Iain Watson, Lead Director - Lending
We spoke to Lead Director - Lending Iain Watson about what it's like to work at the National Wealth Fund.
Tell us what attracted you to join the National Wealth Fund?
I joined the Fund in 2022 while it was still very much in its infancy. I had met the leadership team and was excited by their enthusiasm and energy for developing the organisation and I wanted to be part of that.
What does your role involve?
I specialise in developing funding solutions for ambitious and complex projects being developed by local authorities around the UK. This takes the National Wealth Fund’s involvement all the way through to where our financing is required.
What is the National Wealth Fund like to work for?
I spend most of my week at the National Wealth Fund’s office in Leeds. This allows me to spend valuable face to face time with our local authority team and other parts of the organisation involved in the projects we are looking to finance. Leeds is going through a massive regeneration and a great place to live, play sport and socialise.
What were you doing before you joined the Fund, and how has your experience helped with the role you are now doing?
I have worked in financial institutions for over 30 years, including RBS and the UK Green Investment Bank. This has given me great experience of working on a variety of infrastructure projects with public sector clients and developing financial solutions using a range of banking products appropriate to the risk profile of what is being financed.
What are your highlights/ proudest achievements since joining the National Wealth Fund?
I am immensely proud of the organisation and the highly skilled people we are developing. Our local authority team come from a variety of public sector, industry, and financial services backgrounds which allow us to offer a compelling offer to local authorities to help them develop and accelerate their important projects for regional growth and net zero ambitions.
What are you looking forward to next at the National Wealth Fund?
Our new Regional Project Accelerator model is the next stage in the evolution of what we can do. It builds on our advisory experience to date and will allow us to work more closely with ambitious local authorities and bridge the gap to bringing in private sector finance alongside National Wealth Fund funding.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for a role here?
The National Wealth Fund and Leeds is a really exciting place to be. There is not a “one size fits all” and if you think you have something to offer to help deliver on our mission then come and speak to us.