News
LDC’s Dewi Hughes and Dan Smith recognised in Real Deals’ Midmarket Future Leaders List 2026
15 Sep 2026
Dewi Hughes, Partner and Head of South West and Wales, and Dan Smith, Partner and Head of Yorkshire, have been named in Real Deals’ Midmarket Future Leaders List 2026.
The list celebrates the private equity professionals who have excelled in their roles over the last year, achieved stellar results through their expertise and strategic acumen, and served as exemplary figures within their firms and the private equity community.
Dewi was praised for leading two of LDC’s most significant exits of the year, including the sale of Bristol-based higher education marketing specialist Hybrid to EAB, a US-based education company, following a four-year partnership. During LDC’s investment, Hybrid achieved significant growth and international expansion, more than quadrupled revenue and tripled headcount.
Dewi also led LDC’s exit of ZipWorld to Dolphin Capital after six years of growth, during which the business increased turnover by 95% , grew headcount by 200% and more than doubled its sites from three to eight. Most recently, Dewi played a key role in LDC’s investment in Taking Care, the Exeter-headquartered technology-enabled care provider, in a complex carve-out from AXA Health.
The judges also highlighted Dewi’s leadership of LDC’s charitable initiatives across the region, supporting causes including Young Lives vs. Cancer and The King’s Trust.
The judges recognised Dan for having been at the helm of several transactions during the past year, including LDC’s investments in Fortus, a York-based full-service accountancy firm, and ARC Building Solutions, the market leading provider of passive fire protection and thermal solutions for the built environment.
Dan also led the exit and reinvestment in UniHomes which generated a return of 4.8x for LDC and followed two years of significant growth during which the Sheffield-based business grew revenue by 75%. Dan also led LDC’s exit of Global Autocare to the executive management team, following a successful six-year partnership during which revenue more than doubled.
Dan was featured in the list (formerly known as Real Deals’ Future 40 Mid-Market Investment Leaders) in 2021 and 2024.
Our congratulations go out to the other individuals who have been named in this year’s Midmarket Future Leaders. You can see the full list here.
