Member Article

North East festive focus: Rebecca Roberts, Current Capital

Rebecca Roberts, Partner at North East finance startup Current Capital, is the latest North East business leader to join our quickfire December interview series.

We get to know Rebecca a little morefollowing last week’s announcement detailing her new enterprise.

Your Business

If you had to choose one thing - what are you most proud of your company achieving this year, why?

Without doubt, I am most proud of launching the company this year and the reaction I have received from my business network. Taking the jump from a salaried career to being a business owner can be quite daunting, but it has definitely been the right decision.

My business partner, Kris Bolton, and I spotted a niche in the investment market that will help businesses grow, while providing tax efficient investment opportunities for individuals. The challenge was to act on spotting that niche, which we are very proud to say we have done.

What was the single biggest challenge faced by your firm in 2016?

Raising the investment to start the business. That may sound ironic coming from an experienced investment manager, but for small businesses it is a tough challenge, but one that will actually benefit our company. As we know how hard it is we can apply empathy along with our know how and experience to support growing businesses achieve their ambitions.

Can you tell us one thing your business is doing in 2017 that really excites you?

There are plenty of exciting things ahead for the business, but I would say working with enthusiastic small firms in sectors that aren’t always offered the same level of support or funding as the “fashionable” investment sectors or our exciting new structures that allow us to offer tax efficient investment opportunities to potential investors in traditionally excluded areas such as property.

Your Region

Which North East firm has impressed you the most this year, why?

From personal experience I would say Newcastle-based iResources, which has helped Current Capital establish our online investment platform. We needed to find someone that filled that space between freelancer and larger agency and they fit the bill perfectly.

Its team have been helpful, insightful and most importantly never talked to us in jargon. We pride ourselves on speaking to our clients in plain English and iResource did exactly that with us.

Are there any emerging businesses in the region that’ve caught your eye this year that you’ve been previously unaware of?

I have been very impressed with the emergence of Moon Jet Group, the aircraft remarketing startup. Not only is it run by an ambitious young entrepreneur, James Moon, who embodies the enterprising and determined approach that exists in the North East, it is also a great example of how talented business people can carve out a niche and make a success of their endeavours.

Is there an industry or sector of the North East business community which you expect to really take off next year?

The North East has become a hub for businesses in the tech and digital sectors, which is an achievement we should be righty proud of, but I think there is a need to rebalance our support for business in the region.

As well as helping growing digital and tech firms at Current Capital, we are keen to work with businesses from more traditional industries, from property to retail and engineering, which would benefit from investment. These companies have a lot to contribute to the regional economy and deserve support.

Yourself

What was your first job?

I did the usual retail and waitressing jobs as a teenager, but my first career role was with Coutts & Co in Jersey when I was 18. I choose against going to university and straight into work moving away from the North East to become a Client Accounting Officer supporting high net-worth clients.

If you weren’t doing what you do, is there a job you’d love to have?

Working with animals either as a vet or in a zoo.

What do you do on Christmas day?

This year I am cooking Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, which I am very excited about. I love cooking and everything will be done from scratch. It’s always really fulfilling to take all the ingredients and transform them into a meal that brings the family together, but its extra special at Christmas.

Thanks Rebecca.

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