DSW Transaction Services strengthens Solent team with Senior Adviser appointment

Launched in June 2026, the Solent Transaction Services team is spearheaded by Alex Milne, who joined from RSM UK, having spent 18 years with the firm. In his role as Senior Adviser, Peter will work closely with Alex to support the team’s development as it grows across the region.

Beginning his career at Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) in 1987, Peter spent 17 years with the firm, establishing a transaction services team in its Southampton office. In 2005, he moved to Tenon (now RSM UK), where he set up and developed a due diligence team. During this time, he met Alex, who joined as a student and was the first employee to progress through the team to partner.

After retiring from RSM UK in 2024, Peter has remained active in the region as a Governor at Health Sciences University in Bournemouth, Chairman of Ringwood Food Bank, and a trustee of STARF, a charity supporting children experiencing mental health difficulties.

Drawing on his longstanding working relationship with Alex, Peter will provide senior input and challenge on financial due diligence assignments, advising Alex as the practice grows and he looks to expand his offering. Peter will also support the wider team as it expands, mentoring more junior members.

The appointment comes as DSW Transaction Services looks to build on its expertise in events, exhibitions and B2B media, while exploring opportunities to develop further specialisms across regional and national markets. The team recently completed its first transaction since launching in the summer, acting for Kisaco Research, a London-based events and media business, in its acquisition by Forge.

Peter Vandervelde, Senior Adviser at DSW, said, “Having spent much of my career building transaction services teams, I know how important it is to have the right people and experience around you. I’ve known Alex for many years and have seen him develop throughout his career, so when he approached me about getting involved with DSW Transaction Services, it was an opportunity I was extremely keen to take. I’m looking forward to being part of the team and sharing some of the experience I have gained over the years to help scale and grow the business.”

Alex Milne, Partner at DSW, added, “Peter has played an important part in my career, so I am thrilled to be working with him again. He brings a wealth of experience and a perspective that will be invaluable as we look to develop the business. Having his support will also be a real benefit to the wider team, particularly as we continue to grow and bring through the next generation of transaction services professionals.”