Newcastle-based independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has announced the promotion of Danny Malone to Transaction Services Partner in its Deal Advisory team.
Danny joined UNW in February 2024 as a Senior Manager to lead the firm’s dedicated due diligence offering. Since then, the team has grown significantly, establishing itself as a trusted adviser to businesses, investors, banks and public sector organisations undertaking acquisitions, financing and investment activity across the UK.
In the 12 months to August 2026, UNW’s Transaction Services team advised on 19 due diligence transactions ranging in value from £1m to £30m, while also helping businesses access more than £40m in grant funding nationally. The team works with a broad range of clients, from corporate serial acquirers and private equity-backed groups to regional funders and government-backed organisations, providing financial due diligence and wider transaction support across a variety of sectors.
The team has developed long-term relationships with acquisitive businesses, many of whom have engaged UNW on multiple transactions as they continue to pursue acquisition-led growth strategies. In addition, the team has directly advised prominent regional investors, lenders and grant-awarding bodies as they deploy funds across the UK to fuel growth across the SME sector.
The growth of the specialist transaction services offering has been supported by continued investment in people. This has included the appointment of due diligence specialist Stephen Twaddle from Deloitte in 2025, bringing eight years’ experience, the promotion of Lara Marshall to Grants Support Services Senior Manager, the progression of Chris Newman (formerly of PwC and NVM Private Equity) into a dedicated manager role within the Due Diligence team, and the secondment of Matthew Pinkney from the Audit team. The offering is further supported by the depth of experience across UNW’s wider 14-person Deal Advisory team, recently strengthened by the arrival of Executive Lewis Govenlock from Johnston Carmichael’s Edinburgh office and the promotion of Ed Booth to Manager.
Commenting on Danny’s promotion to Transaction Services Partner, Chris Wilson, Partner and Head of Deal Advisory at UNW, said: “When Danny joined UNW, we had a clear ambition to create a leading due diligence offering right here in the North East.
“Since then, we have built a dedicated team that is supporting some of the most acquisitive businesses in the region and beyond, as well as funders, investors and public sector organisations. The quality of the client relationships we have developed and the level of repeat work we receive are testament to the strength of the service Danny has helped create.
“Danny has been instrumental in that growth. He has established an excellent reputation with clients and developed a high-performing team. His promotion to Partner is thoroughly deserved.”
Commenting on his promotion, Danny said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining the partnership at UNW.
“The past two years have been hugely rewarding. We have built a fantastic team and developed strong relationships with clients who trust us to support their most important decisions – from acquisitions to financing and milestone capital projects eligible for grant support – at a time when getting deals done remains challenging.
“We have worked hard to establish a market-leading and dedicated transaction services offering in the North East that combines local knowledge with experience of supporting transactions across the UK. As a team, we focus on delivering practical advice, clear insights and a service that enables clients to make informed decisions with confidence.
“I would like to thank my colleagues and our clients for their support, and I look forward to further growing the team and building on the progress we have made.”
