UKSE

Matt Stewart became UKSE's Investment Director in 2013, overseeing the firm's investment activities. He joined UKSE in 2003 after working as an accountant for the parent company and has extensive experience helping businesses grow.

Works primarily at the Hartlepool Innovation Centre with customer service experience in public and private sectors.

Chartered Accountant (2019) with corporate finance experience advising SMEs on M&A transactions, working within the investment team.

Joined UKSE in 2022 as a Workspace Co-Ordinator for the Yorkshire and Humber region, involved in the daily running of the Innovation Centre.

Joined UKSE in 2026 after local government and a long banking career; provides equity and debt investment in the Yorkshire & Humber region.

Joined UKSE in 2024 as part of the workspace team at Kirkleatham Innovation Centre, bringing customer service experience.

Joined after working for a former Innovation Centre tenant; involved in the day-to-day operations of the Kirkleatham centre.

Chartered Accountant (2022) with a background in accounts, audit and corporate finance M&A advisory, working within the investment team.

Joined UKSE in 2020 as a receptionist/administrator in Sheffield and now works on Environmental, Social and Governance matters alongside the ESG Lead.

Joined UKSE in 2001 in Head Office, later moving to the regional office, and appointed Senior Workspace Co-Ordinator in 2022.

Workspace Manager for the North Region based at Hartlepool Innovation Centre, with public and private sector experience.

Joined UKSE in 2003, supporting the Company Accountant with the Head Office finance function and coordinating office operations.

Joined UKSE in 2024, previously a public-sector Business Growth Adviser; provides loan and equity funding to SMEs in Scotland.

With 20 years in business management and finance, Michelle joined UKSE in 2024 providing loan and equity finance to SMEs across Wales.

Qualified as a solicitor in 1997, specialising in M&A, private equity and corporate banking. Joined UKSE in 2017 and advises on its equity and debt investments.

Joined UKSE in 1995 as Company Accountant and became Finance Director and Company Secretary in 2008, responsible for accounting and IT matters.

Howard Thompson has worked with small businesses for around 30 years, starting in banking before moving into business support as a business adviser and regional business manager. He joined UKSE in 2022 and manages the Cardiff Bay Business Centre and Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre while providing loan and equity funding to SMEs in the Welsh region.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in financial services and focuses on building customer relationships. He provides loan and equity funding to SMEs in the Midlands region, working alongside Steve.

Pete Newton joined UKSE in 2022 after a career in corporate finance, with about a decade advising business owners on M&A and fundraising. He oversees debt and equity investments to SMEs in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Peter Taylor is a Chartered Accountant with corporate finance experience and a former corporate bank manager, handling property and finance matters across Tees Valley, Derwentside and West Cumbria.

Sarah Thorpe has a background in business finance and portfolio management, and handles investment and property matters for the North of England.

Scott Webb has a background in business finance and joined UKSE in 2012. He handles property and finance matters across Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Ayrshire, leading the regional team since 2020.

Steve Grice began his career at HSBC and has spent 30 years supporting the funding needs of Midlands businesses, including running his own companies, completing an MBO, and working in corporate finance advisory. At UKSE he provides equity and debt investments to Midlands companies.

Steve Lyon joined UKSE in 2021 and has more than 30 years of experience lending to businesses of various sizes and sectors. He focuses on providing equity and debt investments to companies in the Yorkshire and Humber region.