The North West is among the most vibrant regions in the UK, with an abundance of high-quality SMEs and start-ups.
As one of the most active investors of high growth businesses in the region, Maven has deployed over £160m in over 170 SMEs since 2009.
It has long recognised the potential in the North West, where it has been active for two decades with a proven track record in pursuing opportunities to scale, empowering ambitious regional businesses with typically 10 to 15 new deals completed each year.
Management of NPIF – Maven Equity Finance
The £122m Fund, part of the £400m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund in collaboration with the British Business Bank and 10 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), was created to support entrepreneurial SMEs in the North who are seeking the capital they require to fulfil their growth potential.
Maven is uniquely positioned to offer investments ranging from £50,000 to £2 million to both emerging and well-established companies across the Northern Powerhouse region, in a wide range of sectors including technology, digital, life sciences and healthcare, which is crucial in providing much-needed investment that SMEs, particularly those in the early stages of their lifecycle, often struggle to secure from other sources.
Since the Fund’s inception, Maven has invested more than £76m in the region, creating over 1,500 new jobs and raising an additional £150m of private sector leverage in the process.
Broad spectrum of resources
Earlier this year, it also launched The HUB run by a dedicated local team, which is designed to deliver a broad spectrum of crucial resources including workspaces, funding, legal guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities.
The provision of these vital tools, supplemented by business support services and a programme of events, is further empowering entrepreneurial businesses in the North West, and contributing to local communities.
Maven’s commitment to the region is also demonstrated by its investment in regional teams and resource. As well as having one of the largest investment teams in Manchester, it also facilitates 1-2-1 investment clinics across its regional office network, including new offices in Preston, Burnley, Liverpool and Southport.
This localised support is in line with its approach of providing bespoke support to help businesses understand and identify the most suitable finance to meet their funding
needs.
Empowering Northwest SMEs
Contrary to the operational investor archetype, Maven strategically positions itself as a support system for companies, rather than a direct participant in daily operations. Its philosophy is built around backing management teams and empowering them to execute their plans, led by the firm belief that businesses in the North West have the talent and capacity to flourish if provided with the right investment and support.
Management teams are the sector specialists and believe in their ability to carry out business plans and capitalise on market opportunities. At the heart of this strategy lies a trust in the people who drive these businesses.
This dual focus on providing financial support and creating a nurturing ecosystem for SMEs has proven successful for the many companies with whom we work in the North West. An excellent example of Maven’s approach can be seen in its work with Pura, a Cheshire based, eco-friendly baby wipes business.
Since its investment in January 2022, Pura’s revenue has tripled. Maven has worked closely with the Pura team to identify suitable financing partners and establish a seasoned management team to drive sustainable business growth.
Making moves in the USA
Alongside Pura, ORCHA Health, has also experienced significant growth following investment from Maven, and the Cheshire-based company is now making strides in the US market.
By utilising Maven’s extensive network, ORCHA has gained access to advisors and management teams experienced in overseas expansion, enabling the company to accelerate its growth. This venture was acknowledged at the Insider North West Dealmaker awards in 2022, named as the sub-£10m international deal of the year.
Commitment to the North West
Biorelate, a Manchester-based biomedical innovator, utilised Maven’s investment to pursue its global aspirations. With our support, Biorelate, which curates biomedical knowledge to empower drug discovery through its proprietary AI platform, Galactic AI, has experienced substantial growth, securing partnerships with global companies such as AstraZeneca and Idorsia.
Maven’s commitment to the North West region, providing a hands-on and supportive approach to backing local businesses and fostering growth, demonstrates how private equity houses can drive economic advancement in the region.
The North of England will continue to be a hub of entrepreneurial energy and technological innovation, and Maven looks forward to continuing its support for the regions’ ambitious growth companies.
