James
Blake

I am one of the Founding Partners and a joint Managing Partner at GCP and have played a central role in the firm since its inception. I bring over twenty-eight years’ experience partnering with founders and entrepreneurs to support the growth of high-quality businesses, initially with 3i and for the past twenty-one years at GCP.

I have worked across a broad range of sectors and situations, with a particular focus on backing businesses where expertise, talent and intellectual capital drive growth. I have been privileged to work with outstanding people who have taught me a great deal along the way.

I am currently involved directly with the teams at GTS Flexibles, AMG, and Indigo where we are working closely with those companies to accelerate growth. I really enjoy working alongside teams post investment where we can collectively make a difference to the final outcome. Previous recent exits where I sat on the board include AIS, Arrow and DMW.

I have an eclectic background for private equity being a non-accountant. My previous life had an operational focus, firstly while serving in the Parachute Regiment post University and then working in industry where I grew and then sold a family run distribution firm.

In addition to my work at GCP I am actively involved in supporting Impetus, a charity focused on improving life chances of less advantaged young people through improved access to education, training and employment. I have enjoyed mentoring young people and helping to unlock opportunities for school leavers.

My family are now grown up so my passion outside work is trying to stay fit and leading the GCP extra-curricular sporting challenges.