Management

Evolve Team

Steve Garbutt - Fund Manager

Steve joined NEL Fund Managers in July 2000 having previously pursued a career in accountancy, both in private practice (including both ‘big four’ and independent firms) and as Company Accountant for a high growth software business. He has since led on many transactions including NEL’s first AIM listed investee.

Steve is responsible for the investment of £30m of mezzanine debt funds, leading a team of 5 investment professionals. He is currently completing a dissertation in respect of a Master of Business Administration (Durham) degree, holds the UK Society of Investment Professionals Investment Management Certificate, the Institute of Directors Diploma and Certificate in Company Direction and is an FSA approved person.

Simon Johnson – Senior Investment Executive

Simon worked for a major bank for 11 years in both corporate and asset finance roles, leaving the bank to join NEL Fund Managers in 2003.

He holds the UK Society of Investment Professionals Investment Management Certificate and graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Hons.) in Mathematics and Economics and is an FSA approved person. Simon also holds the Insitute of Directors Diploma in Company Direction.

Joanne Pratt – Investment Executive

Joanne qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001 whilst training with one of the big four firms.

She subsequently moved into an independent practice specialising in risk management and joined NEL Fund Managers in 2003.

She holds the UK Society of Investment Professionals Investment Management Certificate and graduated from Leeds University with a BEng.(Hons.) in Mathematical Engineering. She is an FSA approved person.

Jane Siddle – Investment Executive

Jane joined Evolve in October 2007. She qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992, working in practice in a variety of roles up until 2001 where she specialised in corporate finance and related matters.

For the last 6 years she has been working in various funds management roles in South Yorkshire and is FSA approved.

Ian O’Brien – Financial Analyst

Ian joined Evolve Finance in November 2007. He qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2003 whilst working in the Public Sector, having graduated from Newcastle University in BA (Hons.) Accounting and Financial Analysis in 2001.

He subsequently moved into private practice (in both a multi national and a large independent firm), where he specialised initially in risk management and latterly in the preparation and audit of statutory accounts for SMEs across all sectors.

For further information about NEL Fund Managers please visit the NEL website