Holdsworth Hunt, who co-founded Peel Hunt & Co in 1989 and led the group through to its flotation in 2000 and beyond, has been appointed to the Hotbed board following a six-month involvement with the organisation. Having initially joined the network as a member – making a brace of investments in this period – he has agreed to play a more active role.

‘I have spent 15 years in the small- and mid-cap corporate finance arena and am keen to remain involved in helping other companies with bright futures reach their full potential,’ Holdsworth Hunt states. ‘Aggregating the investment power of private investors could play a significant role in helping SMEs access the funding they need to develop.’

‘We are delighted to have Christopher’s backing,’ Hotbed chief executive Gary Robins adds. ‘This is a real testament to what we have already achieved and his wealth of experience and expertise will be an invaluable asset to us.’