How to develop the next generation of Rainmakers

The part played by the Corporate Finance community in the success of Manchester and Leeds – the Rainmakers of the region, is largely unheralded. Which is why our Rainmakers conference on 20 March 2024 is so important.

But the future success depends on the ability of large firms and boutique practices to offer a career pathway. What are the expectations of future leaders?

NorthEdge is running a programme will run through to April, concluding with students presenting an investment opportunity to an internal investment committee at NorthEdge at its Manchester head office.

One of the panel discussions at the conference brings together the next generation, and asks what are their red lines? 

Featuring Kerry Battiscombe from Endless LLP, Daniel Martin from Shawbrook, Mae Salem from Squire Patton Boggs, Nisha Sharma from KPMG and Richard Williams from TDC it will also examine what new entrants might want from a career in advisory and investment and how important are values in delivering that ambition.

It comes on the back of NorthEdge, one of the partners in Rainmakers, launching Private Equity Challenge with some of the region’s top universities to inspire the next generation of investment talent across the region.

The Manchester-based investor has kicked off its annual event this week, offering university students the chance to learn more about the world of private equity and gain first-hand experience in the investment process.

Students from Manchester University Trading & Investment Society, Leeds University Union Trading & Investment Society and the University of Sheffield Investment Society will continue to participate in the challenge this year. In a programme-first, students from Aston Finance & Trading Society and Lancaster University Investment and Finance Society, will also take part.

The programme, which is one of very few of its type in the UK, offers students a comprehensive insight into the world of private equity, providing practical, hands-on experience of working in the sector.

The Private Equity Challenge, which is now in its sixth year, features sessions on value creation, corporate finance and due diligence to educate aspiring investment professionals.

NorthEdge has also enlisted the support of several of its peers from the community, including Deloitte, Houlihan Lokey and Shoosmiths to participate in the challenge and provide essential insights to participants and giving students a chance to present.

Lucie Mills, Partner at NorthEdge said: “We’ve had five years of continued success with running the Private Equity Challenge and it’s fantastic to share our expertise and experience with finance students.

“The challenge is a great example of NorthEdge’s commitment to encouraging a more diverse set of talent into our industry. We believe we have an important part to play in building the next generation of talent for private equity and this challenge allows us to showcase the inner workings of the private equity market, alongside important factors for NorthEdge people and investments such as culture, people and collaboration as key drivers in building better businesses.

“We’re extremely thankful to the dealmaking community for continuing to support us with this initiative and excited to welcome Aston and Lancaster Universities to the programme this year, alongside Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. I would like to wish all of the students taking part the best of luck over the coming weeks.”

The Conference Call

But everyone in the Rainmakers community is welcome to attend the new event designed to place the corporate financiers and advisers of the North at the heart of the movement for economic renewal. 

The first Rainmakers Conference will be held at The Point conferencing facilities at the Emirates Old Trafford on March 20, 2024.

Tickets can be purchased here.

The event is being organised by TheBusinessDesk.com and the partners in this event believe passionately that the jobs created, specialisms developed, and the entrepreneurs unleashed give the Rainmakers community the right to a seat at the table and a voice in the debate on the economy of the North.

The conference will be an opportunity to not only celebrate the contribution from funds raised and deals created, but also to look to the future at the challenges ahead.

The event has been forged alongside the key partners from private equity and specialist financiers in the North, and backed by elite teams of advisory businesses, the event will bring together funders, entrepreneurs, business leaders to focus on opportunities and challenges.

The partners in the event are Endless LLP, NorthEdge, Palatine, TDC, KPMG, Shawbrook, Rowan and DSW. 

The day will feature keynote speakers and panel discussions addressing key challenges such as the mobilisation of pension fund assets into investment opportunities, impact investing, building a talent pool in corporate finance, creating the pipeline of investable businesses with potential.

Check out the agenda and book your places at www.rainmakersconference.co.uk.