Bishop Fleming welcomes James Maynell as partner in Birmingham
James Maynell has joined Bishop Fleming, as the firm continues to grow its Birmingham office. Arriving as a partner, he takes the locale’s headcount to more than 20 members of staff – just a year after its launch.
Bishop Fleming’s Birmingham Office Lead Mark Taylor commented, “We are delighted to welcome James as transaction support partner at a pivotal moment in our firm’s national expansion, as we strengthen our proposition for the middle market. His track record in facilitating complex corporate transactions, combined with his expertise in SME finance, means he will be a valuable addition to our senior leadership team.”
Launched in early 2025, Birmingham became the ninth office of Bishop Fleming across the UK. The firm has a presence from the West Midlands to the South West, with around 45 partners and over 500 staff – and the Birmingham office eventually aims to house at least 200 experts of its own.
As the firm expand in the West Midlands and beyond, Maynell’s expertise in private equity will help ensure the firm continues to “deliver the high levels of service and advice our clients expect as we transition into a national player in tax and advisory services,” Taylor added.
Maynell brings over two decades of wide-ranging, high-level commercial experience, including 12 years at EY in operational transaction services, and latterly as a partner at Ballards. He joins as a due diligence specialist alongside the Birmingham leadership team and partner group to support clients looking to buy, sell, or merge with other businesses. His focus will be on both buy-side and sell-side due diligence.
Speaking on his appointment, Maynell added, “In the current market, due diligence shouldn’t just be a ‘tyre-kicking’ exercise or a check on the numbers; it’s about identifying the hidden value opportunities and risks that drive a deal’s success. I’m looking forward to unlocking the value opportunities still yet to be discovered in the Midlands. The region’s status as a major transport hub, traditional manufacturing and professional services industry powerhouse translates into a significant commercial opportunity.”
