FINANCIAL
PARTNER SUPPORTING
AMBITIOUS COMPANIES
HOW WE WORK
We build relationships to validate we're the right partner.
We facilitate the deal quickly, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
We support and add value throughout the investment to help drive growth as the business evolves.
RELATIONSHIPS
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We start with building relationships. Relationship dynamics are critical for us so during the first stage of getting to know the business and understanding everyone’s objectives, all parties need to judge whether we’ll make a good partner for the business and management team going forward.
COMMITMENT & SUPPORT
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We back management teams to run businesses. We ensure they're incentivised with an equity stake which helps align interests with investors. We always make a personal investment in each transaction to strengthen this alignment. We listen to and support the team through good times and bad. Founder Andrew Stubbs will take a non-executive Board position to provide ongoing input to help each business realise its full potential.
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ADDING VALUE
We use our network to open doors to new opportunities for the business. Our experience helps us avoid pitfalls and work through common challenges in smaller businesses as they grow. We bring a fresh perspective and commercial insight to help the team with the strategic development of the business.
PARTNERSHIP WITH MANAGEMENT
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We also know sometimes things don't work out as expected. We consider ourselves to be a partner and work through challenges together in a constructive way. We act with empathy and compassion when things are tough.
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PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
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We are independent, working collaboratively with a broad range of corporate finance advisors, accountants, lawyers, lenders and other intermediaries who introduce us to businesses where we might be able to help. We always encourage selling shareholders and management teams to take their own independent advice on the terms of the transaction. We respect confidentiality and commercial sensitivity in all our activities.
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ADDING VALUE AFTER THE DEAL
Identifying strategic goals and business planning support to achieve them
Assistance with acquisitions, research and targeting
A fresh perspective and commercial insight to support strategic decisions
Support with lenders and funding requirements
Managing investor reporting and communications
Building long term, sustainable teams with appropriate succession planning
Support where there are gaps in the team
Bringing expert advice to the team e.g. setting up overseas
DELIVERING THE FUNDING
High Wood Capital’s team has a track record of over 20 years funding SME’s. Integrity and deliverability are central to everything we do. We have an open and upfront approach, taking great care to assess each opportunity so we can make a well-informed decision before committing to a transaction.
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For each transaction a new company is established as the buyer to acquire the target business. High Wood Capital supports and advises the buyer in negotiating the terms of the acqusition, undertaking due-diligence and developing a business plan which in turn supports the buyer raising funds to complete the transaction.
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The transactions may be funded with equity capital alone or sometimes, if appropriate, a combination of equity and senior debt capital.
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SMALL SYNDICATES
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The equity capital is sourced from small syndicates of HNW investors and family investment offices rather than the multi-national pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds favoured by mid-market private equity investors. We find HNW investors offer a great fit as they act quickly and are typically in-tune with the challenges and opportunities of smaller businesses.
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The UK’s half a million HNW investors represent £1.5 trillion of wealth, a vast and diverse source of funding for small businesses.
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VALUE ADD FROM HNW INVESTORS
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The majority of the HNW investors in our network are, or have been, successful business owners and entrepreneurs themselves. They are often able to add value to the businesses they invest in far beyond the funding they provide. Whether simply the benefit of their experience in business or opening doors to new customers and suppliers. We can demonstrate many examples of the value that can come from a network of successful HNW investors backing your business.
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