The Background – Finance for Business North East Fund

Between 2010-2016, the Finance for Business North East Fund (also known as the JEREMIE programme) invested £160m in around 950 companies across the north east of England and the Tees Valley, with investments ranging in size from micro-businesses to those now listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Key statistics

  • 7 year investment period (2010-2016)
  • 4,500 new jobs created
  • 3,600 jobs safeguarded
  • £300m of private sector funding secured

The capital was provided by the European Regional Development Fund, The North East Local Enterprise Partnership, British Business Bank, Local Legacies and the European Investment Bank.  Please click here for further details on investors and stakeholders

The £70m loan from the European Investment Bank was fully repaid in September 2019, allowing all subsequent returns to finance investment initiatives in the region.

Whilst the fund is no longer actively investing, North East Finance remains responsible for managing the portfolio of investments, including some of the most exciting and innovative businesses in the north of England.

Current Opportunities

Advisor with experience in the SME digital technology sector

To advise on optimising value from investments in digital/tech businesses

£10-12kpa

North East Finance (‘NEF’) is seeking an advisor to assist us in optimising the value of our investments in a select number of digital/tech businesses.

NEF manages an early-stage venture capital portfolio in the North East of England with a potential residual value in excess of £30m. The portfolio is now in realisation phase.

This is not a Board role and there are no statutory or governance responsibilities.

The successful applicant will be contributing to our Investment Advisory Committee alongside experienced non-Executives, the executive team, and our corporate finance advisers.  The role will involve assisting us in the development of exit strategies for digital/tech assets in the portfolio.

Estimated time commitment circa 6-8 days pa.

NEF is based in Gateshead, but meetings will typically be held remotely.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 JUNE 2023

For a full job specification, please click the button below or email viv.walsh@northeastfinance.org.

Latest News

£158.6M

Invested from the funds

£300M

Private sector secured

4500

New jobs created

3600

Jobs safeguarded

937

Companies supported