BGF continues South West expansion with record year of investing

BGF, the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses, is continuing its expansion in the region having experienced a record year of investing into companies headquartered in the South West and South Wales.

The Bristol team, who earlier this year moved into new premises at 10 Queen Square in central Bristol, has invested over £50m during the past 12 months across seven new businesses and two existing portfolio companies. The most recent investments include Cornwall-based Seasalt, Devon-based Lightfoot and Bristol-based Molson.

BGF’s Ned Dorbin said: “2018 has been an incredibly active year with our team transacting a record number of deals, bringing the total local investment to £150m. The investments we have made demonstrate the full breadth of our capability, working with small and large companies and a variety of different growth strategies.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the management teams and non-executives we work with, as well as our wider network, to our new offices. We encourage them to use the space as a modern and convenient location to conduct their own meetings and events.

“BGF has firmly established its presence in Bristol, and our network continues to grow in the South West. The new office and the continued growth of our portfolio reflects our commitment to the region, and the strength of opportunity here.”

BGF was established in 2011 to provide investment into growing small and mid-sized businesses and has become an active part of the region’s business community.

Situated in a Grade II listed Georgian building, BGF’s new Bristol office space has been transformed to create a working hub for the business and its portfolio companies.

BGF backs established private companies as well as earlier-stage and listed businesses. It provides long-term capital for a minority, non-controlling stake in the companies it backs.

Across the UK, BGF has backed more than 250 businesses that are pursing growth strategies across a range of sectors including technology, food and drink, health, consumer goods, manufacturing and more.