Simon
Woodcock
Meet the LAVA M&A team
At LAVA, we pride ourselves on being down to earth, friendly and approachable. Our job is to find the right solution for your unique situation, so we treat every single deal as a brand new opportunity to innovate, create and deliver the best, most meaningful results for our clients.
With a whole host of deeply technical deal experience, dedicated negotiation training, and the broadest range of supporting functions around, there's always someone who can help you reach the right next steps for you, and your business.
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Simon is an expert negotiator and dealmaker with a wealth of experience delivering bespoke solutions to complex business problems for companies of all sizes and specialisms. He co-founded LAVA with the aim of building a great place to work while pushing the boundaries of the M&A industry.
Simon has a passion for progress, going above and beyond to craft niche solutions to knotty problems for each and every client. Having moved to the wilds of Sussex he spends his downtime enjoying a blow-out meal with his wife and two daughters, offsetting the culinary excesses by training for his latest charity marathon.
Hamish
Martin
Hamish's innate curiosity fuels his passion for working closely with entrepreneurs to understand their businesses, create optionality and then crystallise their goals. His ability to distil the vital points of a deal and translate them into meaningful results is why he approaches every client with a fresh mindset, ensuring each transaction is tailored to the company's needs and delivers the best possible solution.
With a background in chartered accountancy, Hamish spent many years gaining in-depth M&A expertise with clients across the technology space and beyond before taking the plunge to join Simon in founding LAVA.
As well as insight, drive and enthusiasm, Hamish brings his boundless energy to the team, which he burns off in his spare time across a number of sporting pursuits. Another key skill much-valued by his colleagues is his exceptional foodie knowledge which ensures we're always well fed!
Paul
Joyce
Having joined in summer 2025, Paul brings more than two decades of M&A and corporate finance experience, with specialist expertise in fund and trust administration, administration services, and people-centric sectors. His genuine passion for building and scaling brilliant businesses, with brilliant people, is what drew him to the LAVA team, and our bespoke, client-centric approach is what gets him out of bed in the morning.
Paul's background spans senior roles at Deloitte, Credit Suisse and PwC, and Forvis Mazars, where he spent the previous eight years building and leading the London M&A team.
Born and raised in Norwich, Paul's rural-adjacent upbringing was characterised by both the joy of the great outdoors (read beer gardens), and the frequent heartbreak of being a lifelong Norwich City fan. When not deep in deal conversations, he's usually planning his next gig or festival (he's a veteran of Coachella, and a 90s Britpop loyalist), or adding to his eclectic clothing collection.
Deal highlights:
Elemental joins Cogency
Tom
Rowe-Jones
Tom prides himself on his inherent ability to put himself in his clients' shoes and understand their motivations, leveraging his stellar experience in the M&A space to identify and maximise unexplored value creation opportunities in each and every deal.
Having started his career in Technology and Operational strategy consulting, Tom joined from the M&A Operations team at Deloitte where he excelled at providing cost and operational due diligence, and advised both corporate and private equity clients on value creation throughout the M&A process.
Tom has never met a sport he doesn't like, playing, watching and discussing everything from football, to rugby, to golf, with equal enthusiasm. On the odd occasion he sits down for five minutes, he can be found sharing his love of modern history with his son Arthur and daughter Violet, who are far too young to care but kindly indulge their dad nonetheless.
Helen
Dixon
With extensive experience across 20 years of UK and US transactions, Helen combines strong financial and analytical expertise with a genuine focus on the human and commercial drivers behind each business. She helps founders and leadership teams articulate exactly what makes their company valuable, and gives buyers a clear, well-supported view of the opportunity so they can assess it with confidence.
Her highly technical skillset and experience on both sides of the pond helps LAVA navigate the similarities and differences between UK and US processes with ease, and ensures our deal team have all the support they need to deliver the very best from every transaction.
Outside of work, Helen is a keen runner and spends much of her free time exploring North America's great outdoors with her husband and son, and hoping the UK team will keep her well stocked in her beloved Marmite.
Carlo
Porreca
Carlo brings a wealth of experience in private equity and investment banking and is passionate about connecting businesses with the “right” institutional capital, utilising his extensive US network built over a 30-year career.
Having worked in transaction origination, private equity, and investment banking, Carlo has a unique insight into every aspect of the M&A process. Understanding how businesses work and what investors are looking for, and factoring in relevant macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, is key to his process of matching buyers and sellers. He has a keen instinct for what will work best for everyone involved, and takes immense pride in delivering exactly the right partnerships across any number of sectors and regions.
Carlo enjoys spending his weekends with his daughter at Florida’s many theme parks, (we're planning the next team day out accordingly), as well as indulging his deep love of Natural History with visits to the world's great museums. The eagle-eyed amongst you can pop in a call to admire his impressive fossil collection via the magic of Teams (bonus cat-sightings may be available.)
Chris
Harper
Our Chairman Chris is a strategic advisor and non-executive director for high growth businesses, and a veteran of the private equity industry having spent 27 years with Baird Capital. With broad-ranging experience including providing debt finance into U.K. lower mid-market buyouts, Chris brings a nuanced perspective and constantly challenges the team to think outside the box.
He happily shares his extensive expertise in the technology & services sectors with a particular focus on consulting, staffing and recruitment businesses, and his vast experience adds an enormous amount to the LAVA way of life. Endlessly energetic, Chris spends his time away from the corporate world travelling with his wife, as well as running, cycling, and hitting the slopes with his son and daughter.
Loïc
Bourdonnec
Loïc
Bourdonnec
Associate Director
l.bourdonnec@lavaadvisory.com +44 (0)20 4526 8056 +44 (0)7843 372 564Loïc's incredible ability to navigate and unlock complexity in the deal process comes from the combination of his deep technical skillset and his love of exploring new and tailored solutions for his clients. He has a whole host of experience across M&A having honed his private equity project management skills through building client bases and adding value in European mid-market fundraising environments.
Combined with 12 years at PwC in both Paris and London, delivering mid-market financial diligence to both corporate and private equity clients, Loïc has all the skills and experience to deliver seamless, specialised solutions for LAVA's clients.
Loïc is our resident film buff and the first to provide his review of all the latest releases as well as revelling in the classics. He also enjoys running and sharing his French baked-goods expertise with the LAVA team.
Felix
Neate
Having trained in accountancy, Felix has worked closely with a vast range of businesses over the years, helping them report to the market, produce annual accounts, and providing expert financial analysis wherever it might be needed. It was his passion for working directly with entrepreneurs and business owners that subsequently brought Felix to M&A advisory, where he's honed his sell side credentials supporting numerous clients across sectors and sizes, as well as developing a special interest in buy and build transactions supporting the Private Equity market as a trusted advisor.
When he's not in the office, Felix enjoys skiing, cooking for friends, and attempting to catch up on his extensive reading list. In the midst of ambitious home renovations, Felix is heavily reliant on his dog, Colonel Mustard, who is an enthusiastic (if less than effective) project manager.
Deal highlights:
Pet Microchip Services
Joe
Sharp
Joe's an industry authority on lower-mid market M&A, with a consummate understanding of the needs and challenges of business owners and founders, and a wealth of experience to draw upon. Ever since graduating he's been immersed in the world of owner-managed businesses, working across all sectors to craft and deliver bespoke deals that both protect the legacy of a company and pave the way for future success.
Joe joined LAVA on his return to the UK following several years in the New Zealand and Australian M&A space and brings a global perspective to the team alongside his vast deal experience.
When he's not in the office, Joe enjoys cooking spectacular vegetarian delights, popping up at indie gigs and making the most of time with family and friends after so long spent on the other side of the globe.
Sunil
Samani
Sunil has a wealth of experience in M&A having joined EY on an internship and then grad program to allow him to complete his accountancy qualifications while gaining real-world exposure to the deals environment. The next four years were spent working closely with PE houses to rationalise their portfolios and transform their investments in the post-financial crash world, before he decided to take the leap into banking.
He joined the global equity sales desk at Goldman Sachs where he spent five years researching and pitching investment options to institutional investors before returning to the world of M&A to partner with mid and large cap PE houses across a huge range of deal types and industry verticals, including education and technology.
Outside of work, Sunil loves spending time with his wife Divya and their young children (though he's less keen on driving them back and forth to endless swimming lessons). He's passionate about exercise, but equally passionate about his hatred of the gym, instead playing any number of racket sports as well as regular 5-a-side games.
Millie
Counsell
LAVA's very first employee, Millie joined after graduating with a degree in Economics and Accounting, and quickly became integral to the company. Passionate about working with entrepreneurs to truly understand what motivates and drives them, she uses her expert insights and impressive technical ability to deliver the best possible solutions based on their individual needs.
Rising rapidly through the ranks, Millie was most recently promoted to Manager in recognition of her fantastic commitment to the company and our clients. She's become LAVA's in-house expert on Employee Ownership Trusts as well as taking great joy in identifying fragmented markets with high growth potential, focusing on buy-and-build strategies to drive consolidation and unlock value for clients.
Given half a chance, Millie is straight on a plane to her latest exciting holiday destination, and on the odd occasion she has a weekend at home she can be found cooking up a storm and catching up on her beloved Grand Designs, or watching Formula 1.
Sophie
Lomas
Sophie brings a highly technical skillset with deep experience in transaction services, as well as a keen appetite for working closely with founders and entrepreneurial businesses. After graduating from the University of Birmingham, Sophie joined Saffery's audit team before moving to the corporate finance division in 2021.
Having developed rich expertise across every facet of due diligence, Sophie was ready for a new challenge, and eager to move closer to the human side of dealmaking. Having come across LAVA as part of her wider network, Sophie quickly recognised the opportunity to do things differently and make a splash in M&A.
In her spare time, Sophie and her partner Freddie are keen cooks, poring over intricate recipes and rating every one they produce. Sophie also loves every type of travel from skiing to sunbathing, and is developing her love of running having been roped into the LAVA x WellChild marathon team!
Ivo
Brett
Ivo thrives on finding fresh perspectives and seeking interesting ideas for our clients' diverse M&A objectives, supporting the team on every stage of a deal from origination to completion. Armed with a degree in Economics and Management, he applies a strong academic foundation to his work at LAVA, where he's known for his meticulous attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm.
Ivo adds depth and insight to our team's approach to complex transactions, crunching numbers and digging out niche data that drives the best outcome for our clients.
Outside of the office he's a keen badminton player, as well as a Friday-night regular at the driving range, practising his golf swing over a couple of beers with friends. Despite his varied sporting prowess, cycling appears to be his downfall, as evidence suggests he should be kept away from Lime bikes for his own safety.
Cannelle
Ramas
Cannelle joined us from Paris, where she completed her Corporate Finance degree before diving straight into the world of M&A with a boutique advisory firm, followed by expanding her professional experience with a bank-led Private Equity company. Having always dreamed of living in London, Cannelle was delighted to bring her fast-developing skills and experience to the UK M&A scene.
She works across a variety of sectors and structures and has a particular passion for healthcare and education due to their vital position in, and impact on, the community as well as the M&A world.
Freshly planted in the Camden area, Cannelle has been making the most of exploring the locale. Not a party animal, Cannelle is happiest curled up with a book or catching up with friends, and is very much enjoying discovering what her new life in London can bring.
Freddi
Rose
Freddi's superpower lies in storytelling, using her exceptional communication skills to showcase clients' offerings in the most compelling way. Her unique ability to transform complex information into engaging narratives ensures that LAVA, our clients, and our partners, stand out in a competitive space.
Freddi spent several years in tech, managing complex global products and developing her signature skill of making complex information accessible and engaging, before moving into fintech and finance, building and leading teams focused on sophisticated, content-driven marketing and growth strategies. Now, as LAVA's Marketing and Communications Director, she applies her extensive experience to develop and implement innovative content and commercial strategies that elevate our client's offerings.
Freddi's a passionate Liverpool supporter and Formula 1 fan, with many a Sunday spent sports-watching while covered in several cats. A self-confessed word-nerd, she loves visiting London's theatres, and reading (excessively!)
Ary
Singh
Ary's passion lies in connecting with people to understand exactly what makes them tick, ensuring he can make the right introductions at the right time. His uniquely human approach unlocks valuable conversations and reveals the vital details that secure mutually valuable relationships for us and our clients.
As a strategic problem-solver, he spearheads our deal origination function, tirelessly searching for fresh and unique solutions to deliver exactly what a client or partner needs. With an MBA from the University of Nottingham, he brings a broad range of skills and expertise from both big four M&A consultancy and specialist recruitment, providing him with the perfect blend of industry knowledge and interpersonal skills.
Outside of work, Ary is a massive football and basketball fan and enjoys travelling home to his native India to spend time with family and friends. He and Paul are the fashion icons of the LAVA team, and anyone unable to find them should try the nearest designer event, where they're undoubtedly shopping up a storm.
Kathy
Thompson
Kathy is passionate about the power of human connection and uses her signature blend of leadership development skills and effective communication strategies to forge deep and meaningful working relationships. Renowned for delivering transformational results for leading financial services firms, Kathy has driven ground-breaking culture initiatives and crafted global coaching programmes for some of the biggest names in the sector.
Now, as LAVA's Team Coach, Kathy channels her expertise into unlocking the potential within each team member, reinforcing LAVA's dedication to continuous learning and the personal development of its high-performance team.
Outside of her professional commitments, Kathy loves cooking and often prepares meals for her many friends. She finds immense joy in tending to her garden, taking delight in planning for each season. Additionally, Kathy is an avid reader, and her book collection is ever-growing.
Summer
Bond
Summer was LAVA's very first Operations specialist, whipping the team into shape and taking on some key strategic planning as she builds the Operations function from the ground up. Born in Tokyo and having lived in Athens and Copenhagen before returning to the UK, Summer's global upbringing shaped her love for travel, trying new foods, and learning about different cultures.
Summer was fascinated by business from a young age, happily following her father to work whenever school holidays allowed and soaking up knowledge. Embarking on an apprenticeship, Summer simultaneously studied for her project management qualifications, taking on more responsibility during her time at Christie's before joining LAVA to focus on the human side of business.
Beyond work, Summer is an avid runner and sports enthusiast. Having completed her first 10K at 17 for Cancer Research, she's now training for her first half marathon, and hopes to join the LAVA team at a full marathon next year!
Matt
Morris
As Head of Finance, Matt focuses on supporting LAVA's continued growth by providing data-driven predictions and recommendations, strengthening financial oversight, and helping the leadership team make informed decisions as the business scales.
Having always known he wanted to pursue a career in finance, Matt kicked things off with an apprenticeship before moving to a boutique practice. In 2021 he joined RPD where he took on the role of LAVA's company accountant, before stepping in as fractional Head of Finance in August 2024, and finally joining full time in March 2026.
Outside of work, Matt is a keen sports fan and long-suffering Chelsea supporter. This year he'll be running the London Marathon as part of #TeamWellChild, and is already eyeing his next challenge: tackling the Three Peaks!
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