Barkley joined WestBridge in August 2019 to head the firm’s newly opened Manchester office and establish the firm in the north west, north east and Yorkshire markets.
After qualifying at BDO, he joined Dow Schofield Watts where he came to the attention of WestBridge after advising the firm on its £10 million investment in environmental consultancy APEM. Since moving to WestBridge, he has joined the APEM board and is actively supporting the company’s buy and build strategy.
Barkley was also instrumental in the delivery and completion of the firm’s second north west deal, its £12.8 million investment in Aptus Utilities.
Most recently, he took responsibility for the firm’s largest transaction, its £29 million investment in construction software provider Eque2.
Managing partner Guy Davies said:
“Pete is a superb member of our team. He made the transition from adviser to investor with ease and has forged solid relationships with the management teams of our portfolio companies, helping accelerate growth and create shareholder value in all of them.
“His focus and drive have already ensured WestBridge has rapidly and successfully established itself as an active and dynamic participant in the north west and beyond. Our regional success is in no small part down to him being able to leverage the close relationships he has developed and nurtured over the years.
“Pete is playing a pivotal role in our on-going success and it is clear he will play a significant role in our business in the future.”
An avid Leicester City fan and cyclist, Barkley said of his appointment to director:
“I couldn’t be more delighted and am thoroughly enjoying taking an active role in supporting investee companies and believe the way we do business is really refreshing.
“It’s a particularly exciting time to be here as the WestBridge team and our offering continues to develop and evolve.”
WestBridge, which has offices in London, Manchester and Cardiff, typically invests between £10-£25m into established, profitable and ambitious UK SMEs with enterprise values of between £15m and £50m.