Executive search and recruitment firm Blair West has secured a seven-figure investment that will see the partial exit of its co-founder. The Newcastle-based company, which specializes in recruiting for high-growth businesses backed by investment including private equity, says the backing from Frontier Development Capital will help its next phase of growth.
The deal sees co-founder Simon West make a partial exit and transition to become a non-executive director while retaining a seat on the board and an equity stake. His business partner David Blair remains as CEO, with director Chris Marshall and associate director Craig Stewart, who lead Blair West's executive search and finance services respectively, both remaining and increasing their shareholding. The wider management team will also increase their stakes in the business.
Investment Details and Growth Plans
This latest investment follows backing by Northstar Ventures in 2024, when the venture capital firm injected an undisclosed sum from the North East Innovation Fund supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Blair West says the funding from Frontier will help boost its technology capability, which in turn will improve consultant productivity and the quality of its client relationships.
CEO and Co-Founder Comments
David Blair, CEO and co-founder of Blair West, said: "Simon and I are immensely proud of what we have built over the last seven years and it’s been a lot of fun. What we’re most proud of is the management team we’ve built over that period. They’re ready to be the driving force behind Blair West’s next phase of growth, and I’m looking forward to working with them on that journey."
"I’m also looking forward to continuing to draw on Simon’s vast knowledge and experience as he supports Blair West in a non-executive capacity. We were seeking the right partner to support our next chapter, and we’re confident we’ve found them in FDC, who have been pragmatic and enthusiastic from the outset," Blair added.
Company Background
Blair West was set up as a two-person operation in 2019 and has grown into a team of 17, based in offices on Grey Street. The firm says it has delivered services to more than 600 clients since its founding, focusing on board level and senior appointments in private equity-backed companies and the finance sector.
Co-Founder Transition
Simon West, co-founder transitioning to non-executive director, said: "I feel very fortunate to have met the right business partner in David and am incredibly proud of how the business has succeeded, learned, and evolved over the past seven years."
"Most of all, I’m incredibly proud of the team and what they’ve been able to achieve individually and collectively. Without question, our people are the most positive differentiator we have, both in market and as an employer. That’s exactly why this is the right time for this transition. The team David has around him is more than capable of driving Blair West’s next chapter, and I wanted to make sure the ownership structure reflected that reality," West continued.
"Moving into a non-executive role allows me to support the business where I can add most value, contributing to strategy and governance, while giving the management team the space and ownership they’ve earned. Blair West’s foundations — our values, track record, brand, and operating platform — are strong, and I’m genuinely excited to see what comes next," he added.
Investor Perspective
Charlie Robinson, investment director at FDC, said: "David and Simon have built an excellent business and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with David in the next phase of the business’ development. This is exactly the type of situation which our funds are designed to support and we are looking forward to see the Blair West team continue to build on their already excellent position in the market."
