Meet The Team
Our Expert Team
The consulting landscape is vast and often confusing. Too many firms lose sight of the true purpose – creating value for the client.
Lighthouse Advisory was founded on a different principle. While smaller than some, our size is not our defining feature.
Like a lighthouse, we illuminate the path forward. Our expertise, built on years in demanding executive roles, cuts through the fog. We offer a reach that extends far beyond standard solutions, empowering clients to navigate towards their brightest future.
Les Elby
Partner
Les is an experienced business leader with over 20 years of experience across the Technology sector. He has held senior leadership positions in Corporate Development, Strategy and Executive Management roles at AVEVA and Lighthouse, as well as advisory positions to the executive teams of technology firms.
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In addition to his work with clients, Les is also an active mentor for start-ups and SMEs (small and medium enterprises), helping them to grow and maximise their future value.
Partner
Mat Truche-Gordon
Mat has worked for over 20 years in leadership roles within the software sector, including 10 years at AVEVA Plc where he ran Strategy, Key Accounts, Marketing, Licensing, Partnerships & M&A as an Exec board member.
Mat left AVEVA in 2015 to join Hg Capital and spent 5 years in Corporate Development roles completing over 25 acquisitions and disposals. Mat joined Lighthouse in 2020 and is also an active Board member for tech companies in the UK and Central Europe.
Operating Partner
Ian Gates
Ian is a senior executive with vast experience managing software and service businesses within the private and public sectors, ranging from small, locally focused software houses to the MD of a Division of Capita Plc (FTSE 50). Ian is an inclusive leader who is trusted internally and externally. He believes people are key to making things happen and is highly regarded for his stakeholder management at all levels.
Ian has a proven track record of business growth, both organically and via acquisition. This includes several turnaround businesses and managing the transformation required to merge companies and staff into a joined-up and thriving culture. His C-level experience as a Managing Director and as an Executive Board member brings experience in both business strategy and operational delivery. Ian first worked with Lighthouse in 2017 while at Hg-backed IRIS.
Martin Temple
Operating Partner
With over 30 years of experience in software, product, and business management, Martin is a seasoned leader and innovator in the digital space. As the founder of ParentMail, the UK’s leading parental engagement service, and a former leader of IRIS Biostore, a provider of cashless catering and identity management solutions, Martin has successfully built, scaled, and sold thriving businesses.
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Martin specialises in B2B software markets, Martin provides guidance, insight, and non-executive director services with a focus on customer satisfaction, product strategy, and pricing. Whether advising on growth strategies or enhancing operational effectiveness, Martin is dedicated to driving meaningful and sustainable business success.
Operating Partner
Mark Davis
Mark is an outreach specialist. There are many ways to engage with clients, but few that can match the quality of Mark's expertise. Mark has over 30 years’ experience working with a variety of different client facing roles.
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​Mark is an expert at initiating contact with customers and business buyers, so they feel they have been shortlisted and not part of a mass contact process. This approach creates the best engagement when gaining customer feedback in commercial diligence and customer rating projects. Additionally, this personalised approach generates excellent response rates from buyers and sellers during M&A engagements.