Jim McMahon

Jim McMahon

"Founding partner, with Sir Tom Hunter, in West Coast Capital (West Coast), Jim has aided in the conclusion of in excess of £ 4 billion of West Coast led deals since the private equity partnership was formed in March 2001.

"Principally investing in retail, property and brands the private equity firm takes a proactive role in the identification, investment and management of its target deals. Jim has played a key role in targeting businesses with strong management teams capable of major and sustainable growth.

"Within the West Coast investment portfolio, Jim sits on a number of retail and property boards providing strategic and financial direction to the management teams, often advising on leveraging the balance sheet to fund further expansion.

"Prior to joining forces with Tom, Jim was recognised as one of the UKs leading advisors to entrepreneurs.

"He spent sixteen years with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he was Tax Partner, a member of the PwC Supervisory Board and, prior to joining West Coast, for five years headed a dedicated Team advising some of the UKs leading entrepreneurs and their businesses. Jim has been involved in some of the largest and most innovative corporate deals including some of the largest public to private transactions.

"Jim has spent considerable time lobbying Government for greater emphasis to be paid in helping and supporting entrepreneurs because of the beneficial effect they have on the economy. He also dedicates considerable time in supporting fellow entrepreneurs through organisations such as the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

"A graduate in mathematics and computing from Glasgow University, Jim has spent a great deal of time encouraging the next generation of successful entrepreneurs through mentoring and support.

"He is also an ardent supporter of the Hansel Foundation where he has assisted them by establishing the West Coast Capital Invitational golf tournament that, in its three years of existence, raised over £400 000 towards the Fairway Project in support of disenfranchised children."

• Trustee, Hunter Foundation