Downing LLP Market Research Report






Company Overview


Name


  • Downing LLP


Mission


  • Making investment more rewarding by investing responsibly for growth, profit, and a better tomorrow. Downing believes a great investment opportunity isn’t just financial but also a chance to invest in areas that matter like the environment, health, society, local communities, and the economy.


Founded


  • Founded in 1986 in London.


Founders


  • No available information on the founders.


Key People


  • Nick Lewis: Founding Partner and Chairman

  • Tony McGing: Partner and Chief Executive Officer

  • Judith MacKenzie: Partner and Head of Downing Fund Managers

  • Kostas Manolis: Partner and Head of Private Market Investments

  • Shruti Patel: Partner and Head of People

  • Anne Sanders: Partner and Chief Financial Officer

  • James Weaver: Partner and Chief Operating Officer


Headquarters


  • St Magnus House, 3 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6HD.


Number of Employees


  • Over 200 staff members across four European offices.


Revenue


  • No information available regarding the revenue.


Recognition


  • Certified as a B Corporation in September 2022.


Assets Under Management (AUM)


  • £2 billion as of 31 December 2023.


Differentiation


  • Downing LLP is known for its responsible investment strategies and a strong commitment to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.





Products


Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust (DORE)


  • Description: Aims to deliver stable and sustainable returns.

  • Features:

  • Investment in hydro, solar, wind, and other infrastructure assets.

  • Coverage across the UK and Northern Europe.


Business Relief (BR) Investments


  • Description: Provides relief from Inheritance Tax.

  • Features:

  • Potential to reduce Inheritance Tax liability by investing in qualifying business assets.

  • Contingent on the type and duration of asset ownership.


Downing AIM Estate Planning Service


  • Description: Invests in the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) for tax relief.

  • Features:

  • Full Inheritance Tax relief after two years if shares are held at the date of death.

  • Award-winning service for Best BR Investment Manager.


VT Downing Fox Funds (Multi-Asset Fund)


  • Description: Managed multi-asset fund.

  • Features:

  • Designed specifically for financial advisers.

  • Managed by Simon Evan-Cook.


Downing Estate Planning Service


  • Description: Inheritance tax relief via business relief-qualifying investments.

  • Features:

  • Full IHT relief after two years of investment.

  • Focus on business relief qualifying businesses.


Inheritance Tax Solutions


  • Description: Offers IHT relief on investments.

  • Features:

  • Eligibility for full IHT relief after two years.

  • Investment in BR qualifying companies with retained access to funds.


Downing Fund Managers


  • Description: Boutique of established managers offering distinct investment strategies.

  • Features:

  • Specialized single strategy portfolios.

  • Focus on creating long-term returns.





Recent Developments


New Acquisitions and Business Growth


  • Downing acquires Katey’s Nursery and Pre-School:

  • Date: 5 June 2024

  • Acquisition of five nurseries in South-West London.

  • Formation of Chalk Nursery Group with Sinead Johnson as CEO, focusing on high-quality care and education.


Partnerships and New Leadership


  • Formation of Chalk Nursery Group:

  • Led by Sinead Johnson.

  • Focused on providing high-quality early years education.


  • Notable Personnel:

  • Recent appointment of Sinead Johnson as CEO of Chalk Nursery Group.

  • Francis Johnson appointed as Head of Downing Property Finance.


Strategic Developments


  • Acquisitions in Social Care:

  • Date: 15 August 2024

  • Mysa Care expanded via three acquisitions, supporting elderly healthcare.


Media and Insights


  • Blogs and Articles:

  • Discussions on AI trends, business ethics, and portfolio diversification.

  • Key insights on governance, responsible investment, and market strategies.


  • News Insights:

  • Analysis on policy consistency in the UK economy.

  • Investment trends in green infrastructure and renewable energy, especially in the Nordics.


Innovation


  • AI and Technology:

  • Articles exploring investment opportunities amidst changing AI trends.

  • Blog posts on stock opportunities and market shifts.


Legal and Compliance Updates


  • Advisory and Legal Notices:

  • Firm policies on responsible investment and risk disclosures.

  • Regulatory compliance highlighted by FCA authorization.





Other Details


Locations


  • Offices in London, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Stockholm.


Contact Information


  • For Financial Advisers and Fund Managers:

  • Phone: 020 7630 3319

  • Email: sales@downing.co.uk


  • For Private Investors:

  • Phone: 020 7416 7780

  • Email: customer@downing.co.uk


Certifications


  • B Corporation:

  • Awarded certification in September 2022.


Governance and Ethics


  • Strong Commitment:

  • Governance focused on strong ethics, board independence, and effective management.

  • Active efforts towards sustainability and responsible investments.





Summary


Downing LLP is a venerable investment management firm with a strong focus on responsible investment and strategic growth in vital sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and early years education. The company's diversified products and recent acquisitions reflect its robust approach to delivering both financial returns and societal benefits.