On Thursday 20 November 2025, our Midlands corporate and banking teams welcomed leading dealmakers to the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, for the 25th annual Gateley Deal Dinner. This milestone event once again brought together leading clients, dealmakers and corporate finance professionals to reflect on another successful year for the region.
Guests enjoyed an evening of networking and celebration, followed by an inspiring address from Colin MacLachlan, former SAS operative turned author and broadcaster. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Colin shared stories of resilience and leadership and offered valuable lessons for navigating uncertainty; principles that resonate strongly with today’s business environment.
This year’s dinner also provided an opportunity to give back to the local community. We were thrilled to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital to transform the hospital into a festive wonderland for patients and staff during the holiday season. Thanks to the generosity of attendees purchasing raffle tickets throughout the evening, we raised £2,600 to help make this vision a reality.
Reflecting on the evening, partner and Birmingham head of corporate, Andrew Cowan, commented: “25 years of the Deal Dinner is a remarkable achievement and reflects the enduring strength of the Midlands market. This year has required careful navigation, but what stands out is the optimism and ambition that continue to drive progress.
“Last night was a celebration of the partnerships that make success possible and we remain committed to supporting businesses and the wider community as the region continues to evolve. Our continued investment and strong position in the market underline our confidence in the Midlands and its future growth.”
Beth Mather, partner and national head of corporate, added: “Deal Dinner is always a highlight of the year, but this 25th anniversary feels particularly special. It’s a chance to celebrate achievements and acknowledge the hard work that has gone into making deals happen. Last night was also a reminder of the importance of giving back and the support shown for Birmingham Children’s Hospital demonstrates the strength of our community beyond business. Thank you to all who attended for such a wonderful evening.”
