New strategic partnership set to boost North of England tech startups

Investment platform NorthInvest has announced a new strategic partnership with Yorkshire law firm Gordons.

The initial three-year partnership will see Gordons work with NorthInvest’s senior management team to identify, connect and develop early stage tech startups throughout the North of England.

Launched by digital entrepreneur and founder of telecoms operator aql, Professor Adam Beaumont, NorthInvest has helped 73 companies by providing advice and investment in the past eight months.

Helen Oldham, NorthInvest founding board director, said: “Demand for our platform, and the number of angels in our network, continues to grow at pace, so being able to augment our offer with Gordons’ range of skills and expertise will further enable our success.

“NorthInvest is about enabling start-ups and innovators across the North to access funding, gain recognition and realise their potential to change the world for the better.

“Gordons straightforward, practical approach, inclusive culture and excellent connections throughout the region makes for an ideal partnership for us and our ventures, mentors and investors. We look forward to working closely with Gordons to achieve our objective of fulfilling the North’s potential as a national and international technology leader.”

Paul Ayre, Gordons managing partner, added: “NorthInvest’s platform is redefining angel investment for tech businesses in the North. It’s an exciting time to be partnering with the company as it continues to accelerate.

“Working together to find, connect and enable tech businesses to succeed will enable us to play to our strengths as a law firm. We have a distinct approach and attitude which is ideally suited to entrepreneurs and their businesses whilst also understanding the needs of investors.”

Prof Adam Beaumont, NorthInvest founder, also said: “We thank all of our sponsors and supporters. What we’re doing is pushing water uphill – helping drive growth by backing our entrepreneurs of tomorrow. This is not without risk.

“What would be a mark of success is that if a handful of the businesses which NorthInvest – and Gordons through their kind support – help along the way, achieve success. Then we’ve done something which supports the region and the North and built trust with those businesses and founders to accompany them on their journey.”

Gordons employs 200 people between its Leeds and Bradford offices. The firm’s clients include retailers AO World, B&M, Iceland and Wren Kitchens; construction and high performance materials manufacturer Saint Gobain; and international brewers Molson Coors.