Investor FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Westbrooke Associates and Alternative Investments
Westbrooke Associates acts as the appointed agent for a select portfolio of exclusive investment opportunities across areas including EIS- and SEIS-qualifying companies, property-related investments and bonds.
We connect investors with carefully selected opportunities across alternative and high-growth sectors, with a particular focus on social value, sustainability and long-term growth.
This page answers some of the most common questions about Westbrooke Associates, the opportunities we represent and how our investment process works.
If you have a question that is not covered below, our team will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Westbrooke Associates do?
Westbrooke Associates acts as the appointed agent for a select portfolio of exclusive investment opportunities. We provide prospective investors with clear information about the companies, projects and opportunities we represent and help facilitate access to relevant investment documentation, supporting information and management teams. Our focus includes accessible, impact-driven corporate equity ventures, with particular emphasis on social value, sustainability and long-term growth.
Where is Westbrooke Associates based?
Westbrooke Associates Limited is incorporated in Gibraltar and has its head office at the World Trade Center in Gibraltar. We also have a UK office in Crawley, West Sussex.
What is the history of Westbrooke Associates?
Westbrooke Associates was founded by independent, experienced agents and compliance executives with backgrounds in the financial districts of London and Gibraltar. Collectively, the team represents more than 200 years of industry experience. Since its incorporation, Westbrooke Associates has continued to expand its portfolio of investment opportunities, investor resources and market commentary.
Is Westbrooke Associates award-winning?
Yes. Westbrooke Associates has received industry awards and certifications recognising different areas of its operations, including client service, investment positioning and operational sustainability.
Does Westbrooke Associates provide financial advice or wealth management services?
No. Westbrooke Associates does not provide financial advice, wealth management services or personal investment recommendations. We act as the appointed agent for the opportunities we represent and provide information to help prospective investors understand each opportunity.
Does Westbrooke Associates hold investor funds?
No. Westbrooke Associates does not hold or manage investor funds. Where an investor chooses to proceed with an opportunity, funds are transferred in accordance with the investment documentation provided for that particular opportunity.
What types of investment opportunities does Westbrooke Associates represent?
Westbrooke Associates represents a select portfolio of alternative investment opportunities across areas including:
- EIS-qualifying companies
- SEIS-qualifying companies
- Corporate equity opportunities
- Property-related investments
- Bonds and other structured investment opportunities
Our portfolio continually evolves as new opportunities are introduced.
How does Westbrooke Associates select the opportunities it represents?
Westbrooke Associates considers a range of factors before agreeing to represent an opportunity. These include the company or project, management team, business model, financial structure, market opportunity, supporting information, scalability, resilience and the overall investment proposition. We specifically seek opportunities with strategic financial models and strong management teams, including businesses that may qualify for EIS or SEIS tax relief. Our approach includes thorough due diligence, with supporting information made available to eligible investors as part of the investment process.
What are alternative investments?
Alternative investments are investments that sit outside more traditional asset classes such as publicly traded shares, cash and conventional investment funds. They can include private companies, property-related investments, bonds and tax-efficient opportunities such as EIS- and SEIS-qualifying businesses.
What is EIS?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is a UK government scheme designed to encourage investment into qualifying smaller and growing businesses. Eligible investors can claim Income Tax relief of up to 30% on qualifying investments, subject to the relevant conditions and individual circumstances. EIS can also provide further tax benefits, including Capital Gains Tax deferral and, where qualifying conditions are met, exemption from Capital Gains Tax on gains arising from EIS shares.
What is SEIS?
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) is designed to encourage investment into qualifying early-stage UK businesses. Eligible investors can claim Income Tax relief of up to 50% on qualifying investments, subject to the relevant conditions. SEIS can also provide Capital Gains Tax benefits, including reinvestment relief on qualifying gains. HMRC currently allows up to 50% of a qualifying gain to be exempt where the relevant conditions are met.
What is the difference between EIS and SEIS?
Both EIS and SEIS are designed to encourage private investment into qualifying UK businesses, but they apply to companies at different stages of development. SEIS is generally aimed at younger, earlier-stage businesses, while EIS can apply to companies that are further along in their growth journey. The available tax reliefs, investment limits and company eligibility requirements also differ between the two schemes.
What are investment bonds?
Investment bonds are debt-based investments through which an investor lends money to an issuing company or organisation for an agreed period. In return, the bond may offer a fixed rate of interest and repayment of capital at the end of the term, depending on the structure and terms of the particular bond.
How can I access investment opportunities through Westbrooke Associates?
Qualifying investors can register with Westbrooke Associates free of charge to access detailed information about the investment opportunities we represent. Once registered and logged in, eligible investors can view the relevant investor materials for each opportunity, including company and project information, investment documentation, financial information, supporting due diligence and other available materials.
What information is available before I invest?
The information available includes:
- Company and project information
- Investment documentation
- Financial information
- Investment structure
- Exit strategy
- Expected investment term
- Information about the management team
- Supporting due diligence
- Details of any relevant tax-efficient investment scheme
Can I speak to someone before investing?
Yes, absolutely. The Westbrooke Associates Investment Relations team can provide further information about the opportunities we represent and explain the investment process.
Who can invest through Westbrooke Associates?
The investment opportunities presented through the Westbrooke Associates website are intended for certain qualifying classes of investors.
These currently include:
- Self-Certified Sophisticated Investors
- Restricted Investors
- High Net Worth Individuals
Investors are required to register and confirm their relevant investor category before accessing detailed investment information.
Does Westbrooke Associates provide investor resources?
Yes. Westbrooke Associates provides a range of free investor resources designed to help people better understand areas such as EIS, SEIS, alternative investments and the wider investment landscape. These resources include educational guides, articles, newsletters and market commentary.
Can I access Westbrooke Associates news, analysis and market insight?
Yes. Westbrooke Associates publishes regular news, commentary and investor-focused content through our dedicated news website, designed to help investors stay informed about developments across the wider investment landscape. Our coverage includes company news, market developments, economic and political updates, investment trends and educational content across areas relevant to the opportunities we represent. We also publish the Westbrooke Associates Perspective, our editorial series offering analysis and commentary on topical issues affecting investment. Together, these resources are intended to provide a credible and informed source of news, insight and investment-related information.
Can I follow Westbrooke Associates on social media?
Yes. You can follow Westbrooke Associates on social media for company updates, new investment opportunities, market commentary, news and investor resources. Following our social channels is another way to stay informed between newsletter updates and website visits. Stay connected:
Follow us on Facebook
How can I receive Westbrooke Associates updates?
You can subscribe through the Westbrooke Associates website to receive updates about:
- New investment opportunities
- Company developments
- Investor resources
- Market commentary
- Newsletters
- Relevant investment news
Where can I learn more about investing with Westbrooke Associates?
You can visit our How Investing With Us Works page for a step-by-step overview of the process. You can also explore our dedicated Investor Resources covering EIS, SEIS and other areas of alternative investment.
