People: Private equity firm appoints ex-RBS director as COO; LSH diversifies valuation team with trading valuer appointment; and more

Stratford-upon-Avon based private equity firm Investx has welcomed Richard Chambers to its board as chief operating officer.

Chambers brings a wealth of experience from HSBC Leveraged Finance and Royal Bank of Scotland Corporate Transactions and over 14 years he has secured over £500m in bank funding for private equity backed small and medium-sized enterprises.

Investx says it has recognised the challenges SMEs face when accessing finance and is building a blockchain-powered platform to allow established SMEs to raise funds based on selling equity in their businesses.

Chambers said: “This is a unique opportunity to build a business with the capability to match up established SMEs seeking funds with investors who want to invest in SMEs – a market that currently is not open. Having come from a traditional banking background, I have witnessed first-hand the large proportion of SMEs which struggle to access funding easily and cost effectively. In many cases, debt is not the most appropriate product as monthly capital repayments and interest charges eat into cash flow.

“Through Investx, we will provide equity investment into smaller businesses in a cost effective manner by using blockchain technology, and for the first time, we will build liquidity into the investments by creating a secondary market which means investors are not locked in for years. This has the potential to revolutionise how SMEs access capital, and will align investors and businesses with the success of the business.”

Peter Edgar, CEO of Investx, said: “Investx has built its business on supporting established SMEs in securing capital investment, and we are excited to be able to open this opportunity up to the wider investment community through the Investx crowdfunding platform.

“Investx fills a clear gap in the marketplace for established SMEs which are seeking additional capital but are typically under-supported by traditional lenders. Richard’s vast experience will ensure that demand is high amongst SMEs, and we are proud to have recruited someone of his calibre.”

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Andrew Morgan (left) with Tim Sandford, head of valuation at LSH Birmingham

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has strengthened its valuation team in Birmingham with the appointment of an associate director.

Andrew Morgan joins the commercial property consultancy from Milton Keynes-based Pinders, specialist business appraisers and valuers, where he was associate director and head of the retail division.

He is based at LSH’s Birmingham city centre offices in Edmund Street and will develop the healthcare and alternative sectors within the valuation division, as well as undertake trading-related, loan security valuations.

Morgan said: “I’m looking forward to using my previous experience to develop this area of work at LSH’s valuation department. The consultancy is expanding its expertise and scope rapidly and there’s significant opportunity for further growth, which makes it an exciting time to join.”

 

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Edgbaston PR and social media firm, WPR has made a string of graduate appointments.

Lizzie Alker has joined the agency as graduate social media executive, with Abi Herbert, Joseph Moore and Holly Chadley all taking up posts as graduate PR account executives.

The appointments bring the total number of graduates taken on by the 54-strong agency to 16 in six years.

WPR managing director Jane Ainsworth said: “We understand the value of investing in rising talent and are absolutely committed to graduate-led recruitment.

“This is why we co-sponsor BHive, a cross-university competition designed to nurture creative and marketing talent within the region, whilst also chairing the PR Professionals Panel and mentoring undergraduates at BCU.

“This commitment to recruiting the Midlands’ most talented graduates ensures we provide the best results for our clients.  It also helps the industry tackle a growing skills shortage in the region, and means we play a small but important role in addressing graduate unemployment nationally.”

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