Andy Gregory to lead BGF effort in North

PRIVATE equity professional Andy Gregory has joined the £2.5bn Business Growth Fund as regional director for the North and Northern Ireland.

He will be based in Manchester, where the BGF has opened its fifth office. In his new role he will lead investment, support BGF-backed companies as a board member, and sit on the BGF’s national investment committee. 

THe BGF was set up by the government to invest in fast-growing SMEs.

Gregory was previously an investment partner with Key Capital Partners, based in Manchester.  He has significant experience of investing in the region, having formerly worked at the Manchester offices of ISIS Equity Partners, Bridgepoint and Royal Bank Development Capital. 

He also has industry experience, having participated in the acquisition and development of Manchester based retail software company, Pennine Retail Systems as group finance Director.
 
Stephen Welton, chief executive of the BGF, said: “Andy has significant experience of creating, building and supporting small and medium sized businesses in key UK regions.

“His contacts and relationships, established over many years in major cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle, will enable us to really accelerate our efforts in these important local economies.
 
He added:  “Our Manchester office is the fifth to open since our launch, and with Andy’s help, we look forward to becoming an active member of the local business community.
 
Gregory added: “I have worked in the North of England for many years and know it well.  There are many businesses here that could benefit from the financial support and expertise that the BGF is offering as a partnership investor.

“I would urge business owners to come and talk to us.  They will find our style direct and straightforward and our interests very much aligned with their own.”