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January 20, 2026
Joe Averill
5 mins
The idea for Cortus was born out of a desire to do things differently. Together with co-founders James Groot and John Hughes, Nicola set out to create a supportive professional services business where collaboration, expertise, and integrity were at the forefront.
"I wanted to create a supportive professional services business where collaboration, expertise and integrity were at the forefront of everything we did. Our team at Cortus is authentic, straight talking and genuinely cares. Our clients have appreciated this approach."
But the journey to launch wasn't without its challenges. Initially called Origin Advisory Group, Nicola lost a trademark battle on Christmas Eve 2020, Father Christmas delivered a cease and desist. Christmas Day was spent researching new names.
That's when Cortus emerged. The word means coming into being; rising; breaking out, and as soon as Nicola read the definition, she knew it perfectly captured what they were building.
"Cortus came up in a search as a word with a similar meaning. It means coming into being; rising; breaking out. As soon as I read the definition, I knew it would fit our ethos."
The setback cost time, money, and added complexity to an already challenging launch during COVID-19. But it also proved something important: Nicola had more resilience than she thought.
Starting a business is never easy. Starting one during a global pandemic, with a delayed launch and mounting costs, tested everything Nicola had built her career on.
"One of the lowest points in my journey with Cortus was navigating the challenges that came with starting a business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trademark battle delayed the launch of the business, meant that I had to try and recruit without being able to tell people what the name of the business they would be joining was, and obviously cost me a lot of money that was not included in my cash flow forecast!"
It would have been easy to give up. But Nicola's passion to do things differently remained her guiding star.
"It would have been easy to give up before we'd started or opt for using surnames, but what the experience taught me was that the path is never straightforward. My passion to do things differently had to remain my guiding star whatever the name, and I learnt that I had more resilience than I thought I had."
That resilience didn't just get Cortus off the ground, it set the tone for a firm built on authenticity, grit, and purpose.
Today, Cortus Advisory Group is known for its client-centric approach and exceptional service. But Nicola's vision doesn't stop at building a successful firm in the UK.
"My vision for Cortus is to continue building a firm that is known for its authenticity, client-centric approach, and exceptional service. Personally, I aim to keep growing as a leader and helping others achieve their goals. We have extended our European alliances this year and my dream is to take Cortus beyond the UK."
That ambition is paired with a leadership philosophy rooted in empathy, empowerment, and continuous improvement, values shaped by the leaders who believed in her early on.
Behind every leader are the people who saw their potential, opened doors, and pushed them to grow. For Nicola, two figures stand out.
"John Hughes, who is the Chairman of Cortus, and John O'Brien have had significant influences on my career, and both have a special place in my heart. Both were previously senior partners at KPMG who I worked with closely. They believed in me, saw my potential and opened up opportunities for me… as well as throwing me in the deep end many a time! Above all, they have always been straight with me, something which I value deeply."
That straight-talking, people-first approach now defines how Nicola leads Cortus, building a culture where collaboration and integrity aren't just values, they're the foundation.
Building a business requires sacrifice, not just from the founder, but often from those closest to them. For Nicola, that support came from her husband, Mark, who made a decision that few would.
"My husband, Mark, gave up his career two years ago to allow me to focus on growing Cortus whilst he made sure the family kept functioning. Not many people would take this risk for their partner."
With two children now aged 12 and 14, the ups and downs of business, deadlines, and travel commitments are a regular feature at the dinner table. But that balance, difficult as it is, has taught Nicola the importance of flexibility and the value of a supportive team, both at work and at home.
In a demanding industry, Nicola has learned that maintaining mental and physical wellbeing aren't optional, they're essential.
"Health is something I hold in high regard. Maintaining mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing go hand in hand for me. I focus on strength training not only to increase physical strength but also to boost mental resilience."
Living near the Lancaster canal with the beach and woods just 10 minutes away, Nicola has no excuse not to stay grounded, literally and figuratively.
Nicola Merritt's story is one of resilience, conviction, and building something meaningful in an industry that doesn't always reward those things. From KPMG to Cortus, from trademark battles to European expansion, her journey proves that doing things differently isn't just possible, it's powerful.
At LEVEL, we believe those are the stories worth sharing.
LEVELATIONS is our ongoing series spotlighting business leaders shaping what's next, one conversation at a time.
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