Gamechangers

The Difference

A Culture of Higher Standards

Benchmark International is a place where everyone is in your corner, and everyone contributes. A place where opinions are valued and hard work is rewarded. Walk into any of our offices around the world and you will feel the team spirit and our company values in action.

We especially understand the importance of business culture because we study those of our clients in order to make deals that are a good fit. We strive to keep our employees inspired and always evolving ahead of our business. Whether you are a potential team member or a potential client, we look forward to hearing from you.

Belong & Thrive

I enjoy working in a dynamic environment, where we are all challenged as individuals daily to broaden our way of thinking and to enhance the value we deliver for our clients. Each day brings a new opportunity to excel, supported by colleagues and directors who boast unrivalled experience and expertise in this industry. 

Jack Redwood
Associate, Oxford

Each day working at Benchmark International poses new challenges. Challenges trying to match buyers with sellers, negotiating the right deal, and overcoming obstacles along the way. The team dynamics and collaboration across the company help us to overcome these challenges and benefit from being successful in what we do. It’s these challenges that make working here so rewarding.

Alex Forshaw
Associate Director, Manchester

Benchmark International is a welcoming environment that has allowed me to feel comfortable and confident in my working life - every day my colleagues and I are able to challenge one another to reach new heights. Working with such a team motivates me to push my limits.

Andrew Cullinane
Analyst, Cork

The professionalism from the top to the bottom is second to none, management are approachable and give help and guidance when requested, a good business to work for.

Peter Sale
Analyst, Manchester

Benchmark International is an exciting and dynamic place to work with the continual expansion of the brand worldwide. This brings with it many opportunities for employees at any level to grow and develop in their respective roles or transition into new ones.

Lorna Holden
Associate, Manchester

Benchmark International is a fantastic company to work for, after 23 years of only ever working for one company previously, I can truly say that I have never felt happier in my job and the company I work for. Your work is a large part of your life, and you are only truly satisfied and feel accomplished if you believe in what you do and you are passionate day-to-day. We are focused, determined, passionate and love what we do. I feel so thankful for the opportunity to work in M&A and Benchmark International teaching me all that I know right now and having fantastic mentors. The market is always growing and the company too, and I feel honoured to be a part of it.

Helen Sharples
Associate, Manchester

Benchmark give its employees the opportunity to progress and shape their future, giving great job satisfaction along the way. The atmosphere in the office is always buzzing and you can recognise that the company is continually investing, both in its employees and the business infrastructure, to be at the cutting edge of the industry.

Nick Lamont
Associate, Manchester

Benchmark is a great company to work for, all employees are valued and everyone is treated equally and with respect. This also goes for the clients too, every member of the team works hard to ensure the best results. I have worked here for 5 years and it is the best career move I’ve made. Friendly colleagues are always on hand to help with any questions you may have. I have learnt so much about M&A and have been given the opportunity to progress and gain new skills. This has helped me to develop knowledge in all areas of the company.

Imogen Platt
Associate, Manchester

Benchmark International has not only developed me in terms of profession, it has also helped me to develop as a person. The growth I have seen in my confidence through the years with the help from management is life-changing. I never thought sales would be a career suited to me, but now I can’t imagine doing anything different.

Niamh Connell
Senior Analyst, Manchester

By working at Benchmark International, my working life involves working with talented professionals who are constantly upscaling to be the best they can be to deliver an excellent service to our clients. In addition, there are always plenty of opportunities to socialise outside of work which I think is one of the reasons why we have such a happy team with a real sense of togetherness. You spend a hefty chunk of your life at work so why shouldn’t it be both professionally and personally rewarding? We think so!

Andrew Roberts
Associate, Manchester

Explore

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Opening Night at Benchmark International Arena!️🏒 Benchmark International was proud to sponsor Opening Night as the Tampa Bay Lightning kicked off the 2026-27 season and the second season of Benchmark International Arena. We welcomed guests, partners and friends to celebrate the start of another Lightning season and experience the energy of Opening Night together. Here’s to another season of Lightning hockey in Tampa Bay. Go Bolts!   #BenchmarkInternational #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #TampaBay #benchmarkinternationalpartnerships
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Susi Astengo of Coach Matching, who reflects on how Benchmark International’s transparent communication, strategic guidance, and commitment to understanding her business created a collaborative experience from start to finish. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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What happens when you’re ready to sell your business, then suddenly have second thoughts?   Keith Marshall, Founder of @smicoldtherapy , gets candid with Dara Shareef about the moment he paused the deal, why he needed time to think, and what ultimately gave him confidence to move forward.   🎙️ A new season of Closing Remarks debuts tomorrow. Stay tuned. Link in bio.   #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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While we’re behind the scenes… we’re bringing back a conversation worth catching. New episode drops this Wednesday! When business gets tough, do you stay in the foxhole or come out and fight? That was the analogy @ScottFink shared with his team during Cash for Clunkers. While others pulled back, Scott pushed forward. His dealership went from selling roughly 180–200 cars a month to 350, gaining market share and building customer relationships along the way. Hear Scott, Chairman and CEO of Giant Auto Group–Fink Auto Group and owner of @vwofwesleychapel and @subaruofwesleychapel, unpack the strategy with Dara Shareef on Closing Remarks. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational
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Previously on Closing Remarks… The biggest risk in an acquisition isn’t always the numbers. Sometimes, it’s the culture. Dara Shareef sits down with Josh Weis, CEO of Vehlo and former Executive Vice President of @ministrybrandsofficial, to unpack why culture clashes can derail even strong deals, what leaders can learn from supporting automotive partners, and strategies to help teams navigate change and keep integrations on track. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational
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We’re ready for another season of @tblightning hockey!️ This morning Benchmark International and @metwestinternational hosted a Lightning Pep Rally to celebrate the start of the 2026-2027 season, bringing our community together for some Bolts spirit, breakfast, and a little fun ahead of tomorrow night’s home opener. Let’s go, Bolts!️🏒 #BenchmarkInternational #GoBolts #TampaBayLightning
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Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning are kicking off the 2026-27 season by giving back to the Tampa Bay community through Strikes of Kindness. Together, we awarded $300,000 in grants to 12 local nonprofits, with each organization receiving $25,000 to support the work they do across our community. We’re proud to support these organizations and the meaningful impact they’re making throughout Tampa Bay. #BenchmarkInternational #StrikesOfKindness #TampaBay #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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What keeps a family business thriving for more than a century? For Casey Gonzmart http://Jr., it starts with staying connected to the people who make it possible. 🤝 🎙️ On Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef and Casey explore how walking the dining rooms, listening to team members, and learning from guests continues to shape the leadership behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, and @santostefanotpa. ️ Catch up on the conversation. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning are proud to donate $300,000 to 12 local organizations through Strikes of Kindness. 🤝 And the impact doesn’t stop there. Throughout the season, our teams will volunteer alongside these organizations and shine a light on the incredible work they do every day. Together, we’re turning kindness into action and making a lasting impact across Tampa Bay. #BenchmarkInternational #TampaBay
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The next season is in the works. Until then, rewind with us. Cue the replay. A $20 million deal doesn’t always mean a $20 million check at closing. The way a deal is structured can be just as important as the price itself. Host Dara Shareef and Wade Duncan explore retained equity, seller notes, earnouts, and what business owners should understand before they sell. Press play and catch up on the conversation. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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We’re hitting pause, not stop, to let you catch up. It’s time to run it back. “It’s a matter of education. It’s a matter of what’s going on in the market.” What could the M&A market reveal about your next move? @tyrus_oneill and Dara Shareef discuss how understanding the market can help business owners see their options more clearly, from raising capital to a potential exit. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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A proud moment for Benchmark International and a meaningful step for education in Tampa Bay. Dara Shareef has been named an inaugural member of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County’s Blue Ribbon Council. His service continues a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, supporting education, and building stronger communities. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingtheBenchmark
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Season One was just the beginning. We’re bringing Closing Remarks back this October for another season of candid conversations, new perspectives, and voices from across the table. See you in Season Two. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #MergersAndAcquisitions
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Steven Nolan of Robotics & Drives, who shares how Benchmark International’s guidance and hands-on support helped make the process of bringing the business to market more seamless, from identifying buyers to coordinating interviews. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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🎞️ While Season 2 is in production… we're rolling the recap. What can you learn from the M&A market, even if you’re years away from selling? @benjaminwagner joins Dara Shareef for a special Q&A on what going to market can reveal about where your business stands today and what opportunities may be ahead. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast #Business #MergersAndAcquisitions
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Missed the episode featuring Andrew Wright? Previously on Closing Remarks...Dara Shareef spoke with @tampa_wright of @franklinstreet.cre., a leader behind Ally Capital Group and @nextlevelbrandstampa, about what it takes to keep building through both good and challenging markets. Hard work, trust, and consistency matter no matter what the market is doing. Grab your headphones and hear some incredible lessons on building . 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeader
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Roll the recap. What makes one business attract more buyer interest than another? Dara Shareef talks with @kaylasullivan3 about why having a thoughtful advisor and searching beyond the obvious buyers can make all the difference. Sometimes, finding the right buyer means looking under every rock. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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While the cameras take five…learn more about one of our hard-hitting episodes. “No business grows based on name alone.” @titusoneilwwe, President and Chair of the Bullard Family Foundation, sits down with Dara Shareef to talk about the people, purpose, and authenticity behind building something that lasts. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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🎞️ Roll it back. There’s always more to the person than the title. 💭 For @jerry.bell.5817, former tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, football was part of his story, but it never defined the whole person. From leadership to business and serving on boards, each experience has played a part in who he is today. Jerry Bell of Bell & Associates Business Consultants joins Dara Shareef to share more about the experiences that shaped his career. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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A proud moment made possible by the people behind it. Benchmark International has been recognized as the 2027 Best Financial Services Firm of the Year as part of the American Business Vanguard Awards, organized by GPMG. Awards recognize achievement, but this one also represents something we value deeply: the relationships built along the way. To our team, clients, and partners, thank you for being part of this recognition. #BenchmarkInternational #Awards #SettingTheBenchmark
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What if getting better at your strengths isn’t where you’ll make the biggest impact? As @jwilkins31 says: “Your marginally improved strengths are never going to be as impactful as your delegated weaknesses.” Jordan Wilkins and Dara Shareef explore why recognizing your weaknesses and trusting capable people to take ownership can help move the business forward. 🎙️ Watch the full Q&A now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Link in bio. Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks
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Between seasons, we rewind. 💭 What happens when years of business value suddenly become personal wealth? Blake Poole from @bernsteinpwm, accompanied by Christopher Steele, talks with Dara Shareef about core versus surplus and the decisions that can follow an exit. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Link in bio. Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast #Business
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from John Corcoran of Pinta Crew Limited, who shares how Benchmark International’s strategic approach helped identify the right buyer while keeping the company’s legacy, people, and future at the forefront throughout the process. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Cut! That’s a wrap… for now. Closing Remarks is taking a season break, but the M&A conversations aren’t stopping. As we gear up for what’s next, tune in each day as we rewind conversations, insights, and standout moments from this season. What can business leaders learn from the mindset of a champion? For @officialdbrooks55, COO of @usfathletics, success was never about proving the doubters wrong. It was becoming the best version of himself, learning from those ahead of him, and continuing to raise his own expectations. Derrick and Dara Shareef talk about a lesson that reaches far beyond football: growth comes from measuring yourself against who you were yesterday, not everyone around you. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #BusinessLeader #Business #Mindset
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Celebrating the women at Benchmark International whose leadership, expertise, and dedication continue to make an impact every day. Happy Business Women’s Day. #BusinessWomensDay #BenchmarkInternational #WomenInBusiness