Meet Andy Shepherd, the GB Triathlete

The world of M&A can certainly be considered as multi-disciplinary with advisors ranging across a number of specialties required to achieve a successful deal. Well, our very own Provantage corporate finance advisor Andy Shepherd takes this multi-disciplinary approach into his athletic pursuits with a passion for triathlon involving swimming, cycling, and running.

In 2022 Andy competed in an event which qualified him to represent the Age Group GB team in the forthcoming European Sprint Distance Triathlon Championship held in Madrid in June 2023. The European Championships is an incredibly prestigious event that brings together the best elite amateur athletes from all over Europe to compete in a 750m open water swim, a 20km ride and a 5km run.

When asked what it takes to balance life as a corporate finance advisor alongside his training regime and family life, Andy said: “There’s no other way to put it than it really does take a team effort. I’m fortunate at Provantage to work in a tight-knit team of colleagues who are all incredibly understanding towards the demands of my time and don’t seem to mind the waft of chlorine that hangs around the office after a morning swim! I also have an amazingly supportive wife who puts up with late evening training and many a weekend travelling across the country for races. I truly couldn’t do it without her support”.

Clients at Provantage also benefit from Andy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and attention to detail and the positive impact on the services he provides. He takes the same level of discipline and focus from his athletic pursuits and applies it to his work, ensuring that his clients receive the best possible advice and support.

Andy’s typical week of training which fits around his full-time role at Provantage includes an incredible 14+ hours of training across 6 days of the week. In recognition of the importance of downtime in such a demanding training routine, Andy commented: “The most challenging part of being an amateur athlete is 100% finding and making the time to unwind. It’s very easy to fall into the routine of working and training and miss out on quality time, which is important for mental health and overall well-being. Luckily, I live close to a nature reserve where I walk my border collie Rupert morning and evening. I find that this really helps me switch off and forces me to go at a slower pace which I always feel better for”.

David Browne, Provantage commented:

“Making the GB Team is a fantastic achievement! We wish Andy every success in Madrid next month and are both proud and privileged to work alongside him.

Culture is everything, so we pride ourselves on naturally promoting an environment that fosters flexibility and enables everyone to achieve their full potential, both personally and professionally. By creating a space where everyone feels valued and supported, we are a Team of individuals who are driven to succeed, work collaboratively and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones.”

Andy’s story serves as a great source of inspiration to anyone looking to achieve success while leading a well-rounded life and his success as an athlete is a shining example to other aspiring athletes.

We will be sure to follow up on Andy’s progress when he competes in Madrid later in the year and from all of us at Provantage we wish him the best of luck!