North East Fund Limited appoints new external engagement officer

A Newcastle-based funding provider has created a new position within its business team.

The North East Fund Limited, which is overseeing the delivery of the £120 million North East Fund across the region over the next five years, has expanded its team with the appointment of an external engagement officer.

James Holloway joins the team from Business Northumberland where he worked as a growth advisor. Prior to this, James worked for a fund management company, helping organisations access finance to start up or grow. He will use this diverse skill set together in his new role at The North East Fund Limited by working with businesses, local authorities and professional networks, to ensure that companies across the North East know how to access the right type of funding to start or grow their businesses.

In addition to this, he will host and attend events to support the organisation’s fund managers and to raise awareness of the capital available to businesses.

“I’m delighted to be joining the team at The North East Fund Limited,” James said.

“The funding opportunities available to SMEs operating across the region through the North East Fund are going to make such a huge difference to so many different businesses. It is exciting to be working alongside the team as these funds are delivered and also with the operators themselves to help them gain access to the information they need to help take their businesses to the next level.”

Andrew Mitchell, chief executive of The North East Fund Limited, said:

“James’ appointment will reinforce the great work that the fund managers are doing across the North East. His energy, experience and commitment to supporting local businesses will help to ensure that all eligible companies have the opportunity to access the right type of funding to fulfil their potential.”

The North East Fund is a suite five venture capital and loan fund available to small to medium-sized enterprises operating across Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Newcastle.

Managed by The North East Fund Limited and delivered through four specialist fund management organisations including Maven Capital Partners, NEL, Northstar Ventures and Mercia Fund Managers, the Fund was established in April 2018 with the aim of investing £120 million in around 600 North East businesses and creating over 2,500 new jobs in the process by March 2023.

For more information, visit www.northeastfund.org.