The team behind the possibilities.
At Alinea, our strength lies in our diverse expertise with each of us bringing a unique perspective and specialised skills to the table. But all united and focused on our shared commitment to unlocking transformative value for our clients.
Our Team
As a team of seasoned advisory professionals, we draw from all our proven knowledge and work as a trusted collaborator to create comprehensive solutions for every business we work with and guide. But we're more than our credentials. We're business owners ourselves. So we can stand in your shoes and understand your journey in depth, with each transaction being genuinely important to us.
Simon Lloydbottom
Co-Founder & Partner, Corporate Finance
As co-founder of Alinea, I've built my expertise on a foundation of experience from leading advisory firms, global accountancy practices, and corporate banks. I'm passionate about working with midmarket businesses to get transactions across the line. I take a hands-on approach, providing senior-level advice throughout each transaction to maximise value for our clients. A Chartered Accountant by training, I honed my skills at BDO LLP and Lloyds Corporate before joining forces with Oliver to establish Alinea and deliver bespoke advisory services that make a difference.
Oliver Wadlow
Co-Founder & Partner, Corporate Finance
Alongside Simon, I co-founded Alinea to bring a fresh and more engaged approach to corporate finance advisory. My journey includes roles at a national accountancy practice, a large advisory boutique, and a global accountancy firm. This diverse background has given me extensive experience in SME Corporate Finance, advising both sellers and buyers across a wide range of sectors, including complex cross-border deals. As a Chartered Accountant trained at BDO LLP, I bring a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every transaction, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive, value-driven advice. Together with Simon, we've built Alinea on the principle of delivering exceptional value to mid-market businesses.
Manuel Heinke
Associate Director, Corporate Finance
I joined Alinea after building my knowledge at a global provider of workforce strategy, bringing with me valuable experience in German banking and finance. My strengths lie in operations, process optimisation, and management, including leading cross-border teams and managing client relationships. I hold a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership and am a trainee Chartered Accountant, allowing me to contribute invaluable strategic insight and financial acumen to our clients' projects.
Roland Ballard
Operating Partner, Margin Enhancement
My complete focus is helping businesses increase their margins and, ultimately, their valuation. I created a proprietary margin enhancement software platform after growing my own business from a single market stall into a million-pound enterprise. This innovative approach has given me firsthand insight into the importance of margin control. Now, I leverage this experience and technology to help our clients boost their cash reserves and company valuations, turning financial data into actionable strategies for growth.
Richard Callis
Operating Partner, IT Services
As an entrepreneur turned M&A advisor, I bring firsthand experience in building, scaling, and successfully exiting IT service businesses. Having co-founded and grown a thriving MSP, I led multiple acquisitions before executing a strategic exit.
In senior MSP roles, I played a key part in several acquisitions—on both the buy and sell side—gaining deep operational and strategic insight. This experience gives me a unique perspective on IT transactions, enabling me to guide fellow IT service owners through growth, acquisition, and exit strategies with confidence and clarity.
James Shand
Operating Partner, Employee Ownership Trusts
With over 30 years of commercial experience as a Qualified Chartered Accountant and Finance Director, I bring a wealth of knowledge to helping and guiding Alinea's clients. My specialty lies in Employee Ownership Trust transactions, an area I've been involved with since their inception. This unique expertise allows me to guide businesses through the complexities of transitioning to employee ownership, ensuring beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders involved.