Mercia Technologies won the Industry Game Changer award at the inaugural Growth Investor Awards on Thursday 22nd October, which recognises impact beyond investment in the UK SME finance indusrty.
The Industry Game Changer award, sponsored by MICAP, recognises a product, service, platform or model that has demonstrably changed pratice, perception or engagement in the tax-efficient investment industry.
Mercia triumphed against Goldfinch Entertainment, Lawson Conner, Kuber Ventures, and SyndicateRoom. The Award was presented at a black tie dinner attended by 300 guests at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in Mayfair by Andrew Marris, CEO of MICAP.
Commenting on the win, Mark Payton, CEO Mercia Technologies, said:
“Mercia Technologies winning ‘Industry Game Changer’ at the Growth Investor Awards was a clear acknowledgement of the disruptive, patient and informed investment model operated by Mercia via its industry-leading professionals working throughout the Group.”
The Awards are organised by Intelligent Partnership (IP), the UK’s leading provider of research and education on alternative investment, as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of impact and innovation in growth capital.
Opening the ceremony, IP’s Managing Director Guy Tolhurst said:
“Tonight we honour those innovating in financial services and putting investment to work in SMEs. They do things differently. They don’t see venture capital schemes as just a way to save their clients’ tax. They see businesses that can innovate, grow and create new jobs – and in doing so they make us all more prosperous.”
A two stage judging process to identify 12 winners from 36 finalists was supported by a panel of 35 independent judges. Daniel Kiernan, IP’s Research Director who headed up the shortlist, commented:
“By designing a judging process around impact beyond investment on investee companies, the Growth Investor Awards enables the industry to demonstrate its unique contribution while differentiating its leading players. The credibility and prestige of these awards comes from an influentual Advisory Board and an eminent panel of independent judges.”
Daniel Kiernan added:
“Mercia is bringing an element of liquidity to the market that could soften the stance of many compliance departments – which could be a game changer for increasing EIS and SEIS sales.”
The economic importance of tax advantaged venture capital schemes was a theme for two keynote speeches at the ceremony. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, highlighted the broader economic impact of the billions that has been invested in SMEs through EIS, SEIS and VCT in terms of employment and tax contributions.