SWAIN Steers a Steady Ship through Stormy Seas

17 April 2012

The South West Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN) started in 2004 and celebrated its eight year birthday in style aboard the ss Great Britain in Bristol. The celebration event was aptly named “On the Nail” referring to the Bristol Nails located in Corn Street, Bristol, where traders would negotiate and conclude deals.
 
During the last eight years SWAIN has, like most businesses, been affected by the ebb and flow of the economic cycle. However interestingly, the recession did not negatively affect SWAIN as investors relished the opportunity to invest in profitable businesses that chose the equity route instead of approaching banks. This trend hasn’t changed with SWAIN celebrating a record year of twenty-three deals during 2011/2012 and with five more deals already nearing completion, is making an excellent start for the new tax year.
 
SWAIN is delighted to announce that it now has access to significant support for high growth businesses which will allow eligible businesses to complete SWAIN’s preparation phase fully subsidised. In addition, SWAIN is working closely with a new Managed Co-investment Syndicate been run by John Caines, OBE.
 
SWAIN’s Managing Director, Philip Tellwright said, “I saw the huge potential SWAIN could offer to the South West when I was first asked to deliver a vehicle to allow high net worth individuals to invest in high growth businesses. I’m thrilled to see how much it has developed from a purely theoretical idea scribbled on the back of a napkin to where it is today. SWAIN has completed one hundred and fourteen deals into eighty-three companies and in doing so, has succeeded in raising over £9.8 million for small businesses. This initial finance has helped leverage a total of over £68 million of investment.  I look forward to many more years to come.”
 
If you are interested in working with SWAIN or would like any further information on the support or Co-investment Syndicate – please contact Jenny Colley at SWAIN, jenny.colley@swain.org.uk.