EISA appoints three new board members

The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) has appointed Wyndham North of the British Business Bank, Fred Soneya of Haatch, and Tom Wilde of Shoosmiths to its board of directors.

The new appointments strengthen EISA’s leadership as it continues to champion the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which have together facilitated £34 billion of investment into 59,000 UK startups since their introduction.

Wyndham brings extensive experience from HM Treasury and the British Business Bank, while Fred adds over a decade of startup investment expertise through Haatch and Tom leads Shoosmiths’ award-winning tax and incentives practice. 

Together, they will help drive EISA’s mission to support private investment in innovative, high-growth businesses across the UK.

Wyndham said: “I’m honoured to join the EISA Board and help build on its vital work ensuring that EIS and SEIS continue to channel investment into the UK’s most promising growth businesses.

“With the Mansion House Accord creating more opportunities for pension funds to access private markets, there is huge potential for EIS and SEIS to play an even greater role in fostering innovation across the UK.  

“My work at HM Treasury and the British Business Bank has reinforced my appreciation of the crucial role early-stage investment plays in driving growth and innovation, and I look forward to supporting that mission.”

Fred added: “I am honoured to join the EISA board at such a pivotal time for our industry. 

Having seen first-hand the transformational impact SEIS and EIS can have on both founders and investors, I am passionate about ensuring these schemes continue to thrive, driving innovation, job creation and economic growth across the UK. 

“I look forward to helping champion the positive role of SEIS and EIS on both a national and international stage.”

Tom added: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of EISA and very much looking forward to getting further involved with the great work that the Association does. 

“I am passionate about the SEIS and EIS schemes being a force for good that benefits companies, investors and the UK economy alike. 

“I hope I can repay the board’s faith in me by doing my bit to represent all parts of the EIS industry, serve the Association, and help advocate to ensure the continued success of the schemes.”

Joanna Jensen, chair of EISA, added: “Wyndham, Fred and Tom are all heavily involved in the early-stage ecosystem and bring a wealth of experience to our board. 

“Their knowledge and expertise will help us ensure that the schemes are supporting as many founders as possible and will help drive awareness across the UK. 

“The recent increase in SEIS limits has had a tangible impact, with a 51 per cent surge in investment. 

“This much-needed increase in funding has supported early-stage UK companies as they embark on their growth journey. 

“With wider economic challenges and the government’s focus on growth, schemes like the EIS and SEIS must keep pace and the success of these changes demonstrates just how impactful a similar update to the EIS could be in supporting scaling UK businesses.”

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