Stephen Ford
Exit Partner Succession Planning & Business Sale Adviser for Financial Planning Firms @Melo
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WORK HISTORY
Exit Partner Succession Planning & Business Sale Adviser for Financial Planning Firms @Melo
Marlow, GB
At Melo, I specialise in supporting financial planning firm owners exclusively through the complex process of business succession and sale. My role is dedicated solely to the seller’s interests, ensuring clear alignment and avoiding any conflicts of interest.Key responsibilities include- Leading end-to-end exit planning over 1 to 2 years, helping firms prepare strategically to maximise business value- Developing tailored exit strategies aligned with each owner’s goals, whether that’s full or partial exit, partial involvement post-sale, or management buyouts- Managing buyer identification, due diligence, and negotiations to secure the right fit for clients, staff, and legacy preservation- Providing commercial, technical, and emotional support throughout the process, recognising the high stakes and sensitivity of firm transitions- Leveraging my unique blend of financial advice, M&A strategy, and commercial leadership experience to position businesses optimally in the market- Collaborating closely with legal, tax, and financial professionals to coordinate complex transaction details and ensure smooth execution.By combining hands-on experience from both buy-side and sell-side perspectives, I bring practical insight into buyer motivations and market dynamics, helping clients make informed, confident decisions. My approach balances rigorous preparation with empathy and clear communication to navigate the challenges and opportunities of exit successfully.
EDUCATION
Mt Eliza Business School
MBA, Strategy, Marketing and Finance
Chartered Insurance Institute
Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
University of South Wales
M.Sc (Sports Coaching), Sports and Exercise
Securities Institute of Australia
Graduate Diploma, Applied Finance & Investment
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Organisational and Performance Psychology
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Psychology
Chartered Insurance Institute
Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice
Financial Planning Courses
Financial Planning and Investment
Chartered Insurance Institute
Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
SKILLS
ABOUT STEPHEN FORD
If you own a financial planning firm and are considering your next chapter we can help. Melo has been helping with succession planning and sales for over 7 years. We support a variety of sellers: retirees, those wanting to refocus on advising, those looking for a strategic growth partner, MBO, client segment carve outs and SJP firms looking for something different. Whether you sell now or later, we work exclusively to get you \'sales ready\'. When time, we find the right buyer, maximise your value, and protect your legacy. If you are a buyer, join our panel to give our sellers even more options. Selling is one of the most important and emotional events of many peoples careers. We work only for sellers so our advice, strategy, and negotiations are always aligned to the seller’s best interests. Open market competition also means greater likelihood of a cultural \'fit\' and competitive bid tension. Having sat on both sides, with experience in buy-side IFA acquisitions, financial advice software M&A, management positions in IFAs and Chartered-level advice, I have a broad perspective that helps position a business for the best outcome.Prior to financial services, I held Director roles in £1–2bn revenue companies, leading teams, shaping strategy, and making high-stakes decisions under pressure. This gives me a calm, measured perspective in complex situations, whether in boardrooms or across the table from owners planning their exit.I’m a Chartered-level adviser with leadership experience, underpinned by strong commercial training. I hold an MBA in Strategy, Marketing & Finance and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance focused on M&A - giving me strategic vision and deal-making skills.My academic path also includes a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s in Sports Coaching, fields that sharpen my ability to help people perform under pressure, with empathy, and make clear decisions in high-stakes environments.Outside the office, I’m passionate about sport. I’ve coached netball at Regional and National club levels in the UK for open-age women (16–35) for over a decade, coached women’s volleyball at State and National league levels in Australia, and founded a junior netball club in Marlow that grew to 170 members in three years, providing girls, 9-18, with competitive opportunities. I’m also a lifelong cyclist and, as an Australian, remain a passionate fan of Australian sport, something unchanged in my 17 years living in the UK.If you’re a financial advice firm owner or industry peer and want to swap ideas, share experiences, or just chat, I’m always open.
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