Fund manager FW Capital has announced a significant expansion of its North East operations, appointing five new professionals and announcing a key promotion.
The move reinforces the firm’s commitment to bridging the “funding gap” for regional SMEs and property developers through flexible financial solutions. It follows the opening of FW Capital’s office in Sheffield last year where the team focus on the delivery of the South Yorkshire Debt Fund.
Strengthening the Property Division:
To drive property development and economic regeneration, FW Capital has expanded its specialist property team. Stuart Hodgson joins as Investment Executive, focusing on delivering funding to property developers through the Teesside Flexible Investment Fund. With a background in corporate banking at Santander and Lloyds, Stuart will support developers in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Joining him is Adam Jones as Assistant Investment Executive. A qualified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and Newcastle University graduate in Maths and Statistics, Adam joins FW Capital from Ernst & Young where he specialised in tax advisory accounting. Adam will work alongside the wider team to provide tailored financial structures for residential and commercial clients across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, and County Durham using the North East Property Fund and North East Commercial Property Investment Fund.
Additionally, the firm has promoted Lesley Telford to Senior Investment Executive, strengthening leadership within the property division.
Strengthening the team focused on the North East Elevate Fund:
The expansion also supports the delivery of the £35m North East Elevate Fund. Launched last year and championed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, this fund provides loans and equity investments of up to £1 million to help established businesses scale. Three new recruits have joined to strengthen FW Capital’s commitment to the delivery of this fund.
Matt Elliott joins the team as a Senior Investment Executive, bringing a proven track record in corporate banking starting at Barclays and most recently working at Handelsbanken. Matt is passionate about working closely with SMEs across the North East, helping them to access tailored funding solutions to facilitate growth.
Max Woodhouse joins FW Capital as Investment Executive, bringing nearly a decade of audit, accountancy and corporate finance experience. A Chartered Accountant (ACA), he has acted as a lead adviser to shareholders and management teams, helping maximise value across acquisitions, disposals, fundraising, strategic reviews, valuations and due diligence. His sector experience spans technology, leisure and hospitality, professional services, manufacturing and specialist engineering – expertise that complements the team and supports businesses in the North of England with funding for growth.
Ruby Knowles joins as Assistant Investment Executive with a solid background in accountancy and audit having graduated from the University of Hull with a First-Class Honours degree in Accountancy and Financial Management. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) and most recently worked at S&W Group completing their graduate scheme. Ruby will be focused on supporting businesses seeking micro-loans and was recently involved in the funding for Newcastle’s Reform Studio.
Driving Regional Prosperity
These new appointments complement the existing team at FW Capital and strengthen their position as a leader in the local market, delivering much needed finance to fuel ambitions.
FW Capital manages a portfolio of funds across the North East:
North East Property Fund: Targeted at smallscale residential and non-speculative commercial developments with loans from £250,000 to £2 million across the North East Combined Authority area.
North East Commercial Property Investment Fund: Offering larger-scale loans from £1 million up to £ 7 million for high-quality Grade A commercial projects across the North East Combined Authority area.
Teesside Flexible Investment Fund: Providing funding for business acquisitions, property development and bond finance within the Teesside area.
The North East Elevate Fund is a £35m fund supporting businesses to scale up and innovate. It is designed to stimulate regional growth and create high-quality, sustainable jobs across the North East Combined Authority Area. The fund is backed by the North East Fund.
If you want to find out how we can support your business please email info@fwcapital.co.uk or visit our website www.fwcapital.co.uk