A deep-rooted focus on the North East

You’re head of investment at NEL Fund Managers. Can you tell us a little about your role and how it contributes to the organisation’s wider objectives?

I joined NEL in January to lead the investment team and help develop our offering for SMEs across the North East.

I work closely with intermediaries and SMEs to originate new investment opportunities focusing on their growth plans, structuring the appropriate funding and hand-holding the client through the process to completion.

NEL is a regional fund manager, so everything we do is focused on helping North East SMEs to grow.

My team and I are responsible for investing funds from £25,000 to £2 million across the North East, from Berwick down to Tees Valley, in a way that drives growth, creates jobs and supports the wider regional economy.

How does NEL Fund Managers’ approach stand out from other organisations in the investment space?

One of the main things that sets us apart is our deep-rooted focus on the North East.

We’re based here, we live here and we understand the businesses and communities we’re investing in.

We don’t rely on remote decision-making; our. approach is local, personal and hands-on.

Our ‘more than capital’ approach enables us to build strong relationships with SME owners and offer holistic post-investment support.

NEL backs a range of businesses across the region. What does it typically look for in a potential investee?

We back ambitious, growth-orientated trading businesses across all sectors.

We look for strong management teams with a clear vision and a plan for how our investment will help them scale or evolve.

A business doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be open to collaboration and ready to take that next step in its journey.

Whether it’s funding a management buyout, investing in new technology or expanding operations, we’re looking for ventures that will deliver lasting economic impact in the North East.

What are the biggest challenges facing North East businesses seeking investment in the present environment?

The financial landscape is more complex than ever.

Rising interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty have made some lenders more cautious, and many businesses just aren’t aware of the full range of funding options available to them.

That’s why having regionally-focused investors like NEL is so important – we’re here to help businesses navigate those challenges and access the support they need to grow.

Away from the office, you’re heavily involved with Gosforth Bohemians Football Club. How did that come about?

I’ve always loved football, and after moving back to the North East, I got involved with Gosforth as it was my local team but also the oldest amateur club in the North East.

We have male, female and mixed gender teams from under-sevens to senior, with more than 450 players across the club.

I am treasurer and became first-team manager after retiring from playing in 2022.

It’s a close-knit club and has a real community feel to it.

After 28 years in Division One, we won the league and cup double in 2023/2024, and were promoted to the Premier Division.

In order to get promoted to the Northern League, we need to significantly improve the facilities.

We have ambitious plans for a new ground, supported by the Football Foundation, and are in the process of trying to raise significant funding to advance the project and give the people of NE3 something to be really proud of.

Has your involvement with grassroots football influenced your approach to leadership and teamwork in your professional role?

 Definitely.

Managing a non-league team teaches you a lot about people across a range of ages and from diverse backgrounds – how to motivate them, get the best out of them and create a strong team culture.

Those lessons translate directly into my day job.

Whether I’m working with a business owner or leading my own team at NEL, it’s about clear communication, trust and building something greater than the sum of its parts.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The professional community here is incredibly supportive.

There’s a real sense that we’re all working towards a common goal – to help the region thrive.

I also love how close everything is.

I spend a lot of time up in Northumberland seeing family, or walking the dog with the kids along the coast.

It’s a great balance between professional opportunity and quality of life.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I was once the face of a national brand campaign for a previous employer.

Unfortunately, my acting talents were widely compared to those of David Brent from The Office…

Photo credit: Simon Williams