Former PwC partner joins Bishop Fleming to grow transactions services
Leading audit, accountancy, tax and advisory firm Bishop Fleming has appointed Tom Ayerst as advisory partner in its Bristol Office, where he will lead the firm’s Transaction Services team.
Building on recent appointments in Birmingham, Tom will be responsible for driving the growth in Bishop Fleming’s due diligence offering, strengthening the firm’s support across the region for businesses, the wider advisory community and lower and mid-market private equity.
Tom brings over 30 years’ experience at PwC, with extensive expertise in financial due diligence and transactions. After spending the first 15 years of his career in London, he went on to lead PwC’s regional Transaction Services and Deals business from Bristol, advising privately owned and mid-market businesses, corporates and private equity investors. He also served as office senior partner for PwC’s West region.
The appointment comes as the South West sees growing equity investment with an increase of 104% in 2025, according to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Equity Tracker 2026.
To support the firm’s growth plans, Tom will be focused on ensuring businesses and investors involved in the regional market have access to experienced hands-on due diligence to support them in executing successful transactions.
Tom said: “Investor activity in the mid and lower mid-market in the South West is growing, and businesses and investors want experienced advisors who can provide valuable insights throughout a transaction. I’m looking forward to building a strong team of regionally based due diligence specialists who will work closely with businesses and investors across the region.
“This is an exciting stage of my career and the role, the firm’s ambition as well as its culture clearly align with my experience and values. Bishop Fleming has a strong people-based culture and commitment to delivering high-quality consultancy to its clients.”
Chales Davey, partner and head of advisory at Bishop Fleming, said: “Tom brings an exceptional depth of experience in financial due diligence and a strong understanding of the regional market, making him a significant addition to our growing advisory team.
“His appointment reflects our ambition to continue investing in our capabilities and people as we respond to increasing demand from businesses and investors across the lower mid-market. Tom’s experience, relationships and commitment to the region will be invaluable as we grow our due diligence offering and support more clients through transactions.”
Tom’s appointment marks another milestone in Bishop Fleming’s growth, becoming the firm’s 60th partner. His arrival is part of a broader programme of investment in people and expertise, with additional partner appointments expected before the end of the year as the firm continues to strengthen its capabilities across the business.