Mike established his own consultancy firm Astwood Group over 10 years ago, specialising in corporate finance, interim executive support, project management & development, company operational and organisational structuring & design, and data analysis & financial modelling. In that time Astwood has been involved in the following deals and sectors:• Lead the research, business, operations, and management of a first in the world type of research facility in the fast growing sector of vertical farming food production. Subsequently joined the purchaser of this facility as Managing Director, stepping back following the closing of a £50m funding raising round in 2022 (see link below) • Specified, implemented and actively managed the building from scratch of an operational structure for an Investment Management Company as the company went from individual investment promoter of £2 - £5 million opportunities to integrated end to end fund manager with £100 million of assets under management.• PE Backed Transaction Support - Working with the senior management team of national recruitment business in preparation for a PE supported transaction. Developed a full forecast financial model.• National Landowner – Working with a national landowner to assess a portfolio of sites across the country.• Advisor to Development Businesses – Advised the management teams and sat as a non-executive director on development businesses focused on the development of over 100 property and grid connection development schemes. • Built the investment model and managed the project pipeline for a private investor and institutional investment fund for a multimillion pound green energy investment company which analysed investment return and other key performance measures associated with projects. Model provided all relevant parties, including investors, end clients, and suppliers with customised reports for all project and investment requirements.

Eider Vertical Farming is reimagining farming to create perfect environments for plants to thrive. We produce fresh, nutritious and affordable food which is consistently tasty, locally grown and pesticide-free. Our vertical farms can supply wholesalers with a consistent, high-quality source of supply 365 days a year.

Helping businesses and organisations improve their productivity, efficiency, decision-making and outcomes. Deploying bespoke reporting, capacity analysis and tracking tools to cost and manage capital programmes and large international projects with long-term life spans. Advising clients in local and national government, and across the health, pharmaceutical and defence sectors.