This month saw the launch of our 6th annual Private Equity Challenge, a programme designed to inspire the next generation of investment talent across our regions.

The annual competition has kicked off this week, offering university students the chance to learn more about the world of private equity and gain first-hand experience in the investment process.

Students from Leeds University Union Trading & Investment Society, Manchester University Trading & Investment Society and the University of Sheffield Investment Society will continue to participate in the challenge this year. In a programme-first, students from Aston Finance & Trading Society and Lancaster University Investment and Finance Society, will also take part.

The programme, which is one of very few of its type in the UK, offers students a comprehensive insight into the world of private equity, providing practical, hands-on experience of working in the sector.

The Private Equity Challenge, which is now in its sixth year, features sessions on value creation, corporate finance and due diligence to educate aspiring investment professionals.

We have also enlisted the support of several of its peers from the dealmaking community, including Deloitte, Houlihan Lokey and Shoosmiths to participate in the challenge and provide essential insights to participants.

The programme began on 7 February and will run through to April, concluding with students presenting an investment opportunity to an internal investment committee at our Manchester head office.

Lucie Mills, Partner at NorthEdge said: “We’ve had five years of continued success with running the Private Equity Challenge and it’s fantastic to share our expertise and experience with finance students.

“The challenge is a great example of NorthEdge’s commitment to encouraging a more diverse set of talent into our industry. We believe we have an important part to play in building the next generation of talent for private equity and this challenge allows us to showcase the inner workings of the private equity market, alongside important factors for NorthEdge people and investments such as culture, people and collaboration as key drivers in building better businesses. We’re extremely thankful to the dealmaking community for continuing to support us with this initiative and excited to welcome Aston and Lancaster Universities to the programme this year, alongside Leeds, Manchester & Sheffield. I would like to wish all of the students taking part the best of luck over the coming weeks.”