Oasis in the private equity desert

One Edinburgh-based asset management house is looking to hire a private equity analyst. Don't count on others doing the same.

Recruiters say the opportunity - advertised by Standard Life Investments - is unusual in Scotland's financial services market, and should be relished as something of a rarity.

Richard Fletcher, managing director of Fletcher Jones Executive Search and Selection, says there are very few private equity houses active in Scotland. "The ones that are here tend to make most of their investments down south," he tells us.

"A number of people have left this space in Scotland and it's difficult to get individuals to move around. Those who do tend to be more senior executives."

Scotland does appear to be working on improving its private equity profile, however. A half day venture capital and private equity conference is taking place in Glasgow tomorrow (November 16th), organised by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Event organizer, Fiona Mackay, director of CA business courses for ICAS, says interest in the private equity market is increasing in Scotland.

"The public in general has become more aware of different ways of investing, coupled with an increasing awareness of entrepreneurial activity," she claims.

Perhaps there may be more jobs in the offing as a result?