UK Private Company Market 2026: deal volumes, valuations and investor confidence

What is really happening in the UK private company market in 2026? In this session from Hardman & Co's Private Company Valuation Forum, Doug Lawson, Founder and CEO of MarktoMarket, looks at current deal activity and valuation trends across the UK small and mid-market. Despite a challenging economic environment, deal volumes remain robust and activity is continuing. Doug explores what the data tells us about the health of the market, deal values, sector trends and the changing attractiveness of different parts of the economy. The discussion covers: • UK private company deal volumes and values • Market activity in 2026 compared with previous years • How long deals are taking to complete • Changing sector trends and the growing attractiveness of “old economy” businesses • Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT) deal activity • Investor confidence and psychology • What current market data tells us about private company valuations Doug Lawson is Founder and CEO of MarktoMarket, a data platform providing information for advisers and investors in the small and mid-market. Hardman & Co’s Private Company Valuation Forum brings together market experts to explore current activity, valuation trends and the issues affecting private companies and their investors. Important notice: This content has been prepared purely for information purposes, and should not be construed as an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any security, product, service or investment. The companies or legal entities covered in this content may or may not pay us a fixed fee for this content to be made available. Investments in small and mid-cap corporations and foreign entities are speculative and involve a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his or her investment, and the securities or legal entities mentioned in this content may not be suitable or appropriate for all investors. Each investor’s particular needs, investment objectives and financial situation were not taken into account in the preparation of this content. Each investor must make his or her own independent decisions and obtain their own independent advice regarding any information, projects, securities, tax treatment or financial instruments mentioned herein. The fact that Hardman & Co has made available through this content various information constitutes neither a recommendation to enter into a particular transaction nor a representation that any financial instrument is suitable or appropriate for you. Each investor should consider whether an investment strategy of the purchase or sale of any product or security is appropriate for them in the light of their investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. For more information, please read our full disclaimers: www.hardmanandco.com/research-disclosures www.hardmanandco.com/disclaimer