Another dealmaker joins YFM as it builds its presence across the Midlands

Experienced investor, lender and adviser Stephen Murray has joined YFM Equity Partners (YFM), which has offices in Birmingham, London, Leeds, Manchester and Reading, as investment director to strengthen the firm’s support for fast-growing businesses across the Midlands. YFM typically invests between £2m and £10m per transaction.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Stephen is an ICAEW chartered accountant who started his career with Mazars, moving to EY and KPMG in advisory roles, before moving to the Royal Bank of Scotland. He also spent three years with Finance Birmingham as an investment director, making investments into SMEs across the region before spending two years as an investor with BGF. For the last two years, Stephen has been supporting local SMEs with fund-raising, acquisitions and strategic advice.

Stephen will be based at YFM’s new central Birmingham office at 102 Colmore Row. YFM plans to grow its presence in the city and will be expanding the team in the coming months.

As a well-known dealmaker, Stephen will use his extensive network of contacts across the region to generate investment opportunities for YFM with dynamic businesses throughout the Midlands.

“We believe that fast-growing businesses in the Midlands seeking funding of between £2m and £10m can be best served by locally-based investors with real insight into the regional market,” explains YFM partner Ian Waterfield. “With his track record of successful investing and lending, as well as local knowledge, Stephen has the skills and experience to deliver YFM’s regional model in the Midlands. He has the network and credibility to create strong deal flow for YFM.”

David Hall, managing director of YFM comments: “Having originated and executed deals for more than 20 years, Stephen is a great fit for the team and will play a key role in building our profile in the Midlands. With over £400m of funds focused on backing entrepreneurs and fueling growth, expanding in Birmingham is a must as we seek to support the innovative businesses that the region produces.”

Stephen adds: “I’ve spent a long time with the YFM team and like their approachable attitude – they know what they’re doing and have the sort of personalities that fit well with SME management teams. I also like their supportive approach.

“YFM focuses on a really exciting part of the market where their funding and support can have a real impact on business growth, and I feel it is a real positive that YFM are committed to having a local footprint across the regions. The firm has a great pedigree of investing in scaling high growth businesses and this is a fantastic opportunity to support some of the region’s most innovative companies.”