NEL Tees Brunch Club Showcases Regional Growth Ambitions

September 25th 2026

More than 50 business owners, professional advisers and partners from across the region gathered for NEL’s latest Tees Brunch Club last week, an event designed to connect ambitious businesses and professionals with the funding, expertise and networks needed to support growth.

Held at Flok Co-working Space in Middlesbrough, the event gave attendees an overview of NEL’s Investment funds and insight into emerging opportunities across Tees Valley and the wider North East. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet some of NEL’s investment team and hear directly from one of the firm’s investee businesses.

The morning also highlighted NEL’s 2026 Charity of the Year, Headlight Project. Attendees heard about the charity’s work supporting people affected by suicide and delivering preventative education across Tees Valley, as well as the more than £2,900 raised through NEL’s fundraising activities so far this year.

A key feature of the event was an investee Q&A with Steve Southern, CEO of Southern Asset Management.

During an open and engaging discussion with NEL’s Head of Investment, James Katirai, Steve reflected on the personal journey behind the business. After identifying a market gap for specialist structural testing services, he established Southern Asset Management with a clear ambition to grow and innovate. He spoke candidly about earlier career challenges and the importance of resilience, while acknowledging support from organisations including Tees Valley Combined Authority, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Teesside University as the business developed.

Steve credited much of the company’s success to the expertise of those around him, emphasising the importance of trusting specialists, building a strong team and seeking advice from experienced professionals. He also discussed the role of innovation, including the development of the company’s own technology and asset management platform, which has helped differentiate the business and support rapid growth.

Access to finance was a major theme of the discussion. Steve explained how introductions from the professional adviser community connected the business with NEL, leading to investment through NPIF II. He praised the support received throughout the funding process and beyond, and stressed the value of trusted relationships with funders and advisers.

Southern Asset Management became NEL’s first Tees Valley investment, with the funding supporting the business’s ambitious growth plans and future development.

Looking ahead, Steve spoke positively about the opportunities for both Southern Asset Management and the wider Tees Valley economy, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for innovation, the strength of its business community and the importance of continued investment in people, skills and collaboration.

The Q&A was followed by high-energy networking, with conversations reflecting the positivity around Steve’s business journey and the wider Tees Valley economy. Attendees championed the resilience of local businesses and the strength of the regional support network helping them achieve their plans.

Attendee Emily Bentley, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Jacksons, said: “Steve Southern’s story was truly inspiring.

“His optimism for the future and flexible attitude to adopting new tech developments gave a real insight into the opportunities in the region.

“There’s massive reason to engage with local businesses to take an idea to fruition, together with support of funders like NEL to help financially make the idea a reality.”

Matthew Fannan of Atom Financial shared Emily’s optimism, adding: “Working closely with businesses across Tees Valley, we’re seeing plenty of ambition and a real appetite to grow.

“The economic environment continues to bring challenges, but good businesses are still investing, creating opportunities and making plans for the future, which gives us plenty of reasons to be positive about the region.”

Jonathan Armitage, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, commented: “Our Tees Brunch Club brings together ambitious business owners, advisers and partners from across the region to share experiences, build valuable connections and explore growth opportunities.

“Steve’s story shows what can be achieved with a clear vision, a willingness to seek advice and the right support network. It also underlined how important it is to have a funding partner that understands the business, its ambitions and the region in which it operates.

“There is a huge amount of opportunity in Tees Valley, and it is great to be a part of that – investing in strong local businesses and bringing together the people and organisations that can help them grow. Through the £50m+ regional investment funds managed by NEL, alongside the guidance and connections we provide beyond the initial investment, we’re looking to support many more exciting Tees Valley businesses, and would encourage any business considering its next stage of growth to speak to us early about its plans.”

The Tees Brunch Club forms part of NEL’s ongoing events programme, designed to support business growth, strengthen regional connections and raise awareness of the finance available to ambitious businesses across Tees Valley and the North East.

For more information about NEL, please visit www.nel.co.uk or contact the investment team on 0345 369 7007.