Tell us what attracted you to join the NWF?
I have had a professional interest in Energy and Infrastructure for a number of years, both as an investor/lender and as an adviser. Having worked previously at another development bank, I saw quite clearly the opportunity for NWF to invest in largescale projects across the UK in a way which no other UK public investment organisation can. Being based in Scotland, when I saw that the fund was keen to bring in someone to lead its activities in Scotland, the stars seemed to be aligning for me.
What does your role involve?
My role involves engaging across the Scottish market for NWF to do two principle things. First, I tell the NWF story to our Scottish ecosystem, across both the public and private sectors, to make sure that there is an awareness of what we can deliver in Scotland. Second, I make sure that Scotland’s voice is heard within the NWF and that, as far as possible, our strategy reflects Scotland’s needs of NWF (for example pumped storage, offshore wind and tidal) – I am an advocate for Scotland within our organisation.
What is the NWF like to work for?
This is a dynamic, intellectually stimulating and positive place to work in. We have a privileged position by having the ear of government, but also engaging with the market on transactions which, very often, no other investor will be able to deliver due to the risk profile. Our colleagues are all highly motivated and there is a general sense of purpose in the work that we are all doing here. We are at the leading edge of UK investment markets facing into Net Zero and Economic Growth. For people with an intellectual curiosity like I have, working on first-of-a-kind transactions is very engaging. However the environment is also very collaborative, with staff from a wide range of backgrounds (investment, civil service, economics) and a very high calibre of team. I think we have recruited the best and brightest.
What were you doing before you joined the Fund, and how has your experience helped with the role you are now doing?
I joined NWF from the Scottish National Investment Bank. SNIB is similar in design but different in terms of size, product suite and market facing functions (and its shareholder is Scottish Ministers rather than UK Government). However, it was a very worthwhile training ground for working in a development bank, and allowed me to see where NWF and SNIB are able to complement each other in the Scottish market. My role at SNIB generally involved engaging with Scottish Government and private sector project developers, and those stakeholder groups are also relevant to us at NWF.
What are your highlights/ proudest achievements since joining the NWF?
My highlights so far have been: the numerous speaking events I have been invited to take part in, which allows me to tell our story to the Scottish market; seeing us close the investment into XLCC, which will be based at Hunterston; and our ground-breaking investment into Port of Ardersier.
What are you looking forward to next at the NWF?
I look forward to seeing how our mandate as NWF will evolve over the coming months, in particular how both we and GB Energy will work together to support the UK energy and infrastructure market. Once the government has finalised its Industrial Strategy in 2025, this will also add further shape to the way that we will support the UK going forward.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for a role here?
If you have an interest in Energy and Infrastructure, are a motivated self-starter, want to work on leading edge, first-of-a-kind transactions (and you’re a nice person!) then this is the place for you.