Scaling for growth: Building a business ready for investment

Watch webinar recording:

This is the first in a three-part webinar series looking at the key stages of building, growing and eventually exiting a business. We begin with growth, exploring what businesses need to have in place as they scale and prepare for investment, before turning to business succession in the second session and protecting and growing wealth beyond the exit in the third.

Whether you’re considering external investment now or simply want to build a stronger business for the future, this session will help you understand the foundations investors and lenders look for.

The webinar will be chaired by Gravita CEO, Lisa Mayhew, who brings first-hand experience of leading organisations through significant growth, international expansion and periods of strategic change. She will be joined by members of our Advisory team, Tax Partner, Thomas Adcock and Advisory Partner, Dan Rose, who work closely with businesses on the financial, tax and strategic considerations that come with growth, investment and change.

Who should attend?

Business owners and management teams looking to accelerate growth, raise investment or build a business that’s ready for its next stage.

During this session we'll cover:

Building robust financial controls and reporting
Developing a funding strategy – debt, equity and alternative finance
Structuring your business for sustainable growth
Incentivising and retaining key people through share schemes and rewards
Common barriers to growth and how to overcome them
Building the right advisory team to support your growth ambitions

Speakers:

Lisa Mayhew

Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Mayhew, Chief Executive Officer, brings decades of international professional services leadership and a proven track record of driving sustainable growth, operational excellence and high‑performing cultures. She is known for combining strategic clarity with a deeply people‑centred approach.

Over the last decade, Lisa served as Firmwide Managing Partner and Global Co‑Chair at BCLP, a Top AMLAW 100 law firm spanning 32 offices in the US, UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. During her tenure, the firm grew its revenue from $350m to $900+m while embedding a cohesive, one‑firm operating model across multiple regions. Her leadership helped transform a predominantly UK‑centric business into a top‑tier global organisation grounded in client‑centricity, strategic execution and empowered teams.

Lisa has a strong track record of leveraging technology and data to enhance client experience and operational efficiency. She led a business renowned for its innovation, earning industry recognition for pioneering the use of technology and analytics in legal service delivery. She also launched “Protect”, an integrated corporate reputation management service with other organisations including Byfield, FTI Consulting and KPMG. It was a first‑of‑its‑kind offering, bringing together legal, PR and forensic capabilities, demonstrating her commercial vision and ability to understand and fully meet client needs. Earlier in her career, she was a prominent employment lawyer and one of the few nationally recognised “eminent practitioners” in Chambers & Partners. She is also a Meyler Campbell‑qualified coach and currently serves as the Senior Independent Director on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Board.

Outside of work, Lisa loves spending time with family and friends and has a keen interest in fitness. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, Michael and has two daughters, Amy and Ellen.

Speak to Lisa

Thomas Adcock

Partner, Tax

Tom Adcock advises a wide range of international clients on structuring their global affairs, frequently using offshore jurisdictions to achieve effective tax and commercial outcomes.

He provides strategic advice on how specific structures operate to deliver both efficiency and compliance and regularly supports individuals and businesses engaging with the UK tax system from around the world. Tom serves as the UK representative on the International Tax Committee of DFK International.

A recognised voice in the field, Tom frequently presents and writes on a wide range of property tax matters.

Starting his career as a Corporate Tax Inspector with HMRC enables him to successfully manage tax enquires into both corporates and individuals; his experience in working on ‘both sides of the fence’ means he maintains an exceptional record in supporting clients with tax investigations.

Speak to Thomas

Dan Rose

Partner, Audit and Assurance

Dan Rose is an Audit Partner at Gravita and leads the firm’s Financial Services sector. He works closely with clients to deliver high-quality audits that meet the highest standards of compliance, governance and regulatory reporting. Known for his collaborative and proactive approach, Dan helps businesses navigate complex requirements with confidence while ensuring audits are delivered efficiently, transparently and on time.

As a Responsible Individual, Dan oversees some of Gravita’s most complex audit engagements, including Public Interest Entities, listed businesses and international groups. He has extensive experience auditing financial services organisations, group structures and subsidiaries, and is highly skilled in managing the demands of multi-stakeholder audits across both UK and international operations. His ability to identify challenges early, engage the right stakeholders and maintain momentum throughout the audit process helps clients achieve a smooth and effective audit experience.

Dan’s sector experience includes:

Financial Services
International Groups
Professional and Business Services
Property
Public Interest Entities

Dan is a member of the ICAEW, a Fellow of the ACCA and a full member of The Academy of Experts. His technical expertise spans IFRS reporting, CASS audits, listed company audits and complex regulatory reporting requirements.

In addition to his audit work, Dan leads Gravita’s Transactional Advisory service, supporting clients on a range of specialist engagements, including share valuations, forensic accounting, business sales and acquisitions. Combining deep technical knowledge with clear communication and commercial insight, he helps clients manage risk, meet regulatory obligations and achieve their growth ambitions.

Speak to Dan