UK Government Investments (UKGI)

UKGI recently hosted its informal alumni gathering, welcoming former colleagues from both public and private sector backgrounds for an evening of networking and reconnecting. The UKGI Alumni Network exists to help past colleagues stay connected, share insights, and continue the relationships built during their time at UKGI. Through the network, alumni have access to a range of opportunities, including: - The Alumni Spotlight Series, highlighting the varied career journeys and reflections of our alumni - Alumni events and gatherings - A regular newsletter, keeping alumni informed about UKGI’s latest developments and activities We are proud to support a growing community of former colleagues who remain engaged through shared values and ongoing collaboration. #UKGI

We’re pleased to welcome Mark Wildig as UKGI’s new Chief Financial Officer. Mark brings a strong commitment to efficiency and value—qualities central to how UKGI supports Departments and arm’s length bodies across government. As Mark puts it, “I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge from both the public and private sector, adding to UKGI’s ways of working to bring greater value to the taxpayer.” Looking ahead, Mark is keen to “gain a greater understanding of each of our divisions and services, then work with colleagues to maximise how UKGI presents to Departments that may be seeking help in meeting the government’s objectives.” We look forward to seeing the impact Mark will have at UKGI and the value he will bring to our work across government. #UKGI #Team 

UK Government Investments (UKGI) recently hosted its inaugural cross-government Shareholder Non-Executive Director (NED) Conference at RSM UK, Farringdon Street. The event brought together members of HMG’s Shareholder NED community, as well as colleagues who work closely with them, to explore the vital role Shareholder NEDs play in the governance and effective operation of ALBs. The conference centred on the theme “The Shareholder NED in government – bridging departments and boards”. Attendees heard insights on many themes including board culture, raising minority views, navigating crises, and the unique challenges and opportunities of the Shareholder NED role. The agenda featured thought-provoking discussions on these topics, with contributions from experienced sector leaders. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of engaging sessions and networking. We look forward to continuing to support the Shareholder NED community and fostering best practice across government departments. #UKGI

We are pleased to share that Sukhi Johal has recently been promoted to Director at UK Government Investments (UKGI). As she steps into this new role, Sukhi reflects on her experiences and aspirations: “I am pleased to take on the role of Director at UK Government Investments, continuing my work within the Defence Joint Unit alongside colleagues at the Ministry of Defence. Since its establishment in 2017, the UKGI Defence Joint Unit has broadened its impact - delivering corporate finance and governance advice, supporting shareholder roles in key arm’s length bodies and working closely with Strategic Partner Managers to strengthen the UK’s engagement with the defence supply chain. Looking ahead, the joint unit will continue to provide corporate finance advice on strategic transactions and interventions, enhance governance and shareholder roles across defence organisations and deepen collaboration with partners to ensure resilience within the supply chain. I look forward to drawing on my experience in leading sensitive transactions and governance roles to help shape outcomes that protect national security, deliver value for money, and support the long-term resilience of Defence - while continuing to work with exceptional colleagues across UKGI, MOD, and Whitehall.” Learn more about our senior leadership team here: https://lnkd.in/dMPyuQeu #UKGI

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Chris McEwan, Assistant Director – Special Situations Group at UKGI.   - Can you describe a typical day in your role at UKGI? “One of the best things about working in UKGI is that there is no typical day, but as a general rule I will spend the majority of my day working with a few Departmental teams that require our support where there is actual or likely financial distress in a company/sector affecting the UK Government’s policy interests.”   - What are the key responsibilities of your position? “The Special Situations team really values the different skills and perspectives we all bring in together. I use my knowledge and experience of the Civil Service, my communication skills and built networks, alongside the skills of the insolvency practitioners in the team, to help to advise on options when a company key to HMG is looking shaky. We discuss the interventions that might be taken, provide some assessment of those options against Departmental policies, and advise on what ‘normal’ looks like in an insolvency or intervention process. This often results in advice to ministers on the relative merits of a course of action, and an evolving picture that leads to a decision on restraint or intervention, after which I help the Department in question to navigate the impacts of those actions.”   - What do you enjoy most about working at UKGI? “The range of issues that you can get involved with and the scope to grow your expertise in areas that interest you have been a real advantage for me, but I think the biggest win is the people. Everyone in UKGI has a real respect for the professional expertise that you bring to the organisation, no matter your background – and they are great people to work with too.”   - What are some of the key projects or initiatives you're currently involved in? “Sadly, I’m unable to describe most of them in any detail because of commercial confidentiality – I do get a lot of friends and family asking me if I’m involved in this or that case of distress and I can never tell them!”   - What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role, and what keeps you motivated? “I always end up with the most boring (but arguably essential) outcome on any Belbin or other team role surveys – The ‘Teamworker’! I do love working in a team to solve a problem and building relationships with new stakeholders. That said, I am pretty nosey too, so I do get a minor thrill from knowing about stuff before it hits the headlines.”   - Can you share a memorable experience from your time at UKGI? “There are times when my civil service skillset really comes into its own, and in 2024 my Special Situations Director attended the Public Accounts Committee hearing on HMG’s approach to support for distressed companies. I was instrumental in developing and coaching my seniors through potential approaches with the PAC, which I found immensely rewarding.”   #UKGI

UKGI’s Financial Instruments and Transactions Advisory Group (FInTAG) plays a central role in strengthening fiscal transparency and improving the management of government’s financial assets and liabilities. In 2024/25, the team advised on £10bn of contingent liabilities across 43 proposals, drawing on a mix of specialist skills and generating estimated savings of up to £10m on advisory fees over the past three years. Additionally, the team’s inaugural report quantified £23bn of previously unquantified “off-budget” items, providing government with the information needed to develop appropriate mitigation plans and strategies. Want to find out more? Download our latest report: https://lnkd.in/dgSq8huT #UKGI #FInTAG #FiscalTransparency

Did you know that UKGI’s Government Corporate Transactions team plays a central role in managing and executing the sale and purchase of significant corporate assets for the UK Government? Our core activities include: - Supporting departments with asset sales, from market testing through to sale execution, to secure value for money for taxpayers; and - Advising on government acquisitions, drawing on commercial expertise and robust analysis to deliver outcomes in the public interest. UKGI has a well-established track record of delivering asset sales where there is no ongoing policy reason for government ownership and where value for money can be achieved. Download our latest annual report to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dgSq8huT #UKGI #CorporateTransactions

UK Government Investments (UKGI) recently hosted its annual Portfolio Board Networking Reception, bringing together Board members from across the organisations we work with. The event provided an excellent opportunity for peers to connect, share experiences, learn from each other and strengthen relationships within our network. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to an evening of insightful conversation and collaboration. We look forward to continuing to foster engagement and knowledge sharing across our portfolio. #UKGI

Welcome to the team, Andy Jinks! Andrew joins UKGI as Head of Insurance for FInTAG, bringing a wealth of experience in actuarial analysis, insurance, and investment, as well as a track record of tackling high-impact public sector projects with creativity and rigour. - What inspired you to join UKGI? “I’ve always valued the fresh perspective that comes from working with different organisations. GAD has supported the CLCC and now FInTAG for several years, and when this opportunity arose, it felt like the right moment for a new challenge. Having worked with UKGI multiple times, it was an easy decision to explore this further.” - What are you most excited about in your new role at UKGI? “The expanded remit of the FInTAG team following the Financial Transaction Control Framework brings fresh challenges. The work is high-profile and crucial, forming a key part of the government’s efforts to kickstart economic growth while ensuring responsible investment.” - What are your professional goals and how do you see UKGI helping you achieve them? “I don’t tend to set long-term goals - ‘There is no such thing as a career path. It's crazy paving and you have to lay it yourself’ has always resonated with me. What motivates me is applying creative thinking to high-impact challenges, and UKGI’s central role in developing effective solutions will provide plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful difference.” - What do you hope to contribute to the UKGI team? “I hope to bring my actuarial skills, experience leading technical teams, and my background in managing stakeholder relationships across government. I look forward to helping strengthen FInTAG’s collaborative approach to delivering effective financial solutions.” Are you ready to make a difference? Explore career opportunities at UKGI here: https://lnkd.in/dphSTWvB #UKGI #WelcomeToTheTeam

UKGI’s Corporate Finance team advises on major government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations. We provide specialist corporate finance advice and commercial negotiation support across government—whether a merger, acquisition, or corporate event is deemed of national security importance or where departments need to intervene to protect wider UK interests. Our team works closely across Whitehall, focusing on the economic and national security assessment of transactions and leveraging our expertise to support negotiations between government and transacting parties. Over the past year, UKGI has also played a key advisory role in some of the most high-profile national security transactions facing government, spanning the defence, aerospace, telecoms, and digital sectors. Download our latest report to find out more about what we do: https://lnkd.in/dgSq8huT #UKGI #CorporateFinance