Tag Archives: investments

Cardiff, Insurance, South Wales

Cardiff Capital Region London event showcases South Wales investment opportunities

INVESTMENT opportunities in South Wales were the focus of a London event (Monday February 26) which promoted the benefits of co-investment with the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).

The ‘Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region’ event, part of the annual Wales Week London programme, aimed to develop the dialogue with the investment community in Wales, London, and beyond, exploring opportunities around co-investment with the CCR’s portfolio of funds such as the Innovation Investment Capital and Strategic Premises Fund, and also the soon-to-be launched Northern Valleys Initiative.

More than 85 attendees including investors and developers, heard about the competitive advantages in the Region, its cluster strategy, the creation of the new Investment Zone, and the major redevelopment of the former Aberthaw Power Station site.

The event was hosted by Baroness Wilcox of Newport, and CCR director Kellie Beirne facilitated discussions between an expert panel comprising Wales Office Minister Fay Jones MP; Lucy Cohen of Mazuma, which recently received capital funding from the CCR’s Innovation Investment Capital to help boost its operations; Michael Magee, a Partner at PwC; and George Richards, senior director at CBRE.

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Portfolio Lead of Research and Innovation, also spoke about the importance of sustainable growth allied to innovation.

Cllr Brocklesby said: “South Wales offers so many exciting investment opportunities, and the Cardiff Capital Region is an enabler and collaborator that can help make these happen.

“We encourage investors and developers from Wales, the UK, and beyond, to talk to us about how we can work together to bring out economic and social benefits in the region.”

Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “The CCR has consistently been a catalyst for investment and innovation across South Wales. This event highlighted the breadth of investment opportunities that the Cardiff Capital Region provides, showing why the UK Government is proud to support its on-going work and invest in its future.”

Lucy Cohen is the co-founder and CEO of Bridgend-based online accountancy firm Mazuma, which recently received a multi-million pound investment from the Innovation Investment Capital (IIC), funded by CCR.

She spoke about what the investment meant for her firm, which is one of the leading providers of accountancy services for micro businesses in the UK, and differentiates its business through a subscription model that allows subscribers to choose from a range of accountancy packages, and benefit from its proprietary technology through MazApp®.

Lucy said: “With the addition of this new investment from IIC Mazuma will accelerate the development of its new accountancy technology solutions, expand the marketing and sales teams in Bridgend, and invest in the firm’s infrastructure and operations to support growth.

“The CCR shares our goals and vision. We can now accelerate the development of our proprietary technology, and leverage our position to pursue long-term strategic goals.”

The Mazuma investment is IIC’s second investment, with the first in being AMPLYFI, the Cardiff-based disruptive generative artificial intelligence business. To date, the fund has received more than 160 applications for funding from potential investee companies across South Wales.

Launched in November 2022 and backed by UK Government funds with an initial £50 million from CCR, the fund is looking to invest long-term capital in sustainable growth opportunities across the ten unitary authorities that comprise the CCR. Its General Partner is Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM), which is responsible for managing the fund and the overall portfolio and risk management, with PwC supporting CFM in advisory matters, including investment research and sourcing.

The ‘Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region’ event was held as part of the Wales Week in London programme which aims to highlight and showcase opportunities in the country.

Disclaimer

Capricorn Fund Managers Limited (Capricorn) is the alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) for Innovation Investment Capital (IIC) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 505252).

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 221411). It is able to offer a limited range of investment services to clients (if they are an incidental part of PwC’s professional services) as it is a member of a relevant Designated Professional Body. PwC is acting on behalf of Capricorn for the provision of advisory and operational services in support of the IIC.

Any information provided by PwC in relation to the IIC is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon any such information without obtaining professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of such information, and, to the extent permitted by law, PwC, Capricorn and The County Council of the City and County of Cardiff on behalf of Cardiff Capital Region (“CCR”) and their respective members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on such information or for any decision based on it.

Please note that data collected for the purpose of your investment proposal to IIC will be shared with Capricorn in their role as alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) for IIC.

© 2024 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

News

AML Group create new campaign for T. Rowe Price – campaign shines a light on the value of long-term relationships

T Rowe Price are one of the largest active managers of US equities. The firm’s ability to nurture and sustain deep long-term relationships with US companies is a key part of their ongoing success.

In their first creative campaign for T Rowe Price, AML Group bring to life these lasting relationships by contrasting retro Polaroid-style film with today’s digital imagery, emphasising the firm’s unique combination of insight and experience and a focus on long term investment returns.

Founded in 1937 and with US$1.34 trillion in assets under management T Rowe Price appointed AML Group, as its first EMEA-focused integrated creative agency EMEA focused creative agency, following a competitive pitch in June this year.

Based in London, AML Group are an award-winning creative agency working with global organisations in complex sectors delivering ‘simple ideas for a complicated world.

Targeting intermediaries in three countries – UK, Italy and Germany – the campaign includes print and digital executions featured in key finance media and activation across additional touchpoints.

Commenting on the campaign, Kenna Roberts, Head of Marketing Services, EMEA, T. Rowe Price says: “AML Group have created a confident and accessible campaign. It captures the essence of who we are as an organisation and the value we place on relationships to help us deliver for our clients”.

News

Young golfers receive boost from Clarion Wealth Planning

A financial planning firm is investing in Cheshire’s top young golfers with a three-year sponsorship of a professional junior coaching programme.

Clarion Wealth Planning is supporting the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs as it looks to develop the county’s next generation of golfing aces.

Cheshire is the fourth largest golfing county in England and nearly 100 clubs are affiliated to the Union.

Clarion’s sponsorship means that the most promising 11-13-year-olds drawn from affiliated clubs will be offered regular coaching lessons with a professional. The programme starts this month and will be run by Mark Johnson, PGA professional at Styal Golf Club.

Sessions will take place at Styal, Marton Meadows, Mottram Hall and Formby Hall and will provide practical coaching in putting, pitching and wedge shots, trajectory and distance control, as well as areas including match preparation and the importance of nutrition and hydration.

Putting coaching will be provided by a representative from Phil Kenyon Putting Academy. Phil is renowned as a top putting coach and his team has worked with some of the world’s best golfers, including Rory McIlroy.

David Horsey, the north west golfer who plays on the European Tour, will also attend a number of coaching sessions during the programme cycle.

David Durling, chairman of CUGC, said: “Thanks to the sponsorship provided by Clarion, there are many young golfers who will have the opportunity to go through this programme.

“Previously, we have focused on the 14-18s age bracket, but we recognise by that time they need to be better if we are to compete against other counties and produce future world-class stars.

“By offering this opportunity to 11-13-year-olds, they will be on the right track working with some top coaches from an earlier age.

“Few young players make it to Tour, but learning to play golf well gives lifelong value. It teaches self-discipline, concentration, connections, social skills, and a love of fresh air.

“It is a great leveller; I can enjoy a great game with a decent county player – even at my age – with the handicap system.”

Clarion chairman Keith Thompson said: “Investing as early as possible in young players will give them the springboard to the best possible future. Clarion is committed to the concept of supporting young people early on in life so they can reap the rewards of their hard work as they progress.”

Clarion, which is based in Alderley Edge, provides lifelong financial planning to business owners and families across the north west and beyond.

Appointments, News

Seventy Ninth Group continues expansion with three senior hires

Seventy Ninth Group, an international asset management business specialising in the residential and commercial real estate, luxury living, and resources sectors has announced three key hires into newly created roles.

As one of the fastest-growing asset management companies in the UK, Seventy Ninth Group specialises in the acquisition and redevelopment of distressed assets across its core sectors. The family owned and managed business now has a headcount of over 40, an increase of almost 200 per cent compared with a year ago.

The latest trio of appointments represents investment in the management of the business and a commitment to growth both nationally and internationally over the next five years.

 

Colin Smith has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer. With a track record of working at internationally recognised companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, and HBO, as well as strategic partnerships with Apple, Amazon and Google, Colin has been brought in to scale-up the marketing operations for the Group, and has responsibility for all digital, brand, media and PR.

 

Glen Parker joined as Group Operations Manager and has since been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Glen brings over 20 years’ leadership experience from the military and has significant experience in supply chain and operations within global pharmaceutical companies. Glen manages daily business operations for the company including projects, finance, HR, and compliance. Glen is also briefed to build and maintain company culture and vision.

 

Vince Topping is Seventy Ninth Group’s new Group Finance Manager. Vince has over 30 years’ experience across audit, tax, financial reporting, and business management. Vince will be responsible for the oversight of all financial planning, implementation and preparation of accounting records, as well as ensuring the provision of detailed and timely reporting to both the board of directors and Ernst & Young and Deloitte, Seventy Ninth Group’s external auditors.

 

These new appointments represent an important next step for Seventy Ninth Group’s wider growth strategy to increase head office resources with some of the best people in their field. In addition, there have been appointments made across the operations, marketing and investments teams in response to the growing demands of these departments.

 

Natalie Bellis, Chief Executive Officer at Seventy Ninth Group comments, “We have always embraced an entrepreneurial culture in the business, seeking new opportunities for our investors. Over the last 12 months, this has taken us into new markets and new territories.

“To deliver on these new opportunities, we are expanding our team. Growth has been rapid, but for us it’s not about being the biggest, but bringing together some of the best people in the industry. The result is a combination of new expertise with our own experienced and dedicated team.

“We are – at our roots – a family business and we take great pride in the company we have built. Now, we look forward to the next chapter.”

 

Dave Webster, Chairman of the Seventy Ninth Group added; “I’m extremely proud of the ongoing growth of the Seventy Ninth Group and I think that these new hires really show our ability to attract some of the best talent out there.

“Furthermore, on a personal level, we’ve not only hired people with substantial ability and experience – which can only help us to achieve our lofty ambitions to become even more of a globally renowned and individual asset management company – but we’ve also made sure that the people we’ve brought in really add to, and resonate with, the core values of honesty, integrity and loyalty.

“I firmly believe that these people will truly help our company’s continued growth and evolution both internally and externally.”

 

 

Education, News, Scotland

Aspiring Investors to Battle it out in Record-Breaking Schools Contest

Future Asset shortlists Scottish candidates for next generation of winning female investors 

Schoolgirls from across Scotland are in line to be crowned the country’s most promising new business brains.

The finals of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, which nurtures the next generation of female investment experts, will be held in March, when a total of eight teams compete for the top spots in junior and senior contests. 

And this year the competition is tougher than ever with entries up by a record-breaking 300%. 

Making it to the last stage in the 16-18 year age group are pupils from: Lochaber High School (Fort William, Inverness-shire); North Berwick High School (East Lothian); St Columba’s High School (Gourock, Inverclyde) and Wellington School (Ayr). In the 13-16 year age group, those in the finals are from: Bishopbriggs Academy (East Dunbartonshire); Craigmount High School (Edinburgh); Deans Community High School (Livingston, West Lothian) and Larbert High School (Falkirk).

Financial educators Future Asset believe that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment management, demonstrating how working in the sector provides engaging opportunities and can change the world for the better. 

During the competition youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment opportunity by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a great long-term prospect 

And teenagers have reacted enthusiastically to the opportunity, despite the challenges of the pandemic, with 62 groups, comprising 240 girls, from all over Scotland taking part.

They have been mentored by investment management professionals offering advice, inspiration and career insights, and supported by teachers who have gone above and beyond in providing extra-curricular activities.

Business Education Teacher Hannah Fox, North Berwick High School (East Lothian) says: “The Growing Assets Investment Competition connects classroom learning to the Investment Industry as the students are able to make use of their learning from Business Management and Economics related subjects. 

“The task set makes it abundantly clear what a role in the industry might look like, breaking away from the stereotypical portrayal of the industry in movies. It pushes students out of their comfort zone in areas such as interacting with professionals to ask advice and run ideas past and allows them to experience managing a varied workload as well as the value of team work.

“The enthusiasm from the Future Asset Team and their guest speakers is second to none, as is the support the students receive throughout the competition. The students are very fortunate to be given access to such talented individuals and high-quality resources.”

This year more than 80 investment mentors from 28 firms, including Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors, Walter Scott and Partners and Rathbone Investment Management, volunteered to counsel the youngsters.

Mentor and investments expert Amanda Forsyth says: “The competition has proved to be a superb exercise, not just in demystifying some elements of the working of the stock market, but also in helping the teams identify skills in themselves, the relevance of which to investment processes might not have been obvious. 

“Good communication is crucial in writing research and finding that the ability to construct a flowing argument is something that truly matters was a real breakthrough moment for the members of the team who already enjoy writing. The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition has very obviously unlocked for these young women a plethora of new opportunities – and for me, as their mentor, seeing that happen has been a joy.”

Experts from journalism and business have also advised the teenagers with Executive and Voice Coach Susan Room boosting their skills and confidence with online masterclasses in Mindset, Body Language, Speech and Voice, and author, broadcaster and financial journalist Iona Bain explaining how they can invest their way to a better future.

Now in its second year, the teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch. The eight finalists will deliver an extended pitch to judges at the beginning of March with the winners announced on March 2.

The champions will receive: £1000 for the winning senior team and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior team and £150-worth of vouchers each.  Senior and junior runners-up receive £500 and £100 of vouchers and £400 and £75 of vouchers, respectively.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “The response to this year’s competition from the youngsters has just been astounding – matched by a fantastic level of commitment from teachers and mentors.

“And the calibre of entries has been so impressive. The judges are going to have a challenging job on their hands determining which teams are the true future stars of the investment industry.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

FInance

How clued up are you on the FTSE 100?

Brits incorrectly believe household favourites Tesco and Sainsburys are in the top 10 biggest companies of the FTSE 100, according to a new poll by IG Markets.

The trader polled 2,000 adults, alongside the launch of its Decade of Trade tool, to discover how clued up the general population are on the FTSE 100. The results show that as a nation we are fairly savvy when it comes to our knowledge of the stock market and over two-thirds (77%) are knowledgeable on the definition of shares.

Online trading platform, IG Markets, created the Decade of Trade tool to help Brits gain an understanding of the FTSE 100 and to allow traders to view not only how companies in the markets are performing now, but how they have performed over the last ten years. The tool covers twelve world markets including the FTSE 100, DAX40, ASX200 and HANG SENG.

When asked to name which companies are in the top ten of the FTSE 100 from a list, Brits identified eight out of ten businesses correctly. The mistakes came from thinking the supermarkets had a bigger presence than they do, with Brits believing Tesco (23rd in the FTSE 100) and Sainsbury’s (100th in the FTSE 100) to be in the top 10 market share.

Brits failed to identify beverage company, Diageo, whose brands include Smirnoff, Baileys and Guinness and mining corporation, Rio Tinto, as top 10 FTSE 100 companies.

Brits were also tested on their knowledge of the FTSE’s sector market share. The results showed there is a perception that Oil and Gas, Chemicals and Banks and Persona are the three largest sectors of the FTSE 100 when it is actually Oil and Gas, Banks and Persona and Household Goods.

Respondents were also asked what they perceive to have the biggest impact on the FTSE 100, and just over a quarter (27%) thought the Brexit referendum would have the biggest impact on the stock market.

Top five things Brits think have impacted the FTSE 100

  • Interest rates (43%)
  • Economic releases about earnings reports (35%)
  • The Bank of England quarterly inflation report (27%)
  • Brexit referendum (27%)
  • Eurozone politics (26%)

Almost four in ten (39%) correctly thought all of the above factors have an impact on the FTSE 100.

To view the Decade of Trade tool, click here: https://www.ig.com/uk/special-reports/decade-of-trade