BGF responds to market demand with new recruits

BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses, has appointed Liam Pursall as an investor and Georgie Stratton in direct origination as part of its growing team based in the South West and Wales.

Liam joins from Foundation Investment Partners, where he spent four years focusing on UK buy-outs with an enterprise value of between £5 million and £50 million. Prior to this, Liam spent five years in the Corporate Finance team at EY.

Liam’s role at BGF will see him working across all areas of the investment process, from meeting entrepreneurs and management teams seeking funding, to developing new investment opportunities and working to support the growth plans of BGF’s extensive portfolio, with a focus on the Thames Valley region.

Georgie joins from PwC, where she worked in a business development role for two years having joined from a similar position at law firm Burges Salmon.

Her direct origination role will see her focusing on the sourcing of new investments and bolt-on acquisitions for portfolio companies across Reading, Bristol and Cardiff.

The pair will strengthen the offering of the 16-strong regional team, led by Ned Dorbin.

BGF’s recent investments in the South West and Wales include: £6 million in digital agency and Sitecore specialist Kagool; £6 million in Amdaris, the software developer and digital transformation specialist; and £11 million in AND Digital, one of Europe’s fastest growing technology companies.

Commenting on his appointment, Liam said: “BGF has a differentiated proposition in long-term, minority equity capital and boasts the UK’s largest network of non-executive talent. This, together with its impressive track record and dynamic approach to investments across a multitude of sectors, made the prospect of working with them hugely appealing. The Thames Valley region holds fantastic opportunity for investment and I’m looking forward to building on BGF’s existing relationships by working with more of the region’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on her appointment, Georgie said: “Due to Covid-19, UK businesses are seeking funding and support more than ever before. I’m passionate about helping businesses to thrive and I’m looking forward to working with entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for growth and discuss how BGF can help them realise their ambitions.”

Ned Dorbin, head of BGF’s investment team in the South West and Wales, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Liam and Georgie to BGF as we continue to build our team. This year we have averaged one deal a week through what has been a very challenging time for ambitious companies.

“More and more entrepreneurs are reviewing their funding options, whether that is in consideration of a potential capital gains tax increase, a refinancing of CBILS loans or identifying new growth opportunities. Liam and Georgie both bring highly valuable expertise and will enhance our capacity to meet more business owners and management teams across the South West and Wales.”