SMEs.

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Our investment strategy.

NEL’s investment strategy focusses on addressing the financing needs of the underserved Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) market, whose finance needs are not being adequately addressed by traditional funding sources.

We specialise in both secured and unsecured debt models, including senior, stretched senior, unitranche, and mezzanine financing structures, offering bespoke, flexible solutions with a commitment to swift execution and decision-making.

Key components of our strategy:

Focus on Underserved SMEs

We allocate capital specifically to the underserved SME sector, helping these businesses access the funds they need to innovate, and grow sustainably and productively.

Flexible Financing Solutions

We tailor bespoke finance packages to the specific needs of individual SMEs, ensuring flexibility and alignment with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by them.

Proactive Portfolio Management

We work closely with portfolio companies to proactively identify potential challenges and collaborate with management teams to mitigate them, not only reducing risk but also helping accelerate growth and sustainably scaling our portfolio companies. We add value by supporting our portfolio companies through complex economic cycles and events and have long-term experience in portfolio management including restructuring capabilities.

Deliverability and Speed of Execution

Our team is dedicated to delivering financing solutions with speed and efficiency, ensuring that businesses can seize growth opportunities without delay. We pride ourselves on our ability to make informed decisions quickly, driven by a deep understanding of our investee companies and their markets.

Sector Diversification

We invest across a wide range of sectors to minimise sector-specific risks and capitalise on diverse growth opportunities, prompting a healthy balance of risk and return within our portfolio.

Inclusive Origination

We actively seek investment proposals from female-led businesses and other minority groups, ensuring our portfolio benefits from a wide range of perspectives and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and innovative environment, and contributing to the overall success and growth of our investments.

Authoritative Lending Structures

We specialise in providing senior and secured debt finance with financial covenants, meaning we have greater control when things don’t go to plan. The direct lending market remains an attractive space for investors, providing protection against inflation and ultimately providing higher returns.

Current Regional Focus

Focus on underpenetrated regions outside of London.

Our predominant focus is on Northern England, where we actively seek opportunities to support local businesses. By deeply embedding ourselves within this regional geography, we gain valuable market insights and foster strong relationships with local entrepreneurs and the wider business community.