FW Capital strengthens senior investment team

FW Capital has promoted Laura Rees to fund manager, enhancing its senior leadership team supporting businesses across the North West through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Based in Manchester, Laura brings over 20 years’ experience in commercial banking, having joined FW Capital in 2020 after senior roles at Catalyst Finance, NatWest and RBS Invoice Finance. 

Her promotion follows the retirement of Loz O’Connor, who spent 11 years with the firm.

In her new role, Laura will lead a team delivering funding to SMEs across the region through NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance. 

She said: “It’s a very exciting time to move into the fund manager role and support companies across the North West as they take the next steps in their growth journey. 

“The region has always been home to vibrant, innovative businesses across a wide range of industries, and we’re working hard to help them access funding through NPIF II. 

“The fund can invest between £100,000 and £2 million into ambitious businesses, and we’ve already supported many that haven’t been able to secure finance through traditional routes — offering them a valuable alternative funding solution. 

“I’m looking forward to building on the great work of our team and helping even more businesses across the region achieve their ambitions.”

The move forms part of FW Capital’s ‘Career Path’ programme, designed to help employees progress while driving growth and investment in the North West’s business community.

Gary Guest, fund director at FW Capital, added: “Laura is a high-performing member of the team and has proved time and again her commitment to guiding and supporting many North West businesses through the funding process. 

“Her promotion is truly well deserved and demonstrates our on-going commitment to develop our own talent within FW Capital. 

“It comes at a period of continued growth for FW Capital as we continue to help growing businesses across the North West benefit from transformational access to finance opportunities from NPIF II.”

Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “It’s excellent to see Laura promoted to fund manager at FW Capital. 

“Fund managers play a vital role in supporting businesses to access the finance they need, so it’s great to see the continued strength of FW Capital’s team. 

“With the expertise of our fund managers and the strong support behind the delivery of the fund, NPIF II will continue to make a lasting impact on the business ecosystem across the North.”

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