NorthEdge was a proud partner of the inaugural TheBusinessDesk.com Rainmakers Conference, which took place in Manchester this month.
The event was set up to highlight the positive impact this region has on contributing to and driving UK economic growth. 367,000 jobs in the north are directly supported by private equity and venture capital and £1.8bn is deployed into northern companies by private equity and venture capital – signifying the value of private capital for businesses based in the north.
The agenda for the conference covered multiple topics and discussions, including the following which featured partners from NorthEdge and leaders across our portfolio:
The secret sauce – why homegrown private equity and debt capital works
This session went into detail about the successful investments from the region’s leading PE houses, alongside their expertise and commitment to growing businesses based in the north. It showcased the contributions private equity-backed businesses have made to the drive and ambition of the Northern Powerhouse and how they have created jobs and driven further investment.
Speakers included Hannah Haigh, CEO of Meet and Tom Ray, CEO of CTS – both of whom are part of NorthEdge’s portfolio – alongside Darren Powell, CEO of NRG Riverside and Paul Waite, CEO of Rowan.
Magnetic North: Making the region attractive to global institutions
This session revealed how major regional players have raised significant sums despite macro headwinds, alongside exploring what private equity and debt funds can do to make themselves more attractive to global institutions.
Speakers included Keven Parker, Joint Managing Partner of NorthEdge, alongside Gary Davison, Managing Partner of TDC; James Mitchell, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Research at Phoenix Group; Gary Tipper, Group Managing Partner of Palatine; and Lucia Villamor, Partner at Endless LLP.
Rainmakers for good: How private equity funds are reshaping investment outcomes
This session explored the dynamics of how private equity investments can positively shape societal and environmental impacts, as well as how investors in funds are looking for opportunities to deploy their capital into firms who are tackling some of today’s biggest issues, including education and job inequalities, access to healthcare and climate change.
Speakers included Lucie Mills, Partner at NorthEdge alongside Zara de Belder, Associate Director of Antithesis; Sharon Cooper, Head of Organisational Culture and Development at Inclusive Employers; Paddy Dowdall, Assistant Executive Director at Greater Manchester Pension Fund; and Stephanie Wall, Senior Sustainability Director at Palatine.
Facing the future
This session featured a panel of business leaders assessing the prospects for the year, including the strength of the economy and consumer confidence; the impact of the looming general election and what is needed to support long-term growth.
Speakers included Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness – one of NorthEdge’s portfolio companies – alongside Erika Brodnock MBE, Co-founder of Extend Ventures and Sky News’ resident parenting expert of Kinhub; Jen Murray, Head of Financial Sponsors at Shawbrook Bank; Samuel Roberts, Chief Strategy Officer at LCap Group; and Somayeh Taheri, CEO at Urban Chain.
The event brought together over 200 funders, entrepreneurs and business leaders alongside some of NorthEdge’s fellow partners from the dealmaking community including Rowan, Endless LLP, KPMG, Palatine, Squire Patton Boggs, Shawbrook Bank and TDC. It was a fantastic opportunity to focus on the opportunities and challenges of building on the dynamic business landscape in the north, as well as share ideas on how to continue the momentum.
Speaking on the event, Keven Parker said: “We are delighted to have partnered with TheBusinessDesk.com for the first Rainmakers Conference, highlighting the contributions, quality and quantity of SME businesses in the UK regions. It was a great opportunity to emphasise the important role regionally-focused GPs play, and the support needed from UK-based LPs to continue delivering on the Levelling Up agenda.”