Sectors
Our clients prefer advisers with genuine sector expertise. We increasingly focus on 6 sectors of the economy so that we can support each project with in-depth and current market knowledge.
Business & Financial Services
Business and financial services encompass activities that support companies in managing operations and finances. This includes consulting, legal, marketing, accounting, banking, insurance, and investment services. These sectors provide expertise, tools, and infrastructure to help organizations grow, comply with regulations, manage risk, and make informed strategic and financial decisions. This is a dynamic sector, which contributes significant value-add to modern economies, and is frequently accompanied by technological innovation.
Sub-sectors
Although not an exhaustive list, we have particular expertise in the following sub-sectors:
- Professional Services
(accounting, legal services and management consulting) - Human Capital Services
- Data, Marketing & Media Services
- Business Process Outsourcing
- Insurance and Brokerage
- Fintech
- Asset Management & Banking
Sector Team
Further Reading
UK Broker Consolidation – Running out of steam or just changing fuel?
- By Paddy Woods Ballard
UK Accountancy Sector Insights – Unlocking Opportunities for Private Equity
- By Paddy Woods Ballard and Adam Lee
Be Audit You Can Be: Accounting Firm Consolidators Demonstrate Room For Growth
- By Fairgrove
Technology
Technology is not only the backbone of modern society, but also the engine, which drives transformation across every sector of the modern economy. From the seamless integration of IT managed services in global operations to the ever-growing imperative of robust cyber security, technology is no longer just an enabler; it is the most critical utility of the 21st century. Software and digital platforms are redefining entire industries at unprecedented speed, while reshaping how businesses compete. In this fast-moving, high-stakes environment, business leaders and investors require deep insight to navigate complexity and capture value.
Sub-sectors
Although not an exhaustive list, we have particular expertise in the following sub-sectors:
- Software & SaaS
- Cyber Security
- IT Managed Services
- Data Centres
- Artificial Intelligence
- Communication, Collaboration & AV
- Digital Transformation
Sector Team
Further Reading
Smart Money: Maximising Returns with Price Optimisation Software in Retail
- By Calvin Kong
From the Shop Floor, the Field, the Office, and Beyond. Key Diligence Lessons From Across a Broadened Workforce Management Software Universe.
- By Jamie Curtis
Built Environment & Industrials
Our built environment clients are navigating a new, safety-focused regulatory landscape, intensifying decarbonisation pressures, and large-scale upgrade programmes for aging infrastructure. Together, these forces are driving a significant rise in demand for operators able to differentiate in often fragmented and homogenised markets. Industrial businesses are increasingly exposed to structural shifts reshaping the global economy – the upstream energy transition, the rise of sustainable transport, a move towards a more circular economy, accelerating industrial automation, and the build-out of the digital grid – all unfolding within a more volatile geopolitical environment that is diverting trade flows and heightening global tensions. The best-performing businesses have often carved out defensible niches, where a focus on innovation, quality, efficiency, and ruthless prioritisation enables sustained growth across domestic and international markets.
Sub-sectors
Although not an exhaustive list, we have particular expertise in the following sub-sectors:
Built Environment
- Construction Products and Distribution
- Construction Contractors
- Property and Construction Consultancy
- Technical Services and Facilities Management
- Energy, Utilities and Waste
- Related Software
Industrials
- Aerospace & Defence
- Automotive
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Engineering Services
- Industrial Software
- Logistics
- Metals
- Oil, Gas & Renewables
- Paper, Print & Packaging
- Parts & Distribution
Sector Team
Further Reading
Igniting Growth: Organic Levers for UK Fire & Security Services
- By Oli Lestner
Doing the Heavy Lifting: Unpacking Private Equity Opportunities in the Materials Handling Equipment Market
- By Archie Danvers
PR24 and AMP8: A Rising Tide of Opportunity for Water Sector Suppliers?
- By Fairgrove
Education & Training
Driving up educational and training outcomes and improving educational opportunities are central to the achievement of sustained economic growth, whether that is at the country, provider, company or individual level. As technology advancements are transforming learner journeys, there remains significant inequality in access, quality and affordability of education and training.
Sub-sectors
Although not an exhaustive list, we have particular expertise in the following sub-sectors:
- Early Years and K12 education
- Higher Education, Skills & Apprenticeships
- Corporate Training
- EdTech
- Services to Education Providers
Sector Team
Further Reading
Funding the Future: Why Investors Are Turning to Skills
- By Andrew Hawkins
Consumer & E-Commerce
Consumer markets are evolving at extraordinary speed, shaped by shifting demographics, digital disruption, and rising expectations for personalisation, value, and sustainability. From retail and FMCG to leisure, wellness, and direct-to-consumer platforms, today’s brands must adapt to a world where the customer is always connected and loyalty is hard-won. The scale of change is vast: over 70% of global consumers have altered their buying habits in the past two years alone, while digital-native brands are resetting the benchmarks for convenience and experience. In this dynamic landscape, technology, data, and brand trust are as crucial as product quality and price. Consumer businesses and their investors need sharper insight than ever to anticipate trends, unlock growth, and build resilience.
Sub-sectors
Although not an exhaustive list, we have particular expertise in the following sub-sectors:
- Consumer Products
- Consumer Services
- E-Commerce & supporting technology
- Consumer Health & Wellness
- Sport, Leisure & Lifestyle
Sector Team
Further Reading
Shelf-Discovery: Identifying E-Commerce Opportunities for Private Equity
- By Fairgrove
Home-To-Lab Health Testing: Lockdown Fad or Here to Stay?
- By Fairgrove
Private Equity
The private equity industry plays a vital role in powering the growth and resilience of the nation’s economy. With a strong track record of supporting ambitious businesses, private equity firms provide not only capital but also strategic expertise and long-term vision. Nowhere is this more evident than in the UK’s thriving SME sector, where private equity investment has helped unlock innovation, accelerate growth, and create thousands of high-quality jobs across regions and industries.
As trusted partners to management teams, PE investors bring deep operational insight and a commitment to value creation, enabling businesses to scale sustainably and navigate complex challenges. At the same time, the UK’s well-established regulatory and legal frameworks provide a robust environment for investment, reinforcing the industry’s international appeal.
At Fairgrove, we are proud to support this dynamic ecosystem – offering specialist advisory services that help private equity firms, their portfolio companies and lender banks maximise opportunity, mitigate risk, and deliver impact.
To find out more, visit our M&A services page to see how we support clients across the investment horizon from acquisition target search-and-screen, commercial due diligence (buy-side and vendor-led), portfolio company growth strategy, and preparation for exit.
