Insights.

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Paul Scott
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Fund Managers: A conduit to unlocking growth
Access to finance is a crucial component of any small and medium-sized business’ growth plan. Chief Executive Paul Scott talks about the funding gap, NEL’s enhanced capabilities and the organisation’s ambition to unlock capital for firms to expand across the North.
The NEL Fund Managers Team
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Fund Managers reflects on a record 2025
NEL Fund Managers is marking a year of record-breaking delivery across the North East and Teesside, with 2025 having firmly established the organisation as the region’s most active provider of alternative finance.
Pictured from left to right, Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, Dave O'Connell, Managing Director and Founder of Advantex, Lucy Elliott, Associate Director at FRP Advisory, Celia Yeates, Finance Manager at Advantex, Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers & Chris Hughes, Partner at Mincoffs Solictiors
  • Investment News
Seven-Figure NPIF II – NEL Investment Supports Advantex Management Buyout
Award-winning IT, security, and communications provider Advantex has secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance to support a successful management buyout and drive its next phase of growth.
NEL Fund Managers Ends 2025 on a High with Strong NPIF II Investments
  • Investment News
NEL Fund Managers Ends 2025 on a High with Strong NPIF II Investments
As 2025 draws to a close, NEL Fund Managers is strengthening its position as a leading force for business growth, fuelled by strategic investments spanning a broad mandate and across a range of sectors across the North East.
Pictured from left to right, Shane Parkins, Founder of Climb & Conquer, Jonathan Armitage, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers & Mark Wharton, Senior Portfolio Executive at NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News, NEL News & Insights
NEL-Backed Climb & Conquer Hits £1m Turnover
Performance marketing agency Climb & Conquer has achieved a major growth milestone, from doubling its turnover in the 12 months following investment from NEL, to hitting turnovers exceeding £1 million.
Paul Scott
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Fund Managers: Investing in regional growth
For more than three decades, NEL Fund Managers has helped small and medium-sized businesses across the North East turn ambition into growth. Chief Executive Paul Scott talks about the organisation’s evolution, expanding reach and future ambitions.
The Qualis Collection
  • Investment News
Strategic six-figure NPIF II – NEL investment boosts growth for The Qualis Collection
Middlesbrough-based The Qualis Collection Ltd has secured a six-figure investment from NPIF II - NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers.
Pictured from left to right; Ayden De Beer, Financial Controller at Troo, Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, Andrew Richardson, CEO of Troo & Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank
  • Investment News
Troo secures seven-figure NPIF II investment from NEL to power AI platform growth
Business energy consultants Troo, based in Sunderland, has secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers.
NEL Female Founders Fireside
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL hosts Female Founders Fireside
NEL hosted their first Female Founders Fireside, in collaboration with British Business Bank and Barclays Eagle Labs. This inspiring panel event explored female founder journeys, business growth, leadership, and confidence.
(from left) Susan Snowdon of NEL Fund Managers with Kathy Bevan and Dr Jennifer Cottam of Talk Works
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Talk Works taking workplace well-being across the UK with NEL investment backing
A specialist North East workplace consultancy is looking to further extend its presence across the UK with the help of a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund. Talk Works aims to help improve the mental health and well-being of individuals and organisations by delivering rapid access to evidence-based therapy, e-learning and training services both in person and online.
Simon Honeywood, Founder, REadysalted (left) with Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive, NEL Fund Managers (right)
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Digital agency Readysalted develops taste for expansion after winning NEL investment backing
A longstanding North East digital agency is celebrating its 20th anniversary by launching an expansion drive after securing a substantial five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund supported by The European Regional Development Fund.
Shane Parkins (centre left) with Jonathan Armitage of NEL Fund Managers (centre right) and Shane’s colleagues Jack Ivison (left) and Victor Stasiak
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Investment search ends for Shane with North East Fund backing
An ambitious digital marketing professional is aiming to build on the fast start he has made to running his own business with the help of a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund. Shane Parkins and his team provide search engine optimisation, pay-per-click and related digital marketing services to a growing range of clients both across the UK and overseas.
Pecursor gains North East Fund backing | NEL Find Managers
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Precursor continues Newcastle recruitment drive with North East Fund backing
An ambitious cyber security firm is continuing to build its North East presence with the help of a six-figure investment from the North East Fund.
(from left) Jane Siddle of NEL Fund Managers, Steven Foley of CCBS Group and Nigel Morris of Nirvana Europe
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Nirvana Europe taking a run at North America with NEL investment backing
A specialist North East sports travel and events firm is taking a run at growing its presence in North America with the help of a £500,000 investment from the North East Fund.
The accompanying image shows (one from right) Jane Siddle of NEL Fund Managers with (from left) Wayne Dobson, Bob Morton, Ian Clarkson and Matt Haycock of Lylalife
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Lylalife gaining new customer insight with second North East Fund investment
An ambitious North East continence product supplier is building up its customer service and business management resources after securing a second North East Fund investment through fund management firm NEL Fund Managers.
Mammoth founder and CEO John Tuton (left) with Mark Wharton, Senior Portfolio Executive at NEL Fund Managers
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Mammoth accelerating growth plans with Growth Capital Fund investment
Mammoth has built a reputation as an innovator in the mattress and seating market over the last decade by introducing new technologies such as Medical Grade™ foam and forging unique partnerships with the likes of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Premier League football teams and leading universities.
Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, with Lee Rorison, CEO and co-founder at Seriös Group
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Tech firm getting Seriös about growth goals with North East Fund investment
After working with regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers to bring in the investment from the North East Growth Capital Fund Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the Newcastle-headquartered business is now preparing to fully launch its own purpose-built data platform accelerator, Seriös One.
Stephen Allen, Managing Director at NE & C Windows & Doors (left), with Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers (right)
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
North East Fund investment gives NE & C Windows & Doors a clear view on growth goals
NE & C Windows & Doors designs, manufactures and installs a range of high-quality windows, doors, conservatories and balustrades for commercial and domestic clients across the North East, Cumbria and Scotland.
Rob Brown of JUMP with Mike Guellard of NEL Fund Managers, along with members of the JUMP team
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Design agency looking to JUMP to the next level with latest NEL investment
JUMP offers creative design, digital solutions and marketing services to a growing roster of regional, national and international clients, including Newcastle’s Business Improvement District company NE1, the NHS, Newcastle University, Peacocks Medical Group and Living North Magazine.
(from left) Jonathan Gibson of Cenelec Standards Inspections with Mike Guellard of NEL Fund Managers
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
Cenelec planning major European expansion with backing of latest NEL investment
A North East hazardous area inspection firm is expanding its presence in continental Europe with the help of its latest investment from NEL Fund Managers.
(from left) Xinfluence founders Paul and Mark Wright with Jane Siddle of NEL Fund Managers
  • Growth Capital Fund, Investment News
North East tech firm building influence in digital marketing sector with NEL investment backing
A North East digital technology firm is looking to build its influence across the UK marketing sector after securing a six-figure investment from the North East Growth Capital Fund Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund.
James Katirai
  • NEL News & Insights
A deep-rooted focus on the North East
Head of Investments James Katirai talks about NEL’s mission, the value of our distinctive approach and how experiences in grassroots football continue to influence his professional journey.
NEL Volunteering Day 17/06/2025
  • NEL News & Insights
Team NEL’s Volunteering Day at The Bread & Butter Thing
Some of the NEL team spent a day volunteering with The Bread and Butter Thing, which is tackling food waste while making healthy, nutritious food accessible to people who need it most in communities across the UK.
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Launches Bi-Monthly Teesside Brunch Club
NEL Fund Managers have launched a brand new bi-monthly networking event at Flok co-working space for Teesside-based professionals.
Pictured from left to right: Stephen Robinson, CEO of Outrank and Paul Scott, CEO of NEL Fund Managers
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Sponsors Small Business of the Year at the Tees Business Awards 2025
Middlesbrough-based digital marketing agency Outrank were named the Small Business of the Year at the Tees Business Awards 2025, sponsored by NEL Fund Managers.
(from left) Jonathan Luke, Paul Scott, Graham Thrower, Trevor Castledine, and Judith Hartley of NEL Fund Managers.
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Fund Managers strengthens board with Non-Executive Director appointments
The North East’s most active business investor has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of two experienced NED's to its board.
From left — Paul Scott, Graham Thrower and Jonathan Luke of NEL Fund Managers
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL announces Paul Scott as new CEO as Jonathan Luke retires
The leadership team of the North East’s longest-standing business investor has made public its plans to drive the business forward with Paul Scott as the new chief executive officer (CEO).
The NEL Fund Managers team celebrate having won the Alternative Finance Provider of the Year award at the North East Insider Dealmaker Awards 2024.
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL wins Alternative Finance Provider of the Year at the Insider Dealmakers Awards 2024
The NEL team are delighted to have won the Alternative Finance Provider of the Year award at this year’s North East Insider Dealmaker Awards.
NEL Fund Managers widens investment reach with new Tees Valley office | NEL Fund Managers
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Fund Managers widens investment reach with new Tees Valley office
The North East’s most active business investor is establishing a new office in Teesside to help maximise its investment presence right across the region.
Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive, NEL Fund Managers
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL views on the launch of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
The British Business Bank has recently launched the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), bringing with it £660m to invest in businesses across the North, aimed at fostering growth and prosperity.
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Lylalife set for significant scale up with North East Fund backing
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Cramlington engineers aiming to build on strong start with NEL investment backing
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Northumberland education group applying business knowledge to future growth strategy
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Tea time in Consett as local couple bring Gatsby glamour to new vintage venue
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Elvet Recruitment building for the future with North East Fund investment backing
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
New Scream for Pizza base on Newcastle Quayside as business expands with NEL backing
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Printable pressure sensor technology wins North East Fund backing
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Sunderland’s Asbestos Audit looking to clean up after winning North East Fund backing
Himal Arachchi of Sunnyside Recruitment with Jonathan Armitage of NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News, Small Loan Fund
Sunnyside Recruitment looks to Middle East for healthcare sector opportunities