One of the world's largest global wealth managers, UBS, has partnered with a northern volunteer collective working to improve access to finance for female-led businesses.
Fund Her North is made up of over 28 women in venture capital, funding organisations and angel groups with a combined investment power of over £450m the North.
It was established by Helen Oldham, founding board director of NorthInvest, Jordan Dargue, founder of Dargue Associates and director of North Invest, Jess Jackson, head of investment at GC Angels, Charlotte Ashton, founding director of Implicit Advisory, Samantha Piddington, head of corporate finance at Deepbridge Capital and Chi-chi Ekweozor, entrepreneur and founder of Assenty Ltd.
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The partnership with UBS will extend Fund Her North’s network and capabilities to support female entrepreneurs who are looking for personal finance advice and guidance around funding strategies from start up through the growth phases.
UBS will provide support and expertise to high net worth members and those who may need guidance on the personal impact of any additional business funding, or sale of a business.
Through the UBS Project Female Founder programme, UBS will match female entrepreneurs with an adviser to support them with their growth ambitions.
The partnership will also provide Fund Her North’s private investors with wealth management advice and guidance with their investments, building on the organisation’s investor network.
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Jane Booth, North West regional head at UBS, will be given a seat on Fund Her North’s advisory board as part of the partnership and will participate in a series of events targeted at female entrepreneurs and relevant individuals to UBS.
She said: "UBS is delighted to be a cornerstone partner for Fund Her North. It is essential that female entrepreneurs and investors are confident in making long-term financial decisions as this not only increases their chances of financial security but also allows them to feel more positive about the future and achieve their growth ambitions.
"I am pleased that we are able to provide this support to Fund Her North’s members. This partnership strongly aligns with UBS’s long-standing global program focused on empowering women with financial decision-making, addressing their financial needs and gender lens investing."
Samantha Piddington added: "UBS is strongly aligned to our mission to address the imbalances in access to finance for female founded businesses, so it was an obvious fit for our next phase with Fund Her North.
"They are able to bring a unique perspective, not only supporting female entrepreneurs with high growth ambitions, but also playing an important role in supporting our female investors.
"We know that female founders are two thirds more likely to receive investment from female investors, so it’s absolutely vital that those with the capital to invest have trusted advisers, and we are grateful that UBS can provide this."