By David Bird, LEP Board member
Our Meet Our Members series gives an insight into the Heart of the South West LEP Board members, their careers, industry insights and how they joined the LEP. In this blog, we hear from David Bird, Head of Debt Advisory at Isca Ventures LLP about his career journey and how he came to join the LEP.
I joined the LEP Board in 2017 to provide businesses with a voice in influencing how Government funding is distributed to drive the economic prosperity of our region and to help provide business input to shaping policy for growth in our area. As the wealth creator, I believe it’s vital for businesses to have a say in shaping decisions nationally and locally.
What I find especially rewarding about being a LEP Board member is collaborating with a diverse team of individuals to bring about tangible economic and social benefits to our region. Working as part of a motivated team in the face of challenging and uncertain economic circumstances is a privilege, and I’m looking forward to supporting more businesses and communities over the next year. Yes, how local growth is led and implemented is changing but there is a lot to do in the meantime, irrespective of where discussions on structures end up. I’m very happy to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job!
My background is in banking and finance. I began my career in banking back in 1984, starting out in the retail branch network. As time went on, I took on various roles, such as working in the legal team, regional credit, debt recovery, project management, and relationship management for different SMEs, ranging from start-ups to those with a turnover of over £100 million. This was an exciting role to work in, supporting a range of companies at different stages of growth.
For 15 years, I had the opportunity to serve as a Regional Director, spearheading the establishment of a new bank in the South West region from the ground up. In 2013, I was headhunted by another company to replicate this success. Then, in July 2020, I joined the Board of Westward Housing Group as a member of the Audit & Assurance committee, a role I applied for due to the organisation’s strong sense of social purpose and supporting communities. I worked on improving their ambition and prosperity, and later became a full Board non-executive director.
In October 2020, I became part of a specialised corporate finance practice, where I lead the debt advisory side of the business. In this role, I have been supporting clients in their growth endeavours, which include acquiring assets and businesses, raising debt, planning for succession and exit, and helping them achieve their business and personal objectives. As in previous roles, it was great to support companies on their own journeys and see them flourish.
My advice to others in the industry is to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and maintain open, honest, and respectful communication. By doing so, it becomes possible to independently assess the key risks that could potentially undermine both business and personal objectives. Understanding how to mitigate those risks and whether the owners are willing to make the necessary sacrifices and choices is crucial.
I have had the pleasure of chairing the LEP’s Strategic Investment Panel and the Finance & Resources Committee (now merged into the Operational Investment Committee) since joining the Board. These committees are responsible for implementing the LEP’s funding programmes, delivering agreed outcomes such as job creation, housing development, and fostering inclusive growth, as well as ensuring the LEP operates professionally and with probity in handling public money. Making decisions in these areas, which are vital for inclusivity and supporting our local communities, is a part of my role at the LEP I particularly enjoy and, I believe, is a great illustration of how business, local government and education can work together to promote growth in this fantastic part of the world.
What I find especially rewarding about being a LEP Board member is collaborating with a diverse team of individuals to bring about tangible economic and social benefits to our region. Working as part of a motivated team in the face of challenging and uncertain economic circumstances is a privilege, and I’m looking forward to supporting more businesses and communities over the next year. Yes how local growth is led and implemented is changing but there is a lot to do in the meantime, irrespective of where discussions on structures end up. I’m very happy to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job!
