News.

Mike Guellard, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers
  • NEL News & Insights
Q&A with Mike Guellard
In this Q&A, we hear from Mike Guellard, senior investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, as he discusses the vital role of funds such as the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) in the North East.
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.
NPIF II sparks first deal in Northumberland | NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News, Smaller Loans
NPIF II sparks first deal in Northumberland with electrical contracting firm
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first investment in Northumberland, marking a significant milestone for the region since the launch of the £660m fund earlier this year.
AS Design | NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News
Ambitious Northumberland design firm trades up to larger offices
The new offices, which are more than 50 per cent bigger than the company’s previous home, provide the business with the room it needs to expand the range of services it can offer and accommodate the new recruits who will deliver them.
From left Sarah Newbould of the British Business Bank David Broom of B7 and Susan Snowdon of NEL | NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News, Smaller Loans
NPIF II strikes first deal in North East with fast-growing brand agency
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first deal in the North East since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year.
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.
Helen Wilkinson managing director at Talk Works left with Susan Snowdon investment executive at NEL Fund Managers | NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News
Talk Works marks tenth anniversary with twin business and environmental landmarks
A specialist North East mental health consultancy has marked its tenth anniversary by securing a new partnership with a national business organisation and a top-level environmental certification.
Jane Siddle of NEL Fund Managers (left) with James Riley of G&B Civil Engineering
  • Investment News
G&B Civil Engineering focused on sustainable growth after North East Fund investment exit
A thriving North East civil engineering firm is aiming to build sustainably on the growth it has secured over the last four years after successfully exiting its second North East Fund investment agreement.
(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.
Pictured from left to right: Alex Walker, Founder of Awesome Franks Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News
NEL Fund Managers backs female-led gourmet deli Awesome Franks with NPIF II investment
NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers, has announced a five-figure investment into Awesome Franks, a gourmet sandwich and deli concept set to open in Jesmond next month.
Pictured, from left to right, are: Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, Stephen Dial, Founder and Director of Charles Grey Menswear, Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank
  • Investment News
Charles Grey Menswear secures NPIF II funding from NEL to drive UK retail growth
Durham-based menswear brand, Charles Grey Menswear Limited, has secured a five-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers, to accelerate its fast-paced growth across the UK retail landscape.
Pictured, from left to right, are Max Gilchrist, Mincoffs Solicitors' associate solicitor; David Cudlip, The Advisory Group director; Rachael Munro, NEL Fund Managers' investment executive; Graeme Harrison, CCBS director; and JH Partners Consulting Engineers' partners Shaun Lane, David Brown and Lee Nichols
  • Investment News
Seven-Figure NPIF II Investment Boosts JH Partners’ Growth
NEL Fund Managers is proud to announce a significant investment into JH Partners, a Durham-based mechanical, electrical, and digital engineering design consultancy which provides low-carbon, state-of-the-art design solutions across both the public and private sectors.
Pictured, from left to right, are Rachael Munro, Michael Williams and Susan Snowdon, Investment Executives at NEL Fund Managers.
  • Investment News
NEL Fund Managers reports record quarter, while completing largest NPIF II deal
NEL Fund Managers reports a record-breaking quarter, securing its largest deal to date and delivering strategic investments across sectors via NPIF II - NEL Smaller Loans Fund and NPIF II - NEL Debt Finance Fund.
Pictured, from left to right, are Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank and Bethany Ainsley, Founder of OptiMe
  • Investment News
NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans makes a five-figure investment to OptiMe
NPIF II - NEL Smaller Loans which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has announced a five-figure investment in OptiMe, a leading workplace wellbeing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and app focused on revolutionising mental health support for employees across the UK.
(from left) Sarah Newbould, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank, Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance Partner at Clive Owen LLP, Michael Dobson, Managing Director at Sapphire HR, and Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers.
  • Investment News
Sapphire HR secures NPIF II investment to drive growth and seize market opportunities
An ambitious North East HR firm is rolling out its expansion plans with the help of a five-figure loan from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans Fund, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
: (from left) Veronica Swindale, Managing Director at nesma, Mike Guellard, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, and Paul Sutherland, Commercial Director at nesma.
  • Investment News
North East marketing training company expands following NPIF II funding
A North East marketing and PR training company is looking to capitalise on its creative expansion plans following a loan from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
(from left) Jane Siddle of NEL Fund Managers, Steve Southern of Southern Asset Management and Sarah Newbould of British Business Bank
  • Investment News
NPIF II completes first deal in Tees Valley with six-figure investment for specialist non-destructive testing firm
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first investment in Tees Valley following the launch of the £660m fund in March this year. 
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.
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.
Alternative Finance Provider of the Year
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL Named Alternative Finance Provider of the Year at the 2025 Insider Dealmakers Awards – For the Second Year Running
We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named Alternative Finance Provider of the Year at the 2025 North East Insider Media Dealmakers Awards, marking our second consecutive win.
Future Planning: Exit, Succession & Beyond
  • NEL News & Insights
Future Planning: Exit, Succession & Beyond – North East Entrepreneurs Share Candid Insights
NEL Fund Managers and Clive Owen LLP hosted an exclusive roundtable bringing together entrepreneurs from across the region to share honest reflections on exit strategies, succession planning and long-term growth.
Pictured from left to right: Gareth Humphreys, CEO, Solution Performance Group (SPG) Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive, NEL Fund Managers Carolyn McTaggart, Director of Operations, Solution Performance Group (SPG) Mark Wharton, Senior Portfolio Executive, NEL Fund Managers
  • Investment News, NEL News & Insights
NEL-backed Newcastle Tech Firm Wins Long-Term University Contract
A North East-based technology consultancy has secured the largest contract in its history following two rounds of investment from NEL Fund Managers.
Team Clive Owen LLP
  • NEL News & Insights
NEL raises over £3,200 at their first Charity Football Tournament
NEL hosted their first Charity Football Tournament on 11th September and raised £3,240 with matched giving from The Northstar Foundation for Feeding Families (UK).
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.