For corporate finance firms
Hayford Group delivers consistent, off-market deal flow for M&A advisers and corporate finance firms across the UK — sell-side and buy-side, on a retainer basis.
The problem we solve
Most corporate finance firms rely on a combination of reputation, referrals, and network relationships to generate deal flow. For established practices, this can sustain a baseline of activity. But when the deal team is at capacity on live transactions, proactive sourcing stops — and the pipeline empties.
Hayford Group solves this problem. We operate as a specialist deal sourcing partner — running continuous, methodical outreach on your behalf while your team focuses on executing live mandates. The pipeline stays full regardless of how busy the advisory team is.
We work confidentially, on your behalf, in line with your brand and approach. Business owners and targets are approached as if by your firm — we are your outreach team, not a separate intermediary.
What you get
Ongoing outreach to owner-managed businesses in your target sectors
Identification of serial acquirers for buy-side mandates
Director-level research using Companies House data
Confidential introductions when qualifying conversations open
Regular reporting on outreach activity and pipeline status
Retainer-based engagement — consistent effort, not one-off campaigns
Our services
Sell-side
We identify owner-managed businesses in your target sectors and geographies that may be approaching an exit — and open the conversation before they engage another adviser or go to a formal process.
Off-market sell-side mandates are the most valuable you can win. We give you the opportunity to be first through the door.
Buy-side
For buy-side mandates, we research serial acquirers active in the relevant sectors — using SIC code mapping, Companies House data, and director-level research. We surface buyers that a traditional process would miss.
Direct outreach to decision makers, coordinated with your mandate timeline.
Engagement model
01
A fixed monthly retainer funds ongoing outreach activity — giving you consistent pipeline development rather than a one-off campaign with diminishing returns.
02
A success fee applies on completion of any deal that originates from our introductions. Incentives are fully aligned with your outcomes.
03
You receive regular updates on outreach volumes, conversations opened, and introductions made. Full visibility on what is being done in your name.
Further reading
Retainer-based