Entrepreneur Macklin launches trio of funds

Ayrshire-born entrepreneur Marie Macklin has launched a trio of investment funds to back aspiring businessmen and women.

Derek Weir, left, with Marie Macklin, right

Macklin, who has a background in construction, financial services and banking, is planning to build two portfolios of investments in entrepreneurial businesses, making an initial £5 million available for investment.

An additional fund, with separate access to third-party funding for the restructuring of businesses, has also been established.

A new Glasgow-based initiative, Macklin Enterprise Partnerships (WEP), will take direct stakes in selected businesses or invest through special-purpose funds.

Derek Weir, Macklin’s first appointment to the MEP board, has 25 years’ experience in corporate banking, with executive positions at RBS and Barclays.

Macklin said: “My aim is to inspire and support creative people with the ideas, drive and resilience to create and grow successful businesses.

“Funding will be open to ambitious, highly-motivated people launching or developing new-start businesses. Whilst robust business plans will be the starting point, the inspiration, passion and commitment of the people behind the plans will be fundamental in funding decisions.

“We will invest in people we can work with personally, advising and supporting them in bringing their plans to fruition.”