At NorthEdge, we are committed to using our voice to demonstrate why private capital is a key contributor to the UK economy and the role it can play in driving growth across the UK.
We recognise that as regionally focused investors, NorthEdge has a huge part to play in contributing positively to our economy and society.
In the last few months, Lucie Mills, NorthEdge Partner, has attended multiple events with the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) to discuss key challenges and opportunities for the industry moving forward.
Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel
Held on the 2nd April 2025, the conference centred around the work that the BVCA has been doing alongside the Government and the pensions industry to discuss key barriers and highlight the role pension funds can play in supporting UK economic growth through private capital investment.
Part of the analysis led to the introduction of the Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel, launched in 2024, to bringing senior representatives together and devise a report based on their findings.
Published on the 2nd April 2025, the report outlines 12 recommendations for industry, policymakers, and regulators to consider. You can find the full report online here.
The BVCA has been working for a number of years on making it easier for UK pension schemes to invest into private capital funds. This has involved discussions with the Government and the pensions industry to unlock the barriers for pension schemes to invest into private capital funds – a key example of the industry partnering to shape a better economy.
It is reported that international pension schemes collectively allocate 16x more capital to UK private capital funds compared to UK pensions schemes.
Private Capital Sustainability Conference
On 25th June 2025, the BVCA also held their Private Capital Sustainability Conference which featured discussions fostering meaningful dialogue on regulatory developments; identifying and addressing the most material aspects of implementing future-proof strategies; and exploring how sustainability serves as a driver for value creation in private capital.
Lucie Mills spoke on the panel for ‘Impact with a little ‘i’’, which centred on the increasing focus of private capital firms demonstrating how they add value beyond financial returns. Discussions involved what the drivers for this increasing focus are, what it means and how it can be done – even if the firm doesn’t have a dedicated Impact strategy.
The remaining agenda covered all parts of the private capital ecosystem, including DE&I, impact investing, Decarbonisation, Sustainability Regulation, ESG Reporting, Biodiversity, Supply Chain and Human Rights.
Investment Policy Forum
On 1st July 2025, the BVCA held their inaugural Investment Policy Forum. The event focused on driving investment into key UK sectors and demonstrating the role private capital has in economic growth.
The day featured panels, discussions and expert speakers with representatives from across the private capital industry, parliamentarians, policymakers and business stakeholders.
Key topics discussed including tech innovation and AI; productivity and value creation; the transition to Net Zero and trends in private capital.
Lucie Mills spoke on the panel for ‘The role of private capital in increasing investment across the nations and regions of the UK’.
At the event, the BVCA launched a new report, Investing in a Better Economy, which finds that UK-based private capital has £190 billion available to invest over the next three to five years.
Speaking on the events, Lucie Mills said: “It’s great to be a part of the latest discussions with the BVCA on the benefits of private capital within the UK economy and the role it can play in driving growth across the UK.
As regionally-focused investors, we have a huge part to play in ensuring our industry can continue to contribute positively to our economy and society. We’re so proud of the number of national and international businesses that we have supported that are based in the UK regions, which is why we’re committed to using our voice; working alongside Government and Education; and delivering sustainable returns for our stakeholders – demonstrating the attractiveness and the power of the regions.”
Further Reading
BVCA Venture Capital in the UK Report 2024