Midlands businesses should be tapping the “Burnham Barometer” to see which way the new administration is leaning and identify acquisition opportunities should the government ramp up its nationalisation programme.

Corporate finance specialists at national audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe are encouraging acquisitive businesses to do their homework quickly to avoid missing out.

Andy Kay, Corporate Finance Partner of Crowe in the Midlands and South West, said: “We are hearing a bit more debate around nationalisation plans and should the government bring forward any of its programmes, it will identify duplication and business areas that are not core.

“This may throw up opportunities in sectors such as water, steel and rail, for example, and personnel with significant skillsets, specialist plant and machinery, and non-core income generating businesses could all become available.

Other areas such as water and the need for improved infrastructure , and continuing pressure to expand the National Grid to supply the UK’s rapidly growing power requirements, could also generate possibilities and pave the way for entrepreneurial and innovating thinking.

Kay added: “Businesses that are flexible and light on their feet will have major advantages in their ability to respond to opportunities.”

But he cautioned that funding and capital requirements would be the elements that need to be in place in order to move swiftly.

“Now is the time to ensure your war chest is ready and you can be first to the table with a solid, funded offer, in the event of any uptick in government led non-core disposals and carve-outs.”

Crowe has offices in Birmingham, Oldbury and Cheltenham. To discuss the options, contact andy.kaye@crowe.co.uk