We seek investment opportunities in UK businesses which have the right mix of flair, growth potential and market vision. They may be looking to grow organically, acquire another business or secure a management buy-out. Typically, we look to invest between £2m and £10m.

Our investment team has wide industry experience – both on the shop floor and in the board room. We’re open to ideas and proposals in all sectors and in all regions.

We don’t make decisions based purely on balance sheets and business plans, though those are important. We talk to the owners, their colleagues and peers, to discover their passions, what makes them tick, and why they need our help.

We’re hands-on investors. We work with the management teams sharing our knowledge and experience, drawing in additional expertise where necessary. To us, this is not just a numbers game. It’s about spotting ideas and then helping turn them into growing businesses, with all the excitement and concentration that involves.

The process

NVM currently looks at around 200 potential new investments each year. We initially aim to form a broad understanding of the target business and assess the quality of its management. This part of the process is based on our review of the business plan and on meetings with the key members of the management team.

If the outcome of this appraisal is positive, we will make a proposal setting out outline terms and conditions for an investment.

If the proposal is accepted, a thorough “due diligence” investigation exercise follows into key aspects of the business. This work is usually done in-house by the investment team, using external specialists where appropriate.

Once due diligence is completed, a comprehensive report is presented to NVM’s board for discussion and decision; if the investment is approved, legal completion usually follows closely thereafter.