CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR 2022 62 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 3 2023 18 Jan23114 Founded in 2010, Winch & Co is an investment firm that adds strategic value to businesses via integration and consolidation, producing realisable returns with an emphasis on risk management. Currently employing more than 100 people across the UK, the company focuses on identifying suitable target companies, acquiring the whole business, or the assets, then improving and restructuring the organisation. Folding them into its existing portfolio, building strong, profitable, and asset-rich groups of companies in stable, durable, and recession-proof sectors. “Over the years, our operations and goals have shifted,” explains Nathan Winch, the firm’s CEO. “From our entrepreneurial beginnings to selling out and starting again, to then acquiring full going concerns and climbing the equity ladder.” The private equity industry in the UK has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), the total value of private equity and venture capital investments in the UK reached a record high of £68.4 billion in 2018. This was an increase of 11.3% from 2017 and the highest level since the financial crisis in Nathan Winch of boutique Leeds-based investment firm, Winch & Co, achieved success in more ways than one in 2022. Enjoying not only a record year, Nathan also clinched the prestigious title of Private Equity Investment CEO of the Year 2022 – UK. We find out more about the firm and Nathan’s leadership style. 2008. The number of private equity deals in the UK also rose in 2018, with a total of 1,922 deals, representing an increase of 8.5% from 2017. The average deal size also increased, with the average deal size increasing to £36.7 million in 2018, compared to £34.5 million in 2017. Overall, the private equity industry in the UK is thriving and it is now the secondlargest private equity market in Europe, behind only Germany, with the total value of investments and the number of deals both increasing. Private equity firms in the UK are also raising more money for investment opportunities, indicating that the industry is in a healthy and growing state. “At Winch & Co, we are capitalising on the growing number of retirement age business owners, targeting industries that are asset heavy,” Nathan continues. “We are a group of passionate entrepreneurs looking to help other business owners succeed.” Having built and sold companies in medtech, SaaS, and FMCG, Nathan’s main specialities include concept commercialisation, supply chain mobilisation, acquisitions, and horizontal integration. Recognising that success comes from the company’s strong relationships and its stakeholder engagement, Nathan is a self-described “relaxed” leader, empathetic with a firm-but-fair philosophy, diligently guiding people through their decision making rather than dictating. “It’s important people have ownership over the ideas and projects,” he elaborates. “They are then empowered to implement their vision under their own judgement, and be pointed out when that doesn’t align with the company objectives so that they can readjust at their own pace to produce their very best work.” Nathan started his career at a fairly young age, and as such his leadership style has changed over the years and, while mixing different company cultures can be a challenge from time to time, he strives to ensure that different teams gel together – something which is important for integration of new acquisitions. He does this by first understanding the corporate cultures of both companies, and then developing a plan to integrate them, whilst encouraging communication and collaboration through regular meetings and activities between employees, and ultimately focusing on the common goals. “In my opinion, a good leadership style is one that values collaboration, encourages open communication, and focuses on empowering team members and improving performance,” he continues. “A great leader is one who is able to develop and nurture relationships, motivate and inspire their team, and set clear goals and expectations.” Recently, for his unique leadership style and commitment to his work, Nathan was recognised in the CEO of the Year Awards 2022 and named Private Equity Investment CEO of the Year 2022 – UK, and it’s no surprise considering that the last 12 months was a year of significant capital growth for Winch & Co, with a group EBITDA of £1.25 million for the financial year. The firm also increased the value of the property portfolio to over £10 million, as well as acquiring a significant going concern in the north east during the year of 2022. Quarter 1 and 2 saw the most M&A activity and the management team also focused on consolidation of the group and its value accretive assets. It also divested all of its smaller investments which formed part of the wider agenda to consolidate the group down and remove unnecessary cost centres and invest further into its profit centres. Additionally, the management team took the difficult decision to place one of its turnaround assets into administration, releasing significant cashflow pressures back into the group, amounting to a saving of over £1 million per annum. Going forwards, Winch & Co is focused on further consolidation and integration of incumbent assets to strengthen the group over the next 12 months. Nathan and the management team are also looking to invest in the group’s energy business over the next two years. Contact: Nathan Winch Company: Winch & Co Private Equity Web Address: www.winchandco.com A Thriving Industry
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