FW Capital, one of the UK’s largest regional fund managers, has appointed Ben Donati to its Bristol team as an investment executive.
The firm’s Bristol office, which is headed by fund manager David Goodall, is focused on delivering finance for small to medium-sized enterprises through the recently launched British Business Bank’s £200m South West Investment Fund. 
Ben, pictured, right, with David Goodall, has more than six years’ experience working as an accountant, having trained at EY in Bristol.
He has also worked at Bishop Fleming and most recently at PKF Francis Clark as an audit senior.
David Goodall said: “I’m delighted that Ben has chosen to join FW Capital as we continue our exciting journey to provide financial support to local businesses.
“Ben’s accountancy background is a great asset to our team and his experience will benefit many businesses who are seeking funding from the South West Investment Fund.”
Ben added: “I’ve always had a passion for finance and I’m looking forward to providing funding for growing SME businesses in the South West and being able to make a real impact on the local economy.
“Many business owners don’t fully understand what funding is available and don’t know where to turn if they can’t get finance from traditional lenders.
“FW Capital are bridging the funding gap and I’m excited to join the team and help more SMEs realise their ambitions by accessing the South West Investment Fund.”
The South West Investment Fund, which went live a year ago, covers the entire South West region and provides loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help SMEs to start, scale up or stay ahead.
FW Capital provides debt finance using the fund to businesses in Bristol, Gloucestershire, North and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.
The fund’s mission is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.
It is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.
