Something Worthy

This week Gavin Winbanks sits down with Pete Gladwell Group Managing Director at Legal &General, where he leads Legal & General’s investments in Productive Finance (which now total over £16bn) using L&G’s internal and external capital pools across lending and equity, including partnerships with other pension schemes and mastertrusts, to drive economic growth and positive social and environmental impact. His team is particularly focussed on investment with the public sector to deliver these outcomes, working closely with central government departments, local and combined authorities, Universities, and Housing Associations.A former youth worker, Pete is heavily involved in local community projects in West London, an Honorary Professor at University College London, a Freeman of the City of London, a member of HM Treasury’s Social Impact Investment Advisory Group, on the Board of L&G Affordable Homes, and a Trustee of the Fairness Foundation.In this episode, we explore how his strategic vision is redefining the way long-term capital is used to build a better future. From steering L&G’s investment priorities to backing projects that deliver both financial and social value, he shares how thoughtful investing can power enduring change.#Podcast#BusinessGrowth#Investment #Funding #SomethingWorthy #Financing

Kevin McGurgan sits down with Gavin Winbanks and shares insightful conversation on navigating geopolitics, diplomacy, and investment strategy at the intersection of public and private leadership.Kevin McGurgan brings decades of experience spanning diplomacy, foreign policy, international trade, government relations, crisis management, and institutional investment strategy. He currently serves as Managing Director at OTPP, where he leads efforts in managing geopolitical risk, foreign stakeholder engagement, and strategic investment planning within one of the world’s largest pension funds. Prior to OTPP, Kevin served as Consul General in Toronto and Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America (2014–2020), where he advanced UK-Canada relations across business, education, and policy. He began his diplomatic career in 1990 with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and served in South Asia, Europe, and North America, gaining deep regional insights and high-level negotiation experience. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Kevin’s career evolution from public diplomacy to institutional investment showcases his unique ability to align global risk intelligence with economic opportunity.

In this episode, Gavin Winbanks and Moriah Willians discuss the vital role of the Wichita Falls Chamber in driving economic development.Moriah Williams leads strategic initiatives to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and cultivate strong community partnerships, with a passion for sustainable development and economic opportunity, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Forward Wichita Fall’s mission to position Wichita Falls for long-term success.Moriah has worked across both public and private sectors, facilitating major business investments, workforce development programs, and infrastructure projects. Her collaborative leadership style and data-informed approach have helped attract new industries, support local entrepreneurs, and create resilient economic ecosystems.Moriah is known for her ability to connect vision with action. At Forward Wichita Falls, she works closely with municipal leaders, investors, and regional stakeholders to advance transformative projects that enhance quality of life and drive equitable progress.In 2024, Moriah was recognised as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers, in 2025 she was listed as 50 Under 50 To Watch by Southern Business & Development.#Podcast#BusinessGrowth #Investment #Funding #SomethingWorthy#Financing

Next on Something Worthy Season 2, Gavin Winbanks sits down with Julia Prescot CBE, one of the leading voices in global infrastructure investment. Julia Prescot co-founded Meridiam, in 2005, and was former Chief Strategy Officer of Meridiam, the global long term infrastructure fund. She serves as Deputy Chair of the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission, where she also serves as lead Commissioner for Diversity and Inclusion. She is a Director of the Fulcrum Infrastructure Group, Chair of Neuconnect Limited, and Deputy Chair of the Port of Tyne, as well as a Director of the FCDO’s WIlton Park. She sits on the board of the electric vehicle charging company, Allego B.V., based in Arnhem, Netherlands and sits on the investment committee of P Capital Partners, based in Stockholm. She was co-Chair of the Global Infrastructure Facility, based in Washington DC. She was also a director on the IPFA Board from 2011 to 2021, as well as previously holding a number of other non-executive roles. In this podcast, we discuss how Meridiam drives lasting change by investing in infrastructure for the long haul, putting communities at the centre, and embedding sustainability in every decision and project.#Podcast #BusinessGrowth #Investment #Funding #SomethingWorthy #Financing

In this episode, Gavin Winbankas sits down with Vanessa Hale,a recognised leader in global real estate with over 25 years of experience across corporate strategy, research, innovation, and data analytics.Recently appointed to the UK Executive Committee at BNP Paribas Real Estate, Vanessa now drives the firm’s strategic and research agenda with a forward-looking, tech-savvy approach. Her career highlights include leading roles as Head of Research and Insights (UK) and Head of Insights & Residential Research at BNP Paribas, alongside senior positions at Strutt & Parker and Drum London. In addition, Vanessa is the youngest Chair of the Urban Land Institute UK (ULI, UK), bringing her two decades of strategic research expertise spanning real estate sectors across both the UK and US. This episode highlights the intersection of data, innovation, and leadership in shaping the future of real estate. Vanessa shares practical insights on how leaders can adapt to disruption, foster collaboration, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Our first episode is here:Gavin Winbanks kicks off the season with John Walker AM, a distinguished leader in infrastructure, finance, and public policy across the Asia-Pacific. With a career spanning senior roles at Macquarie Group, government advisory, and now leads strategic advisory efforts as Executive Chairman at Eastpoint Partners, John shares valuable insights into cross-border investment, public-private partnerships, and the critical role of risk management in large-scale projects.This episode dives into how governments and private investors can collaborate to deliver sustainable, long-term growth while also shedding light on the power of strategic advisory in shaping transformative infrastructure. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on the future of infrastructure, investment, and innovation.

In this episode, Gavin explores the evolving landscape of UK investment and innovation with insights from Priya Guha and Stephen Welton conversations. Gavin explains the differences between debt and equity financing, the role of regional and global investment funds, and the “valley of death” in the innovation lifecycle—where groundbreaking ideas risk failure before market adoption. The episode also examines industrial strategy and its role in defining the UK’s global strengths, the impact of cross-border collaborations like the India-UK tech corridor, and the importance of blending public and private investments to foster cutting-edge research and innovation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or curious about the forces shaping modern business, this discussion offers actionable insights into how strategic funding and collaboration fuel a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This episode is devoted to the investment into the most cutting areas of research and innovation development. Our guest today is Priya Guha -  a member of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Board and a Venture Partner at Merian Ventures, where she invests in women-led innovation. She holds various prominent roles, including Chair of BIC, advisor to Kheiron Medical Technologies (a UK startup using deep learning to transform cancer diagnostics), and Non-Executive Director at UKRI, Digital Catapult, and GB Badminton. Priya is also a member of the Innovate UK Council and the Adjunct Faculty at Ashridge Hult Business School. Previously, Priya was General Manager for RocketSpace, where she launched their UK operations. Her earlier career was in diplomacy, serving as British Consul General to San Francisco and holding posts in India and Spain. She is actively involved in multiple boards and committees, including the Royal Academy of Engineering International Committee, the Althea Foundation Board, and advisory boards for Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates. In addition, Priya chairs the Board of Trustees for Modern Muse and advises The Youth Group. She was awarded an MBE in 2021 for her contributions to international trade and promoting women in innovation. During the conversation you will find out more about the latest major changes related to investment into UK VC; the role of start-ups in a healthy investment ecosystem; and the pivotal role of the UKRI in influencing the investment trajectories in the UK. Priya shares insights on bridging the "valley of death" for startups, the role of Catapults in fostering innovation, and the importance of combining public and private investment to propel cutting-edge research and commercialization. In addition, you will discover how the UK and India’s bilateral relationship is unlocking new opportunities, and what makes the UK an exciting hub for innovation.

In this episode of Something Worthy Gavin Winbanks is hosting Stephen Welton, a trailblazer in the world of private capital and business growth. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Stephen has been at the forefront of fostering economic progress, championing small businesses, and shaping the UK’s financial ecosystem. Stephen is the Non-executive Chair of the British Business Bank. His vision has left a profound impact on domestic and international private equity markets, and his advisory roles with the UK Government have influenced pivotal initiatives, including the creation of the British Business Bank. During the conversation Stephen provides valuable insights into the pivotal role of the British Business Bank in fostering private sector growth and its alignment with national economic goals. He elaborates on how British Business Bank effectively collaborates with the government while maintaining a clear and necessary separation of responsibilities, ensuring independence in its decision-making processes. A notable example of its impact is the recently announced British Growth Partnership, made possible through strategic collaborations with pension providers like Aegon UK and NatWest Cushon. This initiative underscores the British Business Bank’s ability to act as a driving force in mobilizing institutional investment into venture capital funds and using pension capital to support the development of British start-ups. By enabling partnerships of this scale, the British Business Bank exemplifies how targeted investment and collaboration can accelerate innovation and economic progress across the UK. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of private capital, government collaboration, and the future of business investment in the UK. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of the most influential figures in modern business finance.

In this solo episode of Something Worthy, Gavin takes a deep dive into some of the most compelling themes in infrastructure and real estate investment, building on recent conversations with Rob Heisman, CEO of Earl’s Court Development Company, and Ted Frith, Managing Director of GLIL, the Local Pensions Infrastructure Fund. With a focus on large-scale development, Gavin explores the theoretical underpinnings of investment strategies and addresses critical questions about the role of local communities and savers in shaping infrastructure investment. Gavin delves into how long-term investments by pension funds—like those seen in Canada and Australia—can generate sustainable returns while contributing to the prosperity of local communities. He reflects on the Mansion House reforms and the potential for UK pension funds to play a larger role in financing long-term assets, highlighting the importance of balancing economic returns with prudent risk management. This episode touches on the significance of in-house management, economic regulation in the infrastructure sector, regeneration investment, and public-private partnerships, all while emphasizing the responsibility of savers to invest in the future of their communities. Tune in to uncover valuable insights and perspectives on how we can align long-term investment strategies with meaningful community impact.

In this episode of Something Worthy, we sit down with Ted Frith, Managing Director at GLIL Infrastructure, to explore the world of infrastructure investment and the unique collaborative model that GLIL employs. Ted provides an in-depth look at how GLIL, an in-house direct investor, brings together UK pension funds to pool resources and expertise, making large-scale infrastructure investments both feasible and effective. Ted explains why infrastructure investment is a vital asset class for pension funds and how GLIL's alignment with like-minded investors has shaped its long-term strategy and investment culture. He discusses the benefits of core UK infrastructure, including the predictability of returns, inflation linkage, and the stability offered by the UK’s legal and regulatory framework—factors that make this sector so appealing for domestic pension funds. The conversation also covers the critical role of government in creating a favourable environment for infrastructure growth, as well as the importance of strategic clarity and efficient regulatory frameworks. Ted shares his views on the Mansion House Reforms and why they matter for UK pension funds, along with the future challenges and opportunities in infrastructure investment, both in the UK and globally. For anyone interested in how infrastructure investment can drive long-term economic growth, manage risk, and support the needs of maturing pension funds, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

In this episode, we welcome Rob Heasman, the CEO of The Earls Court Development Company, who brings years of experience in large-scale urban regeneration projects. Rob, appointed as CEO in November 2020, previously worked at Lendlease, where he led the ambitious Euston Over Station Development as Managing Director, collaborating with the Department for Transport and Network Rail to shape one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. We dive into the world of real estate investment and the transformative potential of projects like the Earls Court Development. Rob shares his insights on creating a compelling value proposition for investors and the impact these projects have on local communities. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, exploring how these schemes can be designed for long-term success, the role of long-term investors, and the importance of a strategy that ensures relevance and sustainability over time. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities behind real estate development, from navigating potential risks to leveraging opportunities that contribute to community growth and economic vitality.

Welcome to Something Worthy, hosted by Gavin Winbanks. In our previous episodes, we sat down with Kerry Baldwin from IQ Capital and Tej Panesar to explore how venture capital fuels innovation in fintech and life sciences, two sectors shaping the UK economy. Today’s episode is designed to help listeners understand Something Worthy in the given terminology and theory from the latest discussions. If you missed our conversations with Kerry and Tej, it is highly recommended starting there—but feel free to dive into today’s episode as well, where we’ll be illuminating the complex yet fascinating world of venture capital. In his solo discussion, Gavin will be unpacking what venture capital really is and why it’s so crucial for startups, particularly those tackling high-risk, high-reward areas like biotech and tech. What sets venture capital apart from angel investment? Who are the key investors in VC funds, and what motivates institutions like pension funds to join in? He will touch on the unique roles of the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA) and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade in shaping and supporting this sector. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or simply curious, this episode is loaded with insights on how venture capitalists drive growth, from nurturing early-stage startups to supporting major life sciences advancements. Tune in to understand the forces behind the UK’s investment landscape, learn why pension funds and high-net-worth individuals are stepping into VC, and explore the exciting reforms that are expanding opportunities for new and seasoned investors alike.

In this episode, we are joined by Tej Panesar, an investment leader with over twenty years of experience across private markets, spanning venture capital (life sciences and technology), private equity, and real estate. Tej has held prominent roles, including Partner at Prism Ventures, Investment Director (Life Sciences) at British Patient Capital, Head of Credit and Equity Risk at UK fintech Crowdcube, and CEO of a real estate fund focused on Eastern Europe. He began his career at Citigroup and holds degrees from the London School of Economics, UCL, and Birkbeck. Tej shares his in-depth insights into the ongoing innovations within financial services, from front-end to back-end systems that keep the industry moving. He explains how the UK has maintained its position at the forefront of global fintech by fostering leadership and making strategic shifts that drive investments into high-growth companies. Additionally, Tej emphasizes the importance of building a strong ecosystem and cultivating specialized knowledge to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape. He also discusses the increasing appeal of U.S. capital markets for UK-based life sciences companies, highlighting the global connections shaping the future of finance and technology.

In the first episode of Something Worthy, host Gavin Winbanks is joined by Kerry Baldwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IQ Capital, a venture capital firm at the forefront of early-stage deep tech investing. Kerry brings over 25 years of experience in venture capital. During the episode, Kerry dives into IQ Capital's journey, from early efforts raising their first fund to its current role in backing innovative companies with defensible IP and global ambitions. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at how IQ Capital identifies promising technologies and works with visionary founders to build transformative companies that tackle some of the world's most pressing issues, including climate change and healthcare advancements. Kerry also sheds light on the investors drawn to deep tech, the complexities of navigating the investment landscape, and how to mitigate risks in this fast-evolving sector. Whether you're familiar with the UK venture capital landscape or curious about the future of technology, this episode offers invaluable insights into how deep tech is shaping society and creating opportunities for investment. Tune in to learn more.