‍Our industry is a ‘no’ industry. We like to say ‘yes’.

Many people in our industry get paid to say ‘no’. But I think we should be able to do that for free. We like to find something that other people haven’t thought through properly. Then we look at it in a different light so we can see the opportunity from a more creative standpoint.

We minimize pain and maximise opportunity.

We’re successful because everyone on the team has eternal optimism, infinite energy and enduring resilience. We try and try again until we make something work. And even when things don’t go 100% plan, we always find a way to make things as good as we possibly can.

A simple idea is a good idea.

Even if there are technical details or specific knowledge required, you should be able to walk through our doors and explain your idea to us in reasonably simplistic terms. We’re looking for people who share our passions and are not only willing to learn from us – but are willing to teach us too.

In fact, every day is a learning opportunity for us.

Lots of companies will tell you they’re the best at something. I think we take a much more humble and forward-thinking approach. There are days that are challenging and yes, sometimes we make mistakes. This is what spurs us on to keep learning and do better for our entrepreneurs.

I’m most proud of…

The fact that we’ve been pioneers in developing a new type of investment practice that sits squarely between traditional private equity and hedge funds. That, and the people who have gone on to do great things. It’s amazing to be part of their story.

When I’m not working, I escape to…

The ice. Somewhere at least 2,000 miles away from the next group of people. The ice removes you from everything and acts as a leveler – free from external things like money and power. Everyone on an extreme trip has a role and no one is better than the next person. Those are the moments when I’m happiest.

We’re about people – not just numbers.

We spend a lot more time thinking about the people we invest in than other companies. As a team, we see individuals for who they are and what their idea can offer the world. Then we work on empowering them with the toolkit they need to achieve what they want to. Put it this way: we don’t like to be vanilla.

We spot ideas that others miss.

There’s a real entrepreneurial spirit at Black Lion – and this is very much reflected in the type of people and ideas we invest in. Often that means we spot an opportunity that other more traditional firms of family offices fail to recognise – or even reject.

One of our greatest strengths is thinking on our feet.

So much of what we do relies on being a creative problem solver and thinking on our feet. When seeking new team members, we’re always looking for someone that can adapt quickly and change their thinking on any given deal to get the job done and achieve the best possible outcome.

I love all things Private Equity.

I came from a background in finance at Barclays into the world of private equity. Something I’m really proud of is becoming an expert in this field, especially around asset valuation and structuring, to support our entrepreneurs and the rest of the team.

And when I’m not at work…‍

You’ll find me on the golf course. In a sector like this, my mind is pretty much always on the job. The golf course is probably the one place on Earth where I can switch my brain off so that work doesn’t even enter my head.

‍We run a tight ship.

‍I’m dedicated in supporting Alex, our CEO, and ensuring that the whole family office runs smoothly. We pride ourselves on delivering for our clients quickly and to an unflinchingly high standard - maintaining an efficient office is at the core of this.

I find problem solving incredibly satisfying.

‍Although we are a tight-knit team, we can often be scattered all around the globe - working in different time zones on different projects and with hectic and varied schedules. Coordinating the team to ensure that we can collaborate effectively is hugely rewarding.

We’re always learning.

‍Immersing myself in new things every day makes my job exciting. Alex and the team have such a multitude of interests; every day is a new learning opportunity.

Coming into this job every day, it's dynamic.

‍No two days are the same. No two hours are the same. I enjoy the daily challenges. I don’t feel like I'm stuck in a routine.

When I’m not at work, I’m visiting family…

‍I relocated to the UK from Australia 15 years ago and I try to see as much of the world when I can, chasing the sun and new culinary experiences.

We act as catalysts that unlock unforeseen potential.

As a team, I think we have all the tools necessary to help entrepreneurs when they cannot see how to get to the next level. We’re relentless and use everything at our disposal to get them to succeed.

Being successful means making the right choices.

We help entrepreneurs see where there’s room for improvement in their culture, their processes and how they run their business. So, it’s as much about looking at the operational as it is the financial. My aim is to get them to a point whereby if I was working for that business, I’d feel the same sense of pride and excitement as I do in being part of Black Lion.

I love working on deals that bring more than financial returns.

I’m passionate about deals that offer a non-financial return as well as a financial one. It could be something charitable or have sustainability at its core. Something that makes a positive impact on the world and leaves a legacy behind.

Black Lion is a family.

I feel real pride at being part of something that we’re all building together. The support we offer entrepreneurs is mirrored by our culture as a team: it’s a place where ideas and opinions are very much valued. I genuinely love coming to work and no two days – or even hours – are ever the same.

I’m a nerd – and I’m not shy about it…

Being geeky is my happy place. I like to take care of my health and fitness by being a good all-rounder. I’m also a big gamer and would like to work on a deal in that industry.

We help entrepreneurs select the right toolkit.

Bringing my experience from ESO Capital and Matter Real Estate, I’m responsible for structuring deals at Black Lion.  The success of these transactions really relies on selecting the right tools and the right partners and using the latest technology to create that structure. That’s how we make sure we don’t miss an opportunity and squeeze every last drop out of a deal where we can.

Being innovative means we get things done.

I’m passionate about spotting opportunity – then acting on it to really get things done. More often than not, we can work with a founder and help them see that there’s a better way of doing things. It might be a better way to market a product; a better way to distribute it; a better way to run it – or a better way to finance it. Maybe that founder just isn’t aiming high enough. By challenging their thinking, that’s how we unlock their potential.

I feel like I haven’t had a job for the past 5 years.

I don’t want to have a job – I want to have fun. When I tell people what I do, I can do so knowing I really enjoy doing it. It’s a great feeling to build something that both benefits entrepreneurs and the team members around me.

Our experience is like a jigsaw puzzle.

Sure, you’ve got to be in the right market at the right time. But we built our team by design – like a jigsaw puzzle – with people who have the expertise, experience, contacts and mindset to complement one another. It’s that collective skill and experience that allows us to really seize the advantage and grab new opportunities.

Outside of work, I’m happiest when…

Skiing. Whether I’m on the slopes or enjoying the après ski being in the mountains is 100% my happiest time. And now my kids are skiing too, it’s even more fun!

I work on the non-profit side of the family business.

I look at Alex’s passions and interests outside of the day-to-day business and help make philanthropic projects come to life. What keeps it interesting – and what sets us apart from other firms – is the variation. We're looking at supporting various projects from filmmaking to art exhibitions and autism research.

We love to amplify messages with a wider social cause.

A project that sticks in my mind is the work we’ve done and continue to do with the filmmaker Toby Robson. We supported him in the making of his documentary 'Risky Roadz: 0121' about grime music and its presence in Birmingham, which has now been bought by Amazon. We're also funding Toby's new film about social politics in the northeast of England which explores how MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) can be a way of providing a life changing opportunity to young people.

We unlock access to mainstream resources.

I'm passionate about connecting people to the resources they need to get their project or message out there - resources they wouldn't necessarily have been able to access otherwise. I think we help give a voice to individuals and issues that really matter.

Being part of a small team has its benefits.

The energy and entrepreneurialism of the investment team are reflected in everything we do. There's just something about being part of a smaller, more dynamic team that allows us to spot opportunities and move things forward.

We have ambitious five-year goals.

Philanthropy isn't just a tick-box exercise for us: we work on projects that are very close to our hearts. In the next five years, we'd like to establish a camp for children with autism—a place where they can holiday and reap the benefits of being outdoors in nature.

Outside of work, I'm happiest when I'm travelling.... 

I love exploring new places and learning about different cultures - I've recently taken up learning Hindi. I'm also quite active and try to play tennis as often as I can.

Our philosophy begins with investing in great teams.

We love teams who have the domain expertise and passion to solve problems that really matter and who are demonstrating strong progress.

Three things I’m passionate about are…

Meeting enthusiastic entrepreneurs with ideas to change the world. Learning about new business models, technology and distribution channels before they are mainstream. Helping start-ups through their challenges and advising them on how to exploit opportunities.

We bring a wealth of experience to the entrepreneurs we invest in.

We have a network of partners ready to help our portfolio companies in the good times and the bad. We bring fresh ideas, as well as the means and knowledge to execute them.

Outside of work you’ll find me….

Travelling, spending time with my family or indulging in watching science fiction movies.

A clear strategy is essential.

When it comes to my investment philosophy, I believe that focusing on a clear path ahead is the key to identifying risk and reward. This is why we’ve been so successful in setting up start-ups.

Our flexibility gives us the edge.

We're great at risk and return analysis and spotting the secret sauce – or what's special about any given investment. Beyond that, what makes us different from other companies is that we can be truly flexible in how we structure a deal.

The right people are what make a deal.

As well as the finance side, our network is what makes us exceptional. We find the best consultants and bring people together to successfully support and close a deal.

We’re always learning.

Immersing myself in new things every day makes my job exciting – I love learning about new companies and new investments and interacting with different people.

We celebrate the small wins – not just the big ones.

We are a very close team, and what matters to me is continually moving us forward as a company. We all put a lot of energy and effort into deals, so it’s important that as a team, we celebrate the big and the small – and focus on the learnings for the future. That’s what creates a culture of positivity and purpose.

When I’m not working, I’m travelling…

I love sports and being in nature, but my two greatest passions are travelling and food.