Tell us what attracted you to join the NWF?
I was working in renewable asset management and noticed the creation of UKIB (as was) in the Spring budget of 2021. As this government initiative was based in my home city my interest was piqued from the start! I kept a close eye as things developed and the more I heard about the mission and mandate, the more interested I became. Having the opportunity to use your skills and experience in such a unique organisation with such a compelling goal is quite rare.
What does your role involve?
The Portfolio Management team is responsible for the ongoing management of the Fund’s investments after they have closed. This means monitoring performance, talking to clients periodically and visiting them at site, managing day to day transactional events and liaising across other internal teams when issues arise.
As well as the ‘day job’ with the NWF still being fairly new, my role also involves a lot of developing systems and processes. So often we are doing something for the first time so we all have a part to play in engaging with the right stakeholders and working out the best way to do things.
What is the NWF like to work for?
As a relatively young organisation with a broad and unique mandate, all the existing team are fairly new in role and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Nobody is fixed in their thinking and there is a tendency towards collaboration and consultation. As well as this just being a refreshingly nice way to work – it also means there are constant opportunities to learn from each other.
What were you doing before you joined the Fund, and how has your experience helped with the role you are now doing?
I was a Head of Finance for an SPV manager, effectively looking after the financial management of a portfolio of assets on behalf of sponsors. As most of my portfolio was in the renewables sector this gave me good insight into the risks encountered through a project lifecycle across a variety of asset classes. It also gave me an understanding of what good project and performance management looks like and what investors want to see to be comfortable that projects are on track.
What are your highlights/ proudest achievements since joining the NWF?
The part of my job I enjoy the most is getting out to site, visiting our investments, and seeing the projects and companies we work with develop. At the NWF we work across a variety of sectors with many of the technologies we invest in being ‘First of A Kind’. It takes a lot of drive and purpose to get such ideas off the ground so working with those individuals and organisations who have taken that leap can be hugely rewarding.
What are you looking forward to next at the NWF?
Working with the companies we have invested in as they move towards their goals. Using the experience we have gained to date to invest further in new and emerging sectors.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for a role here?
If you like a challenge, relish using your initiative and enjoy an environment of continuous learning - the NWF is almost certainly the place for you!