Claire Alvarez is a partner of Foresight Group, a sustainability-led alternative assets and SME investment manager. Foresight Group supports growth companies across all sectors, stages and transaction types with investments of up to £10 million.
Here, Claire shares some insights on business funding.
What gets you excited about helping businesses secure funding?
We provide more than investment and partner with promising growth companies that have the potential to create a positive impact.
By working with founders and management teams, we provide operational support and guidance to enable companies to not only achieve their ambitions, but provide positive societal impacts and create high-quality, local jobs.
When looking for funding, where should a business start?
There are many avenues for businesses, of all shapes and sizes, to seek funding. Options include grants from public bodies, banks, investors and private equity, high net worths, and debt financing.
What are your top tips to get a business investment ready?
First, companies should make sure their financials are in order and use this to support the narrative of their growth journey. Companies should also ensure they fully understand their market and their growth opportunities. As a final step, companies should assess if there are any areas that need strengthening.
What are the common pitfalls businesses make when seeking funding?
Businesses can sometimes lack key information around their financials and KPIs.
Before seeking funding, companies should make sure these are in order – doing so helps themselves and investors understand their potential and market opportunity.
What are funders looking for in a leader and management team?
We look for ambitious and passionate management teams who fully understand their market.
Foresight works with founders and management teams to provide operational insight and guidance, as well as strengthening their teams and appointing any missing skillsets.
Why should investors and funders be looking to Lancashire Businesses?
At Foresight, we recognise that many promising growth companies are in all regions across the UK.
Since launching our first fund dedicated to the North West, in 2016, we are fully immersed in the Lancashire business community and are aware of the promising businesses located across Lancashire.
For more information on Foresight Group, visit: https://www.foresightgroup.eu/
