(Image: UNP)
A fund manager has strengthened its leadership team with two senior promotions as it looks to drive further investment and growth across the North East and beyond.
FW Capital has promoted Joanne Whitfield to managing director for England, while Lindsey McMenamin has been appointed fund director, leading teams across the North East and Yorkshire.
Rhian Elston, chief executive of FW Capital, said: "Joanne and Lindsey's well-deserved appointments strengthen FW Capital's leadership team as we look to the next phase of growth.
"As part of the Development Bank of Wales Group, FW Capital combines deep regional knowledge with the scale and expertise of one of the UK’s largest SME investors, helping us deliver more for our fund investors and the ambitious businesses that we support."
Since 2010, FW Capital has invested more than £400 million and attracted more than £590 million in private-sector investment for nearly 1,000 businesses.
The team currently manages a portfolio of nine funds across England.
Ms Whitfield joined FW Capital as its first employee in England in 2010 and will now lead its strategy, growth, fund delivery, stakeholder engagement and new investment opportunities across the country.
She will work alongside Ms Elston, who is also chief investment officer for the Development Bank of Wales Group, after Mike Owen’s retirement.
Ms Whitfield said: "It is a privilege to lead FW Capital’s operations in England.
"Over the past 16 years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional team, and I am proud of the impact we have delivered.
"I look forward to working with Rhian and Lindsey to build on that success, expand opportunities and help even more businesses access the finance they need.
"The work we do makes a tangible difference to businesses, communities and regional economies, and I’m deeply committed to supporting that growth."
FW Capital is part of the Development Bank of Wales Group, one of the UK’s largest SME investors, which manages more than £2.6 billion in funds.
Based in Newcastle, Ms McMenamin brings 25 years’ SME fund management experience and will lead investment and portfolio teams across the North East and Yorkshire.
She said: "I’m looking forward to leading our North East and Yorkshire teams and helping ambitious businesses access the finance and expertise they need to grow, innovate and create high-quality jobs.
"FW Capital has a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for stakeholders, built on an outstanding culture and a focus on customer service.
"The regional investment funds we manage play a vital role in unlocking opportunities and breaking down barriers to growth, and I’m excited to work alongside our talented teams to help even more businesses realise their ambitions."