Blog – Norte Partners

How we think

Our thoughts and general ideas about everything related to family business – from industries and investments to management and operations.

What it’s really like to buy and run a family business

What happens when a family business gets sold to a new owner? How do they go about protecting the company’s roots, while shaping new directions to ensure its ability to thrive for the future? Natalia Jimenez, Associate at Norte Partners, sat down with a CEO who took on exactly this challenge – with wise learnings on how to preserve a business legacy through grit, customer excellence, and deep community relationships.

Why I still hand-write letters in the age of AI-generated content

Ever received an impersonal, AI-generated mass email that totally misunderstood who you are or what you do? Carlos Arrebola, Managing Partner at Norte Partners, explains why meaningful human connection matters to us – and why he still hand-writes letters in this modern age!

Investing in Legacy: the Value Behind Family-Owned Businesses

Family businesses offer unique strategic advantages – from building strong ties with employees and local community, to investing with a longer term mindset. Norte Partners Associate Oliver Ku reflects on the opportunities and challenges that come from family businesses, drawing on learnings from his own family’s packaging business.

The State of Small Businesses in the UK in 2025

Small businesses power the UK economy, but in 2025 they’re navigating tough challenges like rising costs, late payments, and economic uncertainty. Yet, their greatest strength is agility—quickly adapting to change and seizing new opportunities. The green economy and smart technology are opening doors like never before, leveling the playing field. Despite the headwinds, small firms are proving they can thrive with the right tools and mindset. At Norte Partners, we’re dedicated to helping these businesses preserve their legacy and grow stronger for the future.

Why We Founded Norte Partners: A Family Investing in Legacies

This first post shares the story of how our family decided to start working together and why that led us to found Norte Partners. Drawing on our own family business backgrounds, we saw a growing need for thoughtful succession solutions that protect the legacy of small, family-run UK companies. In this piece, we reflect on the values that guide us and the mission behind everything we do.