Why Is Ben Coggin Joining BDO's Deals Team A Big Move For Yorkshire And The North East?

Ever wondered what actually happens when one company decides to buy another? It is not as simple as swapping cash, because there is a mountain of financial homework involved. And that is where specialist teams come in. One of the biggest names in this world, BDO, has just made a major move in the north of England.

On 13 November 2025, the firm announced a significant partner appointment: Ben Coggin has joined its Yorkshire deals team. This is not routine corporate reshuffling. It is a strategic hire that signals big things ahead for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East.

What Exactly Is A Deals Team?

Imagine you own a thriving local bakery and want to buy the sandwich shop next door. Before buying it, you would want to know everything, including its finances, contracts, and any potential risks. That is essentially what a deals team does, but on a far bigger scale.

They work with mid-market businesses, the strong and growing firms that power the UK economy.

A deals team supports companies with:

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
• Transaction Services, which is an in depth investigation into the financial health of a business

Transaction services is like getting a structural survey before buying a house, but for entire companies. The team checks the numbers, uncovers risks, and ensures buyers know exactly what they are getting. It is vital advisory work that protects businesses from expensive mistakes.

A New Face In The Leeds Office

Enter Ben Coggin, BDO’s new Transaction Services Partner. This is a senior and influential role, and he is joining from EY, another heavyweight of the accountancy world. In business terms, it is like a star striker transferring between top clubs.

Based in BDO’s Leeds office, Coggin will help grow the Transaction Services practice across Yorkshire and the North East. His arrival strengthens BDO’s ability to support ambitious mid-market firms looking to buy, sell, or expand.

It is a major win for businesses in the region. More expertise means more support and more opportunity.

The Experience He Brings To The Team

Coggin brings deep experience across several major sectors, including:

• Technology
• Media
• Business services
• Industrial markets

These areas are important pillars of the northern economy, and having a partner who understands their challenges and opportunities is a significant advantage.

He has also worked on private deals and capital markets transactions, which involve raising money on the stock market. This expertise helps BDO guide clients through even the most complex projects.

A Growing Team With A Strong Reputation

Coggin is joining a thriving deals team that has been building real momentum. Earlier in the year, another key appointment was made, and Jeff Gardner was promoted to partner within the same Leeds Transaction Services team.

BDO is clearly focused on strengthening its northern presence.

Partner Jason Whitworth said:

“The Yorkshire Deals team has a fantastic reputation in the region for its drive, expertise and passion for supporting dynamic businesses looking to expand through strategic M&A. Ben’s appointment strengthens our position across key regional sectors.”

He also added:

“His experience working on private and capital markets transactions is a valuable asset to the team. Our deals proposition has never been stronger.”

The message is clear. BDO is expanding, confident, and ready for more growth across the region.

Why BDO? A Partner’s Perspective

So why leave EY for BDO? Coggin explained his decision, and it reveals a lot about the direction BDO is heading.

He said:

“I was drawn to BDO for its strong brand and clear focus on the mid-market. I am looking forward to helping unlock the significant growth opportunity the organisation has both nationally and in the Yorkshire region.”

He also highlighted the culture he wants to help build:

“I am excited to work with the wider BDO community to continue building a team culture that values authenticity, collaboration and a growth mindset.”

These values highlight that BDO is not only recruiting experts, but is also nurturing a culture that helps staff and clients thrive.

For Yorkshire and the North East, Coggin’s appointment signals a stronger advisory landscape, better guidance for local companies, and more capacity for major deals across the region.