What people say about us
At RJD we believe our approach at all stages of the investment process is a key differentiator. However, don't just take our word for it. Here's how some of the management teams, vendors and intermediaries with whom we work summed us up:
Management teams Beyond the deal we were lucky to have a PE house like RJD, they’re there for the long haul – not knee jerk, they stay to plan, and they have been a big support to the business. It comes down to personality and openness; they’re very straightforward and to the point. All the way through the process they were sensible and pragmatic – they understood our business. James Bird Stone Group RJD quickly showed enthusiasm for a deal, showed commitment for a deal, they had an attitude that wanted to do a deal, to drive forwards. The deal was the deal, there was never any attempt to do something underhand, they were always open and honest, and there was never any chipping. They have a quiet tenacity. Graham Hodgson Verdant Leisure You work with the people that make the big decisions directly. They're open, honest and supportive – they are a good crowd of people. Rapid decision making is helpful too. Mike Morrison ISG Technology
Realised investments/exits First impressions: not hierarchical and institutional, professional but relaxed. Personable, straight, professional, intellectual, and capable without the volume turned up too loud. The greatest thing is the honesty – they do exactly what they say they will. John Bowman Teaching Personnel RJD respected our position as managers of our enterprise. They took time to understand how we were dealing with challenges and opportunities, and supported us solidly. Mark Weavis Teaching Personnel RJD put together an imaginative deal structure that addressed the needs of all parties. They were supportive and constructive, but not interfering, throughout the investment period and right up to exit, and that really added value, enabling us to grow the business successfully. Stephen Barrett Emprise
Non-executives RJD make the promises they feel that they can deliver. You don't find that the guys turn up to meetings having looked at the pack on the train and they've got just one question and barely contribute, they've gone through the issues and already asked themselves the questions. They bring debate to the boardroom. It's about integrity, and they tell it how it isPaul Woodley Chairman, ISG Technology and Comtec They do what they say they’ll do. They actually deliver. They aren’t trying to be across the whole spectrum – they have sectors that they focus on, they stick to what they’re good at. There’s no undermining or back-door chat – everything is open, and there’s a lot of trust at RJD. Richard Grainger Chairman, Ipes RJD demonstrated a strong understanding of our business and the human angle – critical in a people business RJD are responsive and accessible and I always have access to the decision makers. Mark Weavis Chairman, Stone Group and Chemigraphic
Intermediaries It’s a small team, they don’t hide behind internal committees. They’re straight – they deliver on what they said they’d deliver on, and they’ll support you in terms of your business. The people are the big differentiator, and that’s the reason I like to work with them. They have a nice bedside manner that entrepreneurs like a lot, and they come across as senior people. Entrepreneurs like that. They deliver, which we’ve seen, so we trust them. That’s a powerful place to be. RJD are fair, but robust. They are all grounded too – no knee jerk reactions and no arrogance.
Vendors RJD shook hands on a deal then delivered as agreed – there wasn't any chipping or last minute surprises. The RJD team are very approachable and people orientated – the human angle is always important to them. I can honestly say that my experience with RJD has been a thoroughly positive one, motivating, interesting and invigorating in equal measure. Bob Scott Vendor and former CEO of Equidebt RJD was flexible in structuring a deal that could accommodate the needs of all parties – as a vendor that was important to me. Paul Bentham Vendor of Cardsave