The Novi Team
The Novi team was formed by friends who met during their Executive MBA, united by a shared passion for UK lower mid-market businesses. Countless late-night discussions about the thousands of companies driving the UK economy inspired Josh and Ben to join forces with a clear mission: to make a meaningful impact in this space. Leveraging their distinctive operational expertise, the team is committed to identifying top UK SMEs and creating value through a collaborative approach and strategic excellence.
Josh is a senior finance and strategy executive with over 10 years of experience in private equity, leveraged finance, and management consultancy. Having worked on transactions exceeding £100 million in the Lower-Mid-Market and raised over £350 million in funding for UK SMEs, he leverages his extensive network to support the growth of the companies he works with. Josh's strategic expertise has enabled businesses to accelerate their growth by launching new products, expanding into European and Australian markets, and investing in their people and systems.
Originally from Gloucestershire, Josh enjoys a round of golf, though his success on the course is something of a mixed bag. During his university years, he earned a 'Blue' and represented the Cambridge 2nd team. A passionate Arsenal fan (yes, someone has to be), Josh now lives with his wife in the iconic surroundings of the converted Highbury Stadium.
Experience: Investor & Strategy Consultant
Qualifications: MBA (University of Cambridge), BSc Hons
Josh Neely
Ben Saward
Ben is a senior operations leader with a decade of experience delivering transformational global programmes across a range of sectors. Equally comfortable in the office or on the factory floor, he excels at translating strategic visions into actionable operational improvements. With experience spanning the UK, Europe, the USA, and China, Ben thrives on leading ambitious projects and teams into new markets. He has also played a key role in securing significant fundraises for UK SMEs, enabling rapid growth and expansion into new geographies. In addition, Ben has worked as a consultant to a variety of UK businesses, partnering with founders to uncover hidden value and implement scalable processes.
Outside of work, Ben is a passionate rugby fan who played to a respectable level until injury intervened. With a proud Welsh father, he has enjoyed many memorable Six Nations campaigns—though the recent years have been a bit less kind! Ben lives in London with his wife and their dog, Burfee. As Malbec enthusiasts, they have plans to tour Argentina sampling the wine as they go.
Experience: COO, CSCO & VP
Qualifications: MBA (University of Cambridge), BSc Hons, MCIPS