People: New investor for BGF; Catena man appointed ambassador

Investor BGF has appointed David Bellis as investor in the Midlands.

Bellis joins BGF from Alantra Corporate Finance and brings more than eight years’ corporate and M&A advisory experience to the role. The qualified chartered accountant, who started his career at PwC, will be based at the company’s Midlands office.

Gurinder Sunner, head of BGF in the Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to welcome David to BGF, at what is an exciting time not only for the company, but also for the region.

“BGF’s deal activity in the Midlands has been very strong during the year, with in excess of £80 million of capital being deployed to an array of exciting growth economy companies. By bolstering our team with people of David’s experience, we are perfectly positioned to respond to the demands of the regional and national marketplace over the coming 12 months.”

Andy Middleton

Hucknall-based marketing entrepreneur and Nottinghamshire regional director for Catena, Andy Middleton, has been appointed by Discover Ashfield to its Ashfield Ambassadors’ programme.

Middleton will combine this work with several other business ventures, including running the specialist business introductions organisation Catena.

He said: “Bringing like-minded business leaders together is an incredibly powerful way to make an impact. That’s true for both the individual firm, and for the local economy. I have always believed that networking and influencing are built on strong relationships, especially trust, and I would like to see this part of the region better able to create wealth and skilled jobs through strong business connections.”

Martin Rigley MBE, Discover Ashfield chair, said: “Andy is just the sort of Discover Ashfield Ambassador we need more of. His extensive experience and network, linked to his desire to see Ashfield thrive and survive as a great place to do business, raise a family and visit, epitomises what we look for in an Ambassador”.