03333 446306
Get in touch
company logo
company logo
  • About us
  • Our experts
  • News and insights
  • Careers
  • Client area
  • COVID-19
  • Accounts and audit
    • Accounting and complianceOur accounting and compliance specialists completely understand the needs of owner-managed businesses.
    • Management accountingAccurate management accounting is crucial in helping you understand and manage the performance of your business.
    • Internal auditAn internal audit is the process of objectively evaluating your business’ internal operations.
    • External auditAuditing is the independent examination of an organisation’s financial records and its statutory financial statements.
    • Forensic accountingForensic accounting involves the investigation of fraudulent financial activity and misrepresentation.
  • Tax services
    • Corporate taxThe world of corporate tax is ever changing, and complex tax legislation can make managing your tax affairs a challenging process.
    • Personal taxPersonal tax is a complex field to navigate, due to ever increasing legislation and changing regulations.
    • VAT & indirect taxVAT is one of the most complex and onerous tax regimes imposed on business.
    • Employment taxEmployment tax controls and governance to minimize employment tax risks.
  • Outsourced services
    • HR consultancyHere at Smith Cooper, we work alongside businesses, large and small, providing expert HR solutions that work for them.
    • Payroll servicesOur holistic payroll service can manage your entire payroll process for you, in house, and on time.
    • IT supportWithin the Smith Cooper group of companies, we have Infuse – experienced IT experts.
    • Management accountingAccurate management accounting is crucial in helping you understand and manage the performance of your business.
    • Bookkeeping servicesBookkeeping is an essential accounting practice within any business, and it is imperative that it’s done right.
    • Sage systems and supportWithin the Smith Cooper group of companies, we have Smith Cooper System Partners – dedicated Sage specialists.
    • Making Tax DigitalMaking Tax Digital (MTD) is a Government initiative to modernise the tax system.
  • Business recovery and insolvency
    • A creditor who is owed money by a company or an individualAs a creditor, it is vital that you seek help from qualified experts at the earliest possible opportunity.
    • A director or shareholder of a legal entity in financial distressOur award winning team of experts advise on a range of Insolvency options available for directors or shareholders.
    • A solvent entity seeking to conclude tax efficientlyWe are experts in helping companies conclude in a tax efficient manner.
    • An individual with a debt problemHaving problems with debt can be a stressful time, and one which most of us try to avoid.
  • Buy, sell and grow your business
    • Business advisory servicesWhatever your aspirations, our Business Advisory experts work with you to create innovative, specifically tailored solutions to meet your goals.
    • AcquisitionsWe can take you through every step of the Acquisition process, from compiling an initial target list to legal completion of the deal.
    • DisposalsOur expert team focus on thoroughly understanding client objectives and the business, ensuring an optimum outcome.
    • FundraisingWe work closely with clients to understand their requirements so we can both obtain and structure any financing accordingly.
  • Private client services
    • Personal tax complianceAs HMRC strive to tackle non-compliance, it is more important than ever that your Personal Tax affairs are in order.
    • Personal tax adviceWe understand that no two clients are the same, and as your personal tax advisors, our work is tailored specifically to you.
    • Independent Financial SolutionsWithin the Smith Cooper group of companies, we have Smith Cooper IFS, a UK based Independent Financial Solutions provider, providing a bespoke wealth management service.
  • Explore more
    • Upcoming eventsTake a look at what’s coming up.
    • TestimonialsTestimonials from a selection of our clients, operating in a range of fields.
    • Our publicationsA selection of our most recent deals, sector updates and other important information.
    • Recent transactionsSmith Cooper is a leading provider of corporate finance advisory and transaction support.
    • Case studiesA selection of service line specific case studies.
    • International reachAt Smith Cooper, we understand the need for businesses to operate internationally as they face an ever demanding global market place.
  • Accounts and audit
    • Accounting and compliance
    • Management accounting
    • Internal audit
    • External audit
    • Forensic accounting
  • Tax services
    • Corporate tax
    • Personal tax
    • VAT & indirect tax
    • Employment tax
  • Outsourced services
    • HR consultancy
    • Payroll services
    • IT support
    • Management accounting
    • Bookkeeping services
    • Sage systems and support
    • Making Tax Digital
  • Business recovery and insolvency
    • A creditor who is owed money by a company or an individual
    • A director or shareholder of a legal entity in financial distress
    • A solvent entity seeking to conclude tax efficiently
    • An individual with a debt problem
  • Buy, sell and grow your business
    • Business advisory services
    • Acquisitions
    • Disposals
    • Fundraising
  • Private client services
    • Personal tax compliance
    • Personal tax advice
    • Independent Financial Solutions
  • Explore more
    • Upcoming events
    • Testimonials
    • Our publications
    • Recent transactions
    • Case studies
    • International reach
  • About us
  • Our experts
  • News and insights
  • Careers
  • Client area
  • COVID-19

John Farnsworth

Partner

  • Based in: Derby
  • Direct Line 01332 374419
  • Connect with me on LinkedIn
Send me a message

Hello

I’m one of Smith Cooper’s equity partners and head the dedicated corporate finance division that’s represented in our Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham offices. I have been a corporate finance specialist for over 25 years and am responsible for proactive creation of deals and advising corporate and owner-managed business clients and funders on all forms of transactions in a wide range of sectors.

What can I do for your organisation?

I provide intensive management of corporate acquisitions, management buyouts, mergers and sales for mid-corporate and owner-managed businesses. Our aim is to really understand the aspirations of the clients we work for; that way, we can create innovative tailor-made solutions that optimise the transaction for the client and ensure it is at the best value and is swiftly and efficiently delivered, with minimum risk. Our deals generally range up to £50 million in deal size, and by allocating team members who specialise in a specific size-range and sector, we ensure clients get the best-possible service.

I also provide:

  • succession planning advice and help in preparing businesses for sale;
  • assistance with business planning and fundraising;
  • target-search services for acquisitive companies, private equity firms and individuals;
  • commercial diligence in the food and beverage sector to funders, investors and clients.

While sector-agnostic, having worked in many sectors (including the leisure, wholesale/retail, child nurseries, care and engineering sectors), I have particular specialisms in the food and beverage, franchise, and QSR sectors. That said, our deal management principles and fastidious methodology are easily applied to all sectors, and so I transact deals in all sectors.

Experience counts

I am a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and hold its CF (corporate finance) qualification, which is widely recognised as the global standard for corporate financiers.

I qualified with a small firm in 1982, moving to an audit/assurance department at KPMG shortly after. In 1993 I joined the newly formed corporate finance unit in the Nottingham office of KPMG, working for a wide range of clients including corporates, local authorities and individuals.

I joined Smith Cooper in 1999 to set up a corporate finance discipline and have since continued to service the mid-corporate and owner-managed business sectors that have been largely neglected by the ‘big four’ accountancy firms. Smith Cooper now has 3 dedicated corporate finance teams in 3 locations, ranks in the top-10 by deal volume in the Midlands, and regularly wins industry corporate finance awards.

Deeper knowledge

I have experience in a wide range of sectors, including food and drink (manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing), franchising, leisure, retail/wholesale, child nurseries, pharmacies, engineering (aero, nuclear, rail, heavy, other), print/packaging, and outsourcing. While remaining a sector generalist, I have specific expertise in the food and beverage sector, and especially in fast-food franchises (dealing mainly with international brands such as KFC, Costa, Domino’s, Pizza Hut and the like), where I have advised on over 60 assignments (nationally and internationally) for franchisees, franchisors, banks and private equity investors.

Personally speaking

I am married with four children. I am a keen mountain biker and occasional recreational skier. I enjoy watching motorsports, my favourite being Moto GP bike racing.

I like all things mechanical and have a passion for old buildings and DIY (which is just as well, because my home is a long-term restoration project!).

I’ve known John and David of Smith Cooper Corporate Finance for years and, being well-known for their expertise in this field, appointing them to this important transaction was a natural choice. I doubt we would have achieved the deal without them and have no hesitation in recommending them.

Diljit Brar, Goldex Investments

Related Services

  • Buy, sell and grow your business

Recent posts

  • Chancellor Rishi Sunak expected to announce an extension to furlough and business rates relief in Spring Budget

    22nd February 2021
  • Fabrikat deal lights the way

    18th February 2021
  • Pay as You Grow – Greater flexibility to repay Bounce Back Loans

    10th February 2021

Speak to an expert for business and accounting advice on 03333 446306 or get in touch online.

Get in touch
Contact your local office
  • Derby 01332 332021
  • Nottingham 0115 945 4300
  • Birmingham 0121 236 6789
  • Ashbourne 01335 343 141
  • Telford 01952 601052
  • Cambridge 01223 755531
  • Leicester 01455 614 500
  • Newcastle 0191 495 6181
  • London 0203 675 4564
Discover more about us
  • About us
  • Smith Cooper group companies
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Legal
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • © 2021 Smith Cooper