Making an investment in a business is more than providing capital and generating strong returns, it’s also about doing the right thing, committing to the risk, and forging partnerships that can stand the test of time and trying to have some fun on the way. I build sustained relationships through mutual respect, integrity and straight talking whilst actively listening, delivering on promises, and providing challenge where appropriate. I believe high quality relationships help drive positive outcomes. For Palatine, as a Partner, I lead the investment strategy for the Midlands region as well as the Business Services Sector, sourcing investment opportunities and support ambitious management teams with their growth plans. From the out-set of an opportunity I lead the deal working alongside the management team to develop the Strategic Growth Plan (SGP). The SGP underpins the business’ accelerated growth strategy. Once the deal has completed, I join the Board as a non-executive director. As a non-executive director, I input in to the strategic direction of the business and support the team in executing their strategic growth plans. These opportunities can include deploying buy and build or roll out strategies, digital transformation, improving operational infrastructure, talent development, enhancing sales and marketing whilst helping to transform their ESG performance. To do this effectively, I roll my sleeves up and get stuck in, working as part of the management team, whilst giving them the breathing space to manage the day to day. I challenge when necessary, facilitate opportunities where relevant and introduce operational specialists when required through the extensive network of contacts we curate at Palatine. Through my investor and NED experience I have gained a vast amount of insight into the opportunities and potential pitfalls fast growing businesses face regardless of the industry within which they operate. It is this know-how and my straight talking, down to earth approach that adds the real value to the teams I work with.