What is Economic Development?
Economic development occurs where there is a measurable increase in the productive potential of the economy. To achieve a higher rate of economic growth and to enhance individual economic opportunities the right foundations and conditions must be initiated and supported. This includes creating local investment funds; promoting the development of Business Angel investing groups & communities and supporting ambitious growth oriented entrepreneurs.
Nelson has advised governmental and regional Economic Development teams across the world and has helped them to initiate and establish effective Economic Development initiatives that deliver real benefits to communities and countries. His advice has covered issues including regulatory and legal frameworks, taxation, co-investment funds, Venture Funds and direct/indirect support for investment networks and entrepreneurs.
‘Public Interest’ Appointments:
- 2009-Date: LINC Scotland- Non Executive Director: (LINCscotland.com), the Scottish Angel Capital Association (founded 1993).
- 2011-Date: UK Angel CoFund – Member Investment Committee: UK government’s Angel Co-Investment Fund. The fund makes initial investments of between £100K and £1M, alongside syndicates of business angels.
- 2017-2019: Development Bank of Wales: Special Advisor for the development of early-stage finance in Wales. Advice on structure and operation of £8m Angel Co-Investment Fund launched May 2018
- 2014–2015: Welsh Government, Department for Economy, Science and Transport: Member of the independent panel set up by the Welsh Government tasked with developing a business case for setting up a Development Bank for Wales.
- 2014–2016: Angel Resource Institute (ARI), Trustee: USA based charitable organization devoted to providing education and information on best practices in the field of angel investing. As well as providing training and support resources, the ARI produces the HALO Report- a quarterly analysis of investment activity by angels and angel groups.
- 2010-2015: ESEP Group Ltd – Chairman: Consultancy focused on the development, administration and implementation of European Structural Funds. Administered ERDF and European Social Funds worth over €5 billion.
- 2009-2014: Genomia Management Ltd – Non-executive Director: Investment Fund targeting the research outputs of public sector research establishments engaged in the animal and life sciences sector.
- 2001-2010: Entrepreneurial Exchange – Director: Scotland’s leading organisation for ambitious growth-oriented entrepreneurs. The Exchange has some 400 members heading-up companies employing more than 150,000 people and with a collective turnover of over $25 billion.
- 2008-2011: University of St Andrews: Member of the Panel for Intellectual Property and Patents.
- 2011-2012: EBAN – Vice President: European Trade Association for Business Angels,
Please see the Services pages for further examples of Nelson’s work in these areas.