1. Explain a little about your role at WestBridge.
I’m an investment executive at WestBridge which means that I spend my time working on origination, deal execution and portfolio monitoring, alongside the rest of the investment team. My origination focus is London and the West Midlands, and I am involved in the portfolio management of Bespoke Health & Social Care.
2. Tell us about one of your career highs.
Completing the acquisition of Bespoke Health and Social Care in June 2020, which was not only my first deal at WestBridge but also completed during lockdown. The process was a huge learning curve for me and required the whole deal team, as well as our team of advisors, to adapt to complete the transaction whilst not being physically with the business. I have enjoyed continuing to work with the business since the acquisition, particularly working with the management team on the buy and build strategy.
3. What’s one of the best pieces of advice you’ve ever been given?
The benefit of hindsight is not necessarily your friend. Every challenging decision you have to make along the way will be without the full set of facts and once it is made you should stick by it and not regret. It will all work out in the end!
4. If there was one thing you could change about the world of private equity, what would it be?
There is often a misconception that the private equity world is ruthless and requires you to only be good at analysing data, spreadsheets and working with numbers. The very best private equity investors I have seen combine this need to analyse businesses and spot opportunities with the ability to quickly forge strong relationships with people not only in the businesses they partner with but also across the industry. The importance of people skills and relationship building is so often overlooked by those not in the industry. I would like to see the industry working to change this perception to attract talent that is best suited to the world of private equity.
5. Finally, what to you enjoy doing outside work?
Outside of work, I enjoy long walks with my cocker spaniel Rhubarb. I also like to cook and bake so (when not locked down) love planning dinner parties! I do also love a good holiday, especially if it involves skis!