North East based investment company NEL Fund Managers has achieved a record-breaking quarter, securing its largest deal to date alongside a series of strategic investments across diverse sectors and locations. Spanning from Northumberland to Tees Valley, the fund manager has delivered key investments through NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund and NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance Fund which are both managed by the recently expanded team at NEL, as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), reinforcing its commitment to driving regional business growth.
Paul Scott CEO of NEL commented: “It’s been a fabulous performance by the team in what can only be described as a volatile business environment. With the support of British Business Bank as an investor, it’s great to see NEL’s value proposition resonating with SME’s, intermediaries and see the results coming through as we execute at pace against our long term strategy.”
Among these investments, four standout deals highlight the fund’s diverse impact and bespoke investment structures, supporting businesses across key industries and driving growth across the region.
Standout Investments Driving Regional Growth
Canny Folk
Cocktail bar group Canny Folk received a five-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund to help expand with a new Mother Mercy cocktail bar in Heaton.
Founder and managing director, Neil Donachie said: “NEL clearly understood our strategy of maximising concentration in the North East, creating jobs and progression opportunities in a business recently accredited as a Great Place to Work. The investment team are highly engaged, very responsive and took time to truly understand the essence of the brand, offering the flexibility we needed to move quickly on the acquisition of the Heaton site.”
Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to support Neil and the Team as an existing portfolio company with their plans for expansion. The brand has quickly become well known within region and I wish them every continued success.”
Duo Global Consulting (Perform)
A six-figure investment was made into Perform from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund to support ambitious growth, staff recruitment and increased marketing. Perform is a management development platform powered by behavioural science, created by female-led Duo Global Consulting.
Laura Weaving, CEO of Perform commented: “Working with the team at NEL has been a brilliant experience. NEL immediately understood what makes Perform different. This investment helps us scale that support to more businesses – improving team performance, reducing management strain, and making management actually work at every level.”
Rachael Munro, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “It was great to work with Laura and Sarah, who are very passionate and forward-thinking when it comes to workplace behaviour and management. Their business has been built on many years of expertise – both are very impressive women with a wealth of knowledge”
Greener Solutions Group
A six-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance Fund was made into Greener Solutions Group to support multi-million-pound contracts and continued growth.
Andrew Wilkinson and Keian Sanchez, Directors, said: “This investment allows us to accelerate our delivery capacity and enhance our offering across the retrofit and renewables landscape.”
Michael Williams, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “We are delighted to support Andrew and the wider team. NEL’s investment in conjunction with long-term government initiatives will allow the business to exploit market opportunities, create jobs and contribute to the government’s net zero target by 2050.”
WL Distillery
Durham-based WL Distillery which combines a passion for spirits and the great outdoors with handpicked ingredients received a five-figure investment to upgrade manufacturing and improve its site.
Founder Scott Wilson-Laing said: “This investment will enable us to drive growth through the development of our distillery and allow us to diversify into other innovative products.”
Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive, added: “I was aware of the brand and was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Scott and I wish him every success with the new lines.”
JH Partners Consulting Engineers Limited
Durham-based JH Partners received a significant investment from the NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance Fund to provide working capital and support the company’s ambitious growth plans to expand its team, invest in advanced design software, and further enhance its service offering in mechanical, electrical, and digital engineering design.
Senior management at JH Partners commented: “Partnering with NEL has provided JH Partners with a strong platform for growth helping provide long-term sustainable success.”
Rachael Munro, Investment Executive, added: “This was a great opportunity to work with a fantastic team. The senior management team are focused on building the brand, the team and extend their offering.”
Further Investments
GrowthProvision
North East-based financial services marketing agency GrowthProvision has secured a five-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Jonathan Armitage. The funding will support team growth and service development as the agency expands its digital marketing offering for financial firms.
Achieve Hospitality Limited / Achieve Professionals Limited
Middlesbrough-based Achieve Hospitality and Achieve Professionals have secured a six-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance Fund, led by Senior Investment Executive Jane Siddle. The investment will fuel expansion across hospitality recruitment and professional services, enabling both companies to meet rising client demand.
Pulse Accountants
Technology-focused accountancy firm Pulse Accountants has received a six-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Michael Williams. The funding will enhance operational efficiency through a new internal project, allowing the firm to increase capacity and streamline service delivery.
The Training MarketPlace
Durham-based The Training MarketPlace, an online platform connecting corporate training buyers and providers, has secured a five-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Susan Snowdon. The investment will support global expansion and the development of its AI-driven interface.
Rosebirch
Rosebirch, a manufacturing and fit-out specialist, has secured a six-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Susan Snowdon. The funding will boost efficiency in surveying and manufacturing, as well as support staffing growth.
Skills North East Ltd
Northumberland-based Skills North East has received a five-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Jonathan Armitage. The training provider will use the funding to drive marketing and recruitment efforts, expanding its offering of apprenticeships, skills boot camps, and short courses.
RPG Medical
RPG Medical has secured a second six-figure investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, led by Investment Executive Mike Guellard. The funding will support the recruitment of two new staff members following the award of two new NHS framework contracts.
Strategic Commentary
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: “It’s been a busy time for NEL and NPIF II, working with a range of ambitious businesses from a variety of sectors. From businesses aiming to create a more sustainable future through increasing energy efficiency like Greener Solutions group, to a distillery brand anchored in its North East roots, NPIF II is proud to help entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions across the North.”
Each of these deals reflects NEL’s mission to empower ambitious, high-growth businesses across the North East by providing accessible, strategic investment support.
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
For more information about NEL, please visit www.nel.co.uk or contact the investment team on 0345 369 7007.
