Growth Partner, the Yorkshire-based investment firm of HomeServe founder Richard Harpin, has appointed Alex Marsh as investment director as part of its plan to scale-up and support more talented entrepreneurs.
Growth Partner has already backed several high-profile entrepreneurs to help them to step change their business. That includes new Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies whose North East based business Crafters’ Companion is flourishing in the US market, and Victoria Robertshaw whose North Yorkshire-based Keelham Farm Shop is rolling out stores across the county.
Marsh will focus on connecting with exceptional entrepreneurs running consumer focused businesses for Growth Partner to invest in and support their growth plans.
He is a chartered accountant with over 10 years’ experience working in finance, M&A advisory and investment. Marsh has a track record of leading successful equity investments into high growth North East based businesses, following an earlier career advising management teams in PwC’s Corporate Finance team in Newcastle.
Growth Partner managing partner Gerard Downes says: “Alex’s experience will allow us to extend our reach, discover, invest in and develop more promising entrepreneurs, enabling Richard Harpin to inspire and bring on new British talent.”
March says: “Growth Partner’s supportive, flexible and sector focused approach is unique in the investment landscape and has the backing of one of the UKs most prominent and successful entrepreneurs in Richard Harpin. Growth Partner understands the entrepreneurial journey, and focuses on offering targeted support, to accelerate growth and build value through shared learnings and introductions.
“I will be focusing on building a larger pipeline of investments, close relationships with entrepreneurs and providing the support that will help those businesses to scale.
“I’m delighted to be joining Gerard at Growth Partner as it looks to build its reputation as a leading supporter of UK entrepreneurs.
Alex will be based in the firm’s Newcastle office, adding to the existing office in York.
