The North West Fund

The North West Fund was a substantial regional investment initiative based in Warrington, United Kingdom, designed to bolster the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) landscape across the North West of England. Established with a significant capital base, its primary objective was to provide crucial debt and equity funding to growing businesses. However, it is important to note that the fund ceased making new investments in 2015, having completed its mandate.

Launched with a total capital commitment of £155 million, The North West Fund aimed to bridge funding gaps for SMEs that struggled to access traditional finance. The fund’s investment strategy was diverse, offering both debt and equity solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses. Historically, its typical first cheque sizes ranged from £50,000 up to £2 million, demonstrating its flexibility in supporting a wide spectrum of companies, from early-stage ventures to more established businesses seeking growth capital.

During its active operational period, The North West Fund made a considerable impact on the regional economy. It successfully invested in over 400 businesses across various sectors, contributing significantly to their development and expansion. This extensive portfolio of investments is credited with creating or safeguarding more than 10,000 jobs within the North West region, underscoring its role as a vital catalyst for economic growth and employment.

While The North West Fund proved to be a highly effective and impactful investment vehicle during its tenure, it is no longer an active participant in the venture capital or private equity landscape. Entrepreneurs and businesses seeking funding should be aware that this fund is closed to new applications, and its historical investment data serves as a record of its past contributions rather than an indication of current funding opportunities.