Investment group Foresight has appointed an experienced senior investment manager in its Bristol-based private equity team ahead of opening an office in the city this year.
Olly Cox, pictured, brings more than 12 years’ deal experience to the role in which he will support the deployment and management of the recently launched Foresight South West Fund. 
He joins from Literacy Capital, a London-based closed-end investment company focused on investing in and supporting smaller UK businesses and helping their management teams to achieve long-term success.
Prior to that he spent six years in corporate finance at investment bank Numis Securities.
FTSE 250-listed Foresight manages a number of regionally focused private equity and venture capital funds dedicated to growing companies.
Its South West Fund is its seventh regional private equity fund, and is dedicated to investing in growing companies across all sectors and transaction types throughout the region.
Olly said he was excited at the prospect of deploying a new and dedicated pool of capital into the South West.
“The region is diverse and there will be many SMEs which we can support,” he added.
“Using this evergreen source of capital, as well as our expertise in growing SMEs, we will look to partner with founders, shareholders and management teams to achieve their goals and ambitions.
“I look forward to meeting as many of them as I can.”
Foresight partner Matthew Smith added: “We are delighted to welcome Olly to the team, following the launch of our new South West Fund.
“We plan to open offices in Bristol and Exeter as we look to establish a strong local presence in a region that is home to so many exciting businesses.”
Cornerstoned by Devon Pension Fund, the fund will target equity investments in established, promising companies with growth potential.
Foresight has a track record of supporting firms in the South West having recently invested £5m in Wedmore, Somerset-based innovative children’s nursery and soft play provider Family Adventures Group.
