Course overview
Business Writing Skills for Investment Professionals is a one-day, practical programme designed to help participants write clear, structured and decision-focused documents in a private capital context. Developed for those who write board papers, investment and credit committee submissions and performance narratives, the course focuses on writing as a thinking discipline, enabling confident decisions rather than simply reporting information.
Using practical frameworks such as the QFOR-A model and the Pyramid Principle, participants learn how to structure arguments, communicate judgement alongside data and reduce cognitive load for senior decision-makers. The course includes hands on exercises using realistic investment materials and explores how AI can be used as a writing partner while retaining human accountability and insight.
Audience
GP Firms: This course is designed for firms focused on venture capital, mid-market, growth equity, and large buyout investments.
Individuals: The course is aimed at investment professionals who write for boards, investment or credit committees and internal stakeholders, and who want to strengthen the clarity and impact of their written communication. It is relevant both for those early in their careers building core skills and for more experienced professionals looking to sharpen their judgement and narrative.
Key topics include
- Frustrations and examples
- Introducing the five statement types and applying the framework – Questions, Facts, Opinions, Recommendations and Actions
- The difference between fact and opinion
- Building narrative and key messages
- The common cause of vague business writing
- Reviewing examples
- Writing for difference situations: Committees, Boards etc
- Where AI adds value
What will delegates take away?
- Write with clarity and purpose: Structure documents so that conclusions, recommendations and required actions are immediately clear to boards and committees.
- Distinguish fact, opinion and judgement: Apply the QFOR A framework to separate evidence from interpretation, improving credibility and decision quality.
- Use AI effectively and responsibly: Leverage AI as a writing partner to improve structure and clarity, while retaining professional judgement, accountability and voice.
- Build coherent, persuasive narratives: Use the Pyramid Principle to create logical, top down arguments that guide senior readers through complex information.
- Adapt writing to different investment contexts: Write appropriately for emails, board papers, investment and credit committee submissions, minutes and performance narratives.
- Apply learning immediately: Leave with practical tools and techniques that can be used straight away in day to day investment communications.
Benefits to employers
- Higher quality board and committee materials: Clearer, more structured papers that support effective discussion and confident decision making.
- Improved decision efficiency: Reduced time spent clarifying or reworking documents, enabling boards and committees to focus on substance rather than interpretation.
- Greater consistency across documents: A shared writing framework across teams, improving the standard and coherence of internal and external communications.
- More effective use of AI: Teams that understand where AI adds value and where human oversight is essential, reducing risk while improving productivity.
FAQs about this course
What should I expect on the day?
Please arrive with plenty of time to register. Breakfast will be provided along with lunch and refreshments, with a drinks reception at the end of day 1. The course will kick-off with introductions followed by content from multiple speakers as per the agenda.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual.
What should I bring with me?
You may wish to bring something to work on/ to take notes such as a laptop or iPad (we will provide note pads and pens).
Will materials be shared with delegates?
Yes, all materials, including slides and case studies, will be shared with delegates.
Format
In-person, London
Course Director
The course is led by Jon Andrew. Learn more about him below.
Jon Andrew
Jon works alongside investment teams to support operational value creation within investee companies. He shares best practice across the portfolio supporting management teams as they develop growth strategies and helps them monitor performance.
After gaining a degree in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry at Durham University, Jon qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and held roles within the Training, Transaction Services and Consulting teams. During this time, Jon designed and rolled out PwC’s inaugural Due Diligence Training Programme across Europe in 1997.
In 2005, Jon joined LDC to focus on performance improvement in its portfolio companies. Over his 15-year private equity career Jon has gained significant experience in a wide range of value creating activities and has particular expertise in driving change through complex integrations, IT implementation programmes, as well as 100-day planning initiatives.
Jon was born in Middlesbrough and because he believes the team chooses you, is a long-suffering Boro fan. He is also an ardent Yorkshire Cricket Club follower and enjoys running and tennis. When not trying to keep in shape, Jon likes to spend time with his three daughters.
CPD accreditation
This course is CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service for 6 hours. By attending this course, you will receive a digital certificate from Diplomasafe. This certificate allows you to share and save your new CPD accredited qualification on LinkedIn, adding instantly verifiable credentials and strengthening your professional profile.
