Mercia Fund Managers has been shortlisted for Growth Investor of the Year and Best EIS Investment Manager at the 2018 Growth Investor Awards. This follows Mercia’s win of the coveted Best EIS Investment Manager award at last year’s Growth Investor Awards.
The prestigious awards celebrate the UK’s investment provider community in championing tax-advantaged investments, spotting growth potential and backing outstanding UK small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).
Launched by Intelligent Partnership in 2015, the Growth Investor Awards celebrate the UK’s SME investment community’s contribution towards innovation, technology, and job and wealth creation. The awards specifically acknowledge those companies and individuals that are helping start-up and scale-up businesses realise their full potential and power Britain’s economy.
This year’s expanded award programme features 17 hotly contested categories.
The winners will be announced at an exclusive black-tie awards dinner, which will be held on Wednesday November 7 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London.
Commenting on the award nomination, Dr Paul Mattick, Head of Sales & Private Investor Relations at Mercia, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for these two prestigious awards, particularly after winning Best EIS Investment Manager at last year’s awards as it is recognised as one of the highest accolades in our industry. This is our sixth year of managing EIS funds and with disruptive technologies at the heart of Mercia’s activity, we will continue to scale innovative opportunities from the UK regions and work towards delivering cash returns to our investors.”
Guy Tolhurst, managing director of Intelligent Partnership, said: “The Growth Investor Awards have rightly become a major focal point in the UK’s SME investment community calendar. During one evening of the year, we come together to celebrate a whole year of vibrant energy, dedication and groundbreaking stories. We’ll celebrate the inspiring individuals and truly leading organisations as winners for their ability, bravery and commitment in helping UK entrepreneurs power Britain’s economic growth.
“Every year we’re proud to see established industry figures and companies go from strength to strength in the Growth Investor Awards. It’s equally exciting to see emerging contenders bring their own blend of impressive qualities, flair and drive. Together, they are pushing boundaries and creating very positive investment outcomes, making meaningful impact beyond the money they put into UK businesses, and inspiring even more success stories. We’re thrilled to be showcasing the truly impressive SME investment community.”
Over the summer, the shortlisted finalists will go to a second round of judging by a minimum of three experts drawn from an independent panel of more than 35 judges.
All of the judges’ scores will be collated to determine the winner in each category. A personalised feedback and benchmarking report will be given to all finalists, providing them with valuable insight on areas of improvement.
The awards programme is guided by an Advisory Board including Irene Graham, CEO of the ScaleUp Institute; Luke Johnson, Chairman of Risk Capital Partners; Claire Cockerton, Founder and Ambassador of Innovate Finance; Tim Hames, Director General of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA); Emma Jones MBE, CEO of Enterprise Nation; Simon Devonshire OBE, former Entrepreneur in Residence at BEIS; and Michael Hayman MBE, Co-founder of Seven Hills.
Tolhurst went on to set the scene for this year’s exciting awards: “The Growth Investor Awards 2018 are set to be the biggest yet, and the timing has never been more crucial. With a reinvigorated SME investment ecosystem optimistic about positive change following the Patient Capital Review, we look forward to shining a light on the whole industry and I’d like to wish everyone the very best of luck.”
More information about how to enter, categories, the selection process and previous winners is available on the Growth Investor Awards’ website: growthinvestorawards.com
