BREAKFAST EVENT: Unlocking Private Equity: Entrepreneur Insights

Connect & catch up with entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders from the Manchester region.

Joining us to share their insights and knowledge in a discussion on Investment and Private Equity are 

Andy Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of BGF

As well as being CEO, Andy is a member of BGF’s Board and executive team, he sits on the national Investment Committee and is Chair of the BGF Foundation. Andy has significant experience of regional private equity, having worked in the Manchester offices of Livingbridge, Bridgepoint and Royal Bank Development Capital. He is a chartered accountant, with over 30 years’ experience in private equity, acquisition finance and corporate finance. Andy also has industry experience, having been group finance director of Pennine Retail Systems, a leading UK retail software company which was successfully backed by private equity.

BGF are dedicated to supporting good growth in entrepreneurial businesses.

“The uncertainty that followed the 2008 crash created new challenges for SMEs where long term investment and sustainable growth became even more important. BGF was created to address the chronic lack of support for that section of the market.”

Rob Davenport, Chief Executive Chairman of Shawston Holdings

With experience at Director level in PLCs, Rob wanted ‘out’ of corporate life and chose to risk it all; beg, borrow and steal to fund a small management buy-in of a rather scruffy, Manchester based distribution business with sales of £750k p.a. and 10 employees. Today, 20-years on and more polished; Shawston now operate from 5 depots, sales are approaching £25 million p.a. and the business has 120 co-owner employees.

Rob’s flair for business, combined with his entrepreneurial vision, has enabled him to adapt his inclusive and honest approach to both relationships and decision-making, which has been advantageous for both his business and personal success.  This was demonstrated in his move to make Shawston a fully employee owned business, having implemented a (minority) direct share ownership model in 2015.

In recent years Rob has contributed to the Government’s Dividend Report led by Baroness Sharon Bowles and has been a speaker at the Employee Ownership Association’s annual conference.

The discussion will be facilitated by Richard Newman, CEO of Ultimate Creative Communications.

A light breakfast will be served on arrival; breakfast roll served with tea & coffee. (Vegetarian/vegan option available - please indicate if you require a V or VE option)

Bookings close on Tuesday 16th April at 6pm. A discount is available when 2 tickets are purchased.

Please email amanda.manson@k-club.co.uk with any special dietary requirements by no later than 6pm on Tuesday 16th April.