Christopher Ray

Helping SME owners sell, acquire and fund businesses | Corporate Finance | Branta

New Alresford, England, United Kingdom

About

I run Branta, a corporate finance advisory firm working with SME owners, management teams and professional advisers. We help when something important is happening — or needs to happen. That might be: * selling a business * buying a business * raising finance * refinancing when the bank or lender position has become difficult * working through a complex or unclear financial situation * deciding what the right strategic option is before committing to a bigger process Most SME owners do not deal with corporate finance events every day. They are often time-sensitive, commercially sensitive and easy to get wrong. Branta exists to bring structure, judgement and execution to those moments. Before founding Branta, I spent many years in banking and corporate finance, working with SMEs across funding, restructuring, credit, M&A and strategic advisory situations. That background shapes how we work now: practical, direct, commercial and focused on outcomes rather than process for its own sake. A lot of our work comes through professional introducers — accountants, lawyers, lenders and other advisers — who trust us to handle their clients properly. We understand that when someone introduces a client, their reputation is part of the equation. Our work includes business sales, acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy-ins, acquisition finance, complex refinancing, advisory support and Independent Evaluator Reports for connected-party pre-pack and administration transactions. We also offer Strategic Options Reviews for owners who know something needs to change, but are not yet sure whether the right answer is to sell, acquire, raise finance, restructure, improve performance or wait. If you are an SME owner facing a significant financial decision, or a professional adviser with a client who needs specialist support, I’m always happy to have an initial conversation.

Experience

  • Managing Director at Branta Advisory
    Jan 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 7 mos

    As the Managing Director of Branta, I lead our dedicated team in providing expert corporate finance advice to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. Since founding Branta in January 2018, I have focused on delivering tailored financial strategies that enable our clients to achieve their business objectives and sustain growth in a competitive market. In my role, I oversee the full spectrum of our service offerings, which include mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, financial restructuring, and strategic advisory services. I work closely with our clients to understand their unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our solutions are both innovative and practical. Key responsibilities: • Directing and managing all aspects of Branta’s operations, including business development, client relationships, and strategic planning. • Leading a team of experienced finance professionals to deliver high-quality advisory services. • Developing and implementing customised financial strategies that drive client success. • Maintaining a deep understanding of market trends and regulatory changes to provide informed advice. • Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, banks, and other financial institutions. At Branta, we pride ourselves on our client-centric approach and our commitment to excellence. My goal is to empower SMEs with the financial insight and support they need to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

  • Relationship Director at NatWest
    Jan 2014 - Jan 2018 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Banker to mid-corporate and SME technology and construction businesses in the South-East

  • Royal Bank of Scotland (11 yrs 2 mos)
    • Associate Director
      Sep 2009 - Dec 2013 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      Banker to FTSE350/AIM service and construction companies.

    • Assistant Director
      Mar 2006 - Aug 2009 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      Banker to large corporate (FTSE 350 and international) food, industrial and manufacturing companies.

    • Senior Analyst
      Sep 2004 - Mar 2006 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Responsible for risk appetite to industrial sectors

  • Student Intern at Barclays Investment Bank
    Jul 2000 - Sep 2001 · 1 yr 3 mos

    During my student internship at Barclays, I was responsible for building and analysing credit models and policy. This role involved developing robust credit models to assess risk, conducting detailed data analysis, and contributing to the formulation of credit policies. My work supported the credit risk management team in making informed, data-driven decisions.