Member Article

BGF expands Leeds office with new hire in investment team

BGF, the UK & Ireland’s most active investor in growth economy companies, has appointed James Baker as an investor in its Leeds team. James’ role at BGF will encompass all aspects of the investment process, from origination through to execution and working alongside BGF’s existing portfolio companies to support their growth ambitions.

Qualified chartered accountant James has worked in corporate finance at both Deloitte and BDO, providing advice to clients across a range of buy and sell side transactions. He graduated from the University of Leeds in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Economics.

The new hire follows strong momentum for BGF in Yorkshire and North East in the first half of 2021 after it invested £30 million in local companies from its regional head office in Leeds.

Barry Jackson, head of Yorkshire and the North East, said: “James brings highly valuable expertise to our team which will only serve to strengthen our already prominent presence in the region.

“We’re looking to back even more high-potential, high-growth companies, and the expansion of our team, following James’ appointment, is one of the many ways we are aiming to achieve this.”

Commenting on his appointment, James said: “I’m delighted to be joining BGF’s Leeds office as the team continues to invest in entrepreneurial businesses across Yorkshire and the North East. BGF’s long term outlook is a real point of difference in the market, and I’m looking forward to working with entrepreneurs in the region to realise their growth plans.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma McCallum .