Kuber Ventures, the first full service multi-manager platform for Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) portfolios, has appointed Brett Williams in an advisory role to the senior management team.
Williams (pictured), who has acted as chief executive of both Skandia UK and Cofunds, brings extensive experience of mainstream platforms to the EIS space, which Kuber believes is at a similar level of maturity to the mutual funds platform market of a decade ago. This market increased almost threefold in 2011, which Kuber and Williams largely attribute to the introduction of platforms, and he forsees a repeat of this growth in EIS.
The Kuber platform was launched by senior wealth management figures John Williams and Dermot Campbell in 2012 to meet the demand from advisers for simple access to EIS, which has become a greater focus for investors on the back of lacklustre returns in the mainstream funds market. Kuber reduces administration by streamlining the EIS application process, giving advisers access to consolidated performance and tax reporting to facilitate more meaningful communication with clients.
Alongside his Kuber role, Williams is also managing partner of the recently launched alternative investments company Old Burlington Investments, which has an initial focus on EIS.
Williams says: “The launch of platforms a decade ago goes a long way to explaining the unprecedented growth in mutual funds. With traditional asset classes now delivering lacklustre returns, alternatives are increasingly important for investors to consider as part of a balanced portfolio. I look forward to working with Dermot, John and the rest of the experienced management team, to share my experience of the mutual funds world and to ensure Kuber takes full advantage of the EIS opportunity.”
Dermot Campbell, managing partner of Kuber Ventures, says: “Brett’s experience will be invaluable for the senior management team as we aim to position Kuber as the first choice for advisers when recommending EIS. We are looking forward to working with him as we grow the business. Following the Retail Distribution Review, financial advisers need more support with due diligence and administration when advising on investments. This is where the Kuber platform is essential, allowing investors to benefit from the investment returns of EIS, underpinned by tax incentives.”
