Ford Campbell has strengthened its research and deal origination capabilities with the appointment of David Kandola as a business intelligence analyst.

Kandola has joined Ford Campbell's business and buyer intelligence team from Ashgates Corporate Finance in Derby. His arrival marks the latest in a series of investments in the team by Ford Campbell, which specialises in advising entrepreneurs and owner managers. It follows the appointments earlier this year of Thomas O'Hare as a buyer intelligence analyst and Matthew Harper as a marketing and events executive, and the promotion of Laura Jordan to head of business and buyer intelligence.

Kandola's appointment also takes the headcount in Ford Campbell's research function to five, and follows the launch of its Business and Buyer Intelligence Barometer last month. The BBI Barometer, as it is known, analyses Corpfin data on company sales with a value of £5m to £10m. The inaugural report revealed that more than one half of entrepreneurial businesses sold in the first five months of 2011 were acquired by 'horizontal' buyers that operate in different industries or sectors.

Neil Worsley, partner at Ford Campbell, said: "Strong market intelligence is a crucial asset in our business, enabling us to identify special buyers that will pay premium valuations for our clients' businesses. Our business and buyer intelligence team is the engine room of Ford Campbell, and David Kandola's arrival is indicative of the investment we are making to expedite our growth strategy over the next three years."

David Kandola added: "As an independent, partner-led firm, Ford Campbell is immersed in the entrepreneurial market that it serves. The people live and breathe the deals that they work on, and I am delighted to have joined a team that consistently exceeds its client expectations."