The key to these funds is the matrix which is the propriety stock selection process they have developed.
In this review we look at two funds managed by Standard Life Investments (SLI). We have placed them together because the process behind the funds is the same as is the team. There is therefore some crossover with holdings.
The head of the team is Harry Nimmo who joined Standard Life over 30 years ago. He manages the UK Smaller Companies Fund which was launched in 1997, and took over the management of the UK Investment Trust in 2003. The team launched a European Smaller Companies Fund in 2007 and in 2012 a Global Fund was launched.
Although Harry is head of the team, the process in place means that the success or failure of the fund is not dependent on him. Alan Rowsell is the lead manager on the Global Fund and Andrew Paisley on the European Fund. This is as much about the team as it is any individual person.
In this update with Harry and Alan we touched on the process, performance and individual highlights within the funds.