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Back to Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund News – Issue 8

Q&A: Meet the Fund Manager

Name: Tim Daniels
Company: Finance For Enterprise
Job title: Senior Investment Manager
NPIF area: Yorkshire and The Humber

Describe a typical day as a fund manager?

There’s a lot of variety in my job, and although I don’t think I would be the only fund manager to say that every day is different, I have always prided myself on building good working relationships with the businesses we support.

I’ve never been a big fan of being tied to a desk and I typically spend much of my working day out of the office meeting new and existing customers  to understand the challenges and opportunities their businesses face and finding out how we can help them realise their ambitions. It’s this that makes my job so enjoyable.

What is it like working with SMEs across the North?

If I could sum it up in a few words it would be challenging and rewarding. As one of the largest regions outside of London, the economy of Yorkshire and the Humber is incredibly diverse and SME businesses play a vital role in creating skilled jobs often at the forefront of new and emerging industries .  SMEs are often quick to spot and adapt to new market opportunities and it’s great to help those companies to flourish by providing the vital funding needed to help them succeed.

What characteristics do you look for in a new deal?

We try to help business owners to unlock the potential in their business ideas and whilst the past financial performance of a company is important, I always look at the people behind the business first and their commitment, knowledge and expertise they have to deliver the planned project.

Whilst figures will always be an important requirement in our industry, I try and look beyond the balance sheets to look at the bigger picture too. No business works in isolation and I spend time trying to understand what impact a deal is likely to have in the communities we serve, for example by safeguarding jobs or creating new roles and the potential broader benefits to others.

What sectors should we keep an eye on in the North?

I suppose the simple answer would be tech industries. The Sheffield City Region’s advanced manufacturing park, has seen businesses like  Rolls Royce and McLaren invest in the region and this in turn has presented new opportunities for innovative SMEs to thrive.  The North has a heritage in manufacturing and for the future prosperity of the North and the country as a whole, we need to support this sector. As I see it the world needs quality not just price driven products

Proudest career achievement to date

It’s always great to be recognised by your peers so winning the title of Investment Manager of the Year must rank up there!

What do you do in your spare time?

I think it’s important to have a good work/life balance right and outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my family.

I’ve been trying to encourage my daughters to follow in my footsteps and share love of golf and football  but my eldest daughter looks after chimpanzees at Monkey World (some say she was brought up by an ape) and my younger daughter is studying Psychology at university probably to understand how my mind works!

Business Enterprise Fund is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 726237)

Donbac Limited t/a Finance For Enterprise are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 718612. Information Commissioner Office Registered Z153621X

Editors Notes