Q&A with Sanjeev Gordhan, Commercial Director

Sanjeev Gordhan, Commercial Director at Newable was recently interviewed by Co-Investor as part of their People Behind the Product series highlighting the key people behind the wide range of tax-efficient investment funds available.

Sanjeev Gordhan

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

Having been an EIS specialist when I was an adviser, it is really rewarding to be able to get into the key detail of these investments whilst understanding the key priorities for advisers and how this investment fits into their wider planning.

How do you see your role changing in the next 3-5 years?

As more advisers and investors understand the EIS field, I hope that we will be able to rely more on platforms such as CoInvestor and be able to focus more on the investment opportunities. I also think that the UK EIS market will see growth over the coming years as individuals start to look towards alternatives over their pension and ISA contributions.

“Having analysed funds as an adviser, I understand how hard it is for advisory firms to be able to compare apples with apples. We need standard benchmarks, processes and fee structures.”

What makes Newable stand out?

Newable was established over 35 years ago, solely with a mission to help SMEs and start-ups. Since then we have been able to add more services and products to help these companies and early-stage ventures to continue being the engine of the UK economy. When we fund a company, they are not only getting access to capital but also a raft of other services which helps them on their journey to commercialisation. This in turn provides our investors with potentially higher returns as we are able to nurture our investments in-house within the Newable group.

What are investors saying about your firm?

We are the hidden gem. Once investors hear about Newable and see our group at work they are amazed that we do not shout about ourselves more.

What’s one thing you’d like to change about the sector?

Transparency across the industry. Having analysed funds as an adviser, I understand how hard it is for advisory firms to be able to compare apples with apples. We need standard benchmarks, processes and fee structures.

How have the recent legislative changes affected your firm?

Newable has always invested in the true spirit of EIS, therefore we have not had to change our investment thesis. This has meant that we are now able to compete on a level playing field.

What’s a recent quote/headline that has made you stop and think?

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

What character trait(s) help you succeed in your role?

Entrepreneurialism.

Find out more about our EIS fund here.