a clear understanding of the varied risks and challenges businesses face throughout the business life cycle.

Deeper knowledge

I frequently advise entrepreneurial businesses, from start-ups to fast growing SMEs providing advice, bolstering business plans, appraising investment options, reviewing forecasting and refinancing opportunities, providing deal support on both sale and purchase side, as well as advising on group ownership structure from both a commercial and a tax viewpoint.

In time-critical and complex scenarios I provide bespoke advice centred around an optimal strategy scenario, creating innovative, bespoke plans.

Personally speaking

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, particularly my young son. I enjoy entertaining, (and being entertained) as well as travelling, and sharing new experiences. I am big on sport, particularly water sports, as well as golf and (Après) skiing.