Justin Urquart Stewart, co-founder of Seven Investment Management, has set up SME investment business Regionally with TATA VP and Accenture Partner Jim Odell.

A familiar figure in his red braces, Mr Urquhart Stewart is well known for his regular appearances on TV, radio and in print media as well as public speaking at events. He stepped down from his full-time position with 7IM in January but remains an ‘ambassador and adviser’ to the business. 

He was one of the original founders who set up 7IM in 2002.

Regionally is a private investment service enabling individuals, angel, sophisticated investors, and institutions to invest in a range of professionally selected regional business looking to scale-up.

The SME businesses will be seeking capital in the range of £500,000 to over £10m.

Regionally offer equity, debt and convertible loan deals. The company plans to develop a secondary market for investor members to buy and sell shares and bonds in early 2021.

The company aims to bridge the gap between seed and wider alternative markets, including AIM.

Mr Urquart Stewart said that investments are too often directed via or to London to the detriment of UK regions. Regionally aims to provide the “element of the financial plumbing that has been missing for many years.”

Start-up specialist Julie Cunningham has also joined Regionally as Finance Director.