Investment Champions celebrated in Annual EIS Association Awards
Firms investing in the UK’s growth businesses through the Enterprise Investment Scheme were recognised at the EISA’s annual awards last night.
Taking place at the House of Lords and hosted by the EISA Chairman, Lord Flight, the awards highlighted the contributions made to the UK economy through private sector investors using the EIS and SEIS to support growth businesses. The fund managers and professionals, through which the schemes are managed, were showcased in the series of awards.
The Director General of the EISA, Christiana Stewart-Lockhart said, “It incredibly important to recognise the fantastic work the industry undertakes, this year more than ever. The Awards denote achievements in a number of EIS and SEIS fields. From an unprecedented list of entrants we have been pleased to showcase some outstanding winners.”
Commenting on the vital role that the schemes play in boosting the UK economy, Lord Flight added, “Each year, these EIS and SEIS play a vital role in encouraging investment from private individuals to early stage businesses.
EIS and SEIS allow investors to claim tax reliefs against their investments in order to help facilitate the flow of capital to high risk, early stage businesses that might otherwise struggle to find funding. Private individuals typically invest a total of around £2 billion a year through the schemes, helping to fuel innovation and create thousands of jobs across the UK. The start of the new tax year effectively releases a further round of available funds. Since inception, the Schemes have attracted more than £27 billion of investment from the private sector and have helped around 52,000 businesses.”
Christiana Stewart-Lockhart added, “As we now look forward, we see the opportunity to support the government’s levelling up agenda through increasing the awareness of the schemes. Both winners, and all members of the EISA alike, recognise the major part that they will play in achieving this.”
The list of the 2022 winners is:
Best EIS Investment Manager: Par Equity
Best Financial Planner: Stephen Jones, Clear Solutions Wealth & Tax Management
Best Journalist or Advocate: Lisa Best, Intelligent Partnership
Best Legal/regulatory: Jointly awarded: Adempi Associates and SeedLegals
Best Newcomer: Jointly awarded: Regenerate Ventures and One Planet Capital
Best SEIS Investment manager: SFC Capital
Best Tax Advisor: Philip Hare & Associates LLP
Diversity Champion: Melian Dialogue Research Limited
EISA Impact award: Par Equity
Spirit of EIS: SeedLegals