Business Details
40 Years
experience
Investment Advisers in London
Established in 1986, Downing LLP is a distinguished investment management firm with over 35 years of expertise in delivering tailored financial solutions. Our team of seasoned professionals specialises in inheritance tax planning, fund management, and responsible investing, prioritising both profitability and environmental/social impact. As a certified B Corp, we uphold rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, operating across five European offices with a commitment to transparency and client-centric service.Our innovative products, including Business Relief-qualifying investments and diversified portfolios, are designed to provide long-term returns while addressing evolving market demands. With 2.4 billion in assets under management and a focus on sectors like renewable energy and healthcare, we combine strategic insight with ethical practices to create value for investors and communities alike.
Services
Inheritance Tax Solutions
Fund Management
Bonds Platform
Business Relief Investments
Responsible Investing
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Established over 35 years with 2.4bn assets under management
- Certified B Corp committed to social and environmental standards
- Specialise in HMRC-recognised inheritance tax relief solutions
- Offer diversified portfolios across renewable energy, healthcare and property sectors
- Combine active management with systematic strategies for predictable returns
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
What people say
Expert tax planning solutions
Ethical investment approach
Experienced management team
B Corp certification
Diversified portfolio options
Services
Inheritance Tax Solutions
Our inheritance tax solutions provide IHT relief after two years through Business Relief-qualifying investments. We offer access to unlisted and AIM-listed companies with portfolios focused on asset-backed businesses and renewable energy. Investors benefit from Wealth Guard protection covering up to 20% of initial investments, with options for regular income distributions and flexible access subject to liquidity.
Fund Management
We manage specialist funds including multi-asset strategies, UK equities and liquid alternatives. Our fund managers employ active management techniques combined with systematic strategies to deliver consistent returns. Products range from the MGTS Downing LLP Active Defined Return Assets Fund to European equity income funds, all incorporating ESG criteria into investment decisions.
Bonds Platform
Our bonds platform enables investors to lend to asset-backed businesses across diverse sectors. We focus on companies offering tangible security or predictable income streams, targeting returns of up to 7.5% annually. The platform provides direct investment opportunities while maintaining rigorous credit assessment processes to mitigate risk exposure.
Business Relief Investments
We offer a range of Business Relief-qualifying investments including estate planning services and AIM-listed portfolios. These products aim to reduce inheritance tax liability through strategic shareholding structures. Our solutions combine growth potential with tax advantages, featuring diversified exposure to SMEs across healthcare, education and infrastructure sectors.
Responsible Investing
Our responsible investment approach integrates environmental, social and governance factors across all products. From renewable energy developments to social care investments, we prioritise opportunities that deliver both financial returns and positive societal impact. This strategy is embedded in our B Corp-certified operations and active ownership practices.
People
Judith MacKenzie
Head of Downing Fund Managers
With over 20 years' experience in AIM investments, Judith leads our fund management division. She previously managed VCT portfolios at Aberdeen Asset Management and co-founded Downing LLP Fund Managers in 2010. A Chartered Fellow of the CISI, she chairs the Quoted Companies Alliance and brings deep expertise in small-cap investing.
Nick Hawthorn
Fund Manager
Nick co-manages our AIM IHT portfolios with 15 years' experience in small-cap investing. Holding an MSc in Finance, he previously worked at BP Investment Management and Aberdeen Asset Management. His expertise covers both listed and private equity investments across diverse sectors.
Tony McGing
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Tony oversees our strategic direction with 25+ years in financial services. He has led multiple investment teams and specialises in developing innovative tax-efficient products. His leadership focuses on combining commercial success with the firm's B Corp commitments.
Kostas Manolis
Head of Private Market Investments
Kostas manages private equity and infrastructure investments with a focus on healthcare and education sectors. He has structured numerous complex deals across Europe and brings operational experience from previous roles in corporate finance and private equity.
Colin Corbally
Head of Investment Strategy
Colin leads our strategic investment approach with expertise in portfolio construction and risk management. He has developed innovative investment frameworks that combine quantitative analysis with fundamental research, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
Questions
What inheritance tax solutions do you offer?
We provide Business Relief-qualifying investments that may offer IHT relief after two years, including unlisted companies and AIM-listed portfolios with options for income generation and capital growth.
How do your funds incorporate ESG factors?
Environmental, social and governance criteria are integrated into all investment processes, from initial selection through active ownership, aligning with our B Corp certification and responsible investment principles.
What liquidity options exist for investors?
Most products allow access twice monthly subject to liquidity, with some portfolios offering regular income distributions through share sales, though smaller company investments carry inherent liquidity risks.
How are investments protected?
We offer Wealth Guard protection covering up to 20% of initial investments upon death, plus optional Life Cover to mitigate tax liabilities during the initial two-year holding period.
What sectors do you focus on?
Key sectors include renewable energy, healthcare, education, residential property development and infrastructure, with particular emphasis on businesses delivering both financial returns and social/environmental benefits.
How are fees structured?
Fees vary by product but typically include initial charges (2%), annual management fees (0.5-1.5% + VAT) and service charges (1.5% + VAT), with transparent cost structures detailed in product literature.
