Published: Jan 26, 2022
Focus:
MEIF Maven Debt Finance
Richard joins Maven as Investment Director, heading Maven’s management of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) in the West Midlands. Based in Maven’s Birmingham office, he will be responsible for identifying and backing new growth businesses in the West Midlands, as well as overseeing support for Maven’s existing portfolio of companies across the region.
Most recently Branch Manager for local relationship bank Handelsbanken in Stratford-upon-Avon, Richard brings more than two decades’ experience in corporate banking in Birmingham and the surrounding area. He has managed relationships with corporates and overseen complex restructurings on behalf of several high-street banks, including NatWest, Lloyds, and CYBG plc.
Maven’s West Midlands team will look to leverage Richard’s extensive experience to help continue its strong record of securing funding for promising businesses through the MEIF.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Richard to the team on behalf of everyone at Maven, and particularly his colleagues on the MEIF West Midlands team. Demand for MEIF debt finance continues to increase in the wake of the pandemic, and Richard’s leadership will enable the team to continue its vital role of supporting the region’s SMEs and aiding economic recovery.”
Andrew Ferguson, Partner at Maven
“I am delighted to join a fund manager with such an impressive record of providing businesses with the finance they need to grow, and with an emphasis on the relationship-building that makes this record of success possible. I look forward to furthering this success as part of the MEIF West Midlands team.”
Richard Blount, Investment Director
