Awards evenings can sometimes blur into one another, but every so often an event marks a genuine milestone, not just for an individual, but for a firm, its people and the wider business community.
For TC Group, the Insider Central and East Dealmakers Awards 2025 was one such moment.
Held at the Hilton in Milton Keynes, the Dealmakers Awards are widely regarded as the most credible and respected celebration of the region’s Corporate Finance community. The event brings together bankers, lawyers, funders and corporate finance advisors from across the Central and East region and is considered the most important networking date in the regional dealmaking calendar.
Against a highly competitive backdrop, TC’s Corporate Finance team, based in Northampton and Milton Keynes, was nominated in four categories – a notable achievement that reflects its strength, consistency, growing reputation, as well as the depth of talent coming through the practice. The nominations included Dealmaker of the Year (Patrick Faughnan), Emerging Dealmaker of the Year (Matt Ritchie), Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year, and Transaction Services Team of the Year.
The highlight came with the final and most eagerly anticipated award: Dealmaker of the Year. It is an accolade every dealmaker aspires to win and one that carries long-term significance, sitting proudly on CVs and firm credentials for many years to come.
It was with great sense of pride that the TC team in attendance saw Patrick Faughnan, Partner – Head of Corporate Finance, announced as Dealmaker of the Year, overcoming strong competition from advisors of the region’s largest and most established Corporate Finance firms. While Patrick may have been modestly surprised, the reaction from the dealmaking community suggested the decision was widely endorsed.
Crucially, the acclaimed title is decided by an independent judging panel and recognises far more than deal volume alone. It reflects expertise, judgement, collaboration and standing within the wider Corporate Finance ecosystem – qualities that are particularly important in today’s challenging transaction environment. With increased complexity, funding pressures and a tough economic climate, successful transactions rely on strong teams working closely with clients and trusted intermediaries.
Patrick was quick to acknowledge that his achievement is a reflection of the entire TC team. In practice, no deal is delivered in isolation, and the firm’s collaborative culture plays a central role in ensuring clients receive joined-up, commercially focused advice. That culture extends well beyond Corporate Finance, drawing on the wider strength of TC’s accountancy, audit, tax and advisory services, which frequently support clients before, during and after transactions.
This is why the recognition at the Dealmakers Awards matters so deeply to the firm.
In a room filled with the very people TC seeks to work with, Patrick’s win represents a clear vote of confidence in the team – now one of the largest in the region. For existing clients, it provides reassurance they’re supported by experts operating at the highest level. For prospective clients and intermediaries, it offers compelling validation of the firm’s credentials.
Dealmaker to Partner
The momentum generated by the awards was further strengthened by the announcement of Patrick Faughnan’s promotion to Partner at TC Group.
Patrick has spoken openly about his ambition to reach partnership: “Starting out in accountancy, reaching Partner was always my personal goal – one that could only be achieved by working with, and leading, high-performing teams.
“It’s a privilege to be offered a position of Partner within TC Group, an ambitious and proactive company, surrounded by like-minded colleagues.”
Ben Young, Partner at TC, added: “We’re hugely pleased and proud to announce the promotion of Patrick Faughnan to Partner.
Over many years, Patrick has made a significant contribution to both TC Group and our clients, playing a pivotal role in developing our Corporate Finance practice into one with an ever-growing strength of reputation and strong following, both regionally and nationally.
“His achievement of the flagship Dealmaker of the Year award at the Insider Central and East Awards 2025, alongside fantastic feedback received from the wider Corporate Finance community, reflects the impact of Patrick’s work. This follows the Corporate Finance team’s earlier success in securing the corresponding Team of the Year title.
“Patrick has been an active contributor to our Senior Leadership Board since the firm joined TC, helping to shape the wider development of the practice and drive the success of our strategic initiatives.
This clearly demonstrates and underpins the value we know he’ll provide to our Executive Board moving forward.
“Recognising Patrick’s longstanding achievements through this prominent promotion is something we trust will both inspire our teams and reflect the sustained growth and strength of our advisory services.”
Expert advice when it matters most
Perhaps most importantly, the recent achievements matter because of the impact they have on businesses across the Central and South East regions. The firm works closely with owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and leadership teams at pivotal moments – from growth and funding through to succession planning, acquisitions and exits. In many cases, Corporate Finance advice is delivered alongside ongoing accountancy and advisory support, providing clients with continuity, insight and long-term partnership.
Ultimately, the awards event was a standout evening for TC Group’s CF team and the firm as a whole. But more than that, it was a standout moment that underlined the value of expertise, trust, and collaboration in an increasingly complex business environment.
For business owners, management teams or intermediaries considering a transaction, or simply seeking informed, strategic advice, now is an ideal time to start a conversation. The Corporate Finance team is always open to discussing opportunities, challenges and ambitions, and to exploring how expert, partner-led advice can help turn current, or future plans into successful outcomes.
To find out more contact Patrick Faughnan on 07557 759273, email PatrickFaughnan@tc-group.com or visit the website here.
