In 2019, we completed a multi-million-pound investment into Northern Irish manufacturing business Uform. Alongside our investment, we introduced Uform to its non-executive chair, Jim Meredith. As the former CEO of Waste Recycling Group and non-executive chair for Augean, Jim was well placed to guide the business through the next phase of its growth.
BGF funding enabled Uform to open two new production facilities, invest in recruitment and training, and expand its product range. We supported Uform’s continued expansion in the UK and Irish markets. Uform was able to double the size of its operation as a result, delivering more than 1,500 kitchens each week to a growing customer base, which led to an impressive growth of 40% year-on-year.
In 2022, Irish private equity firm Cardinal Ireland Partners acquired a share of Uform. This saw us exit our original investment, generating strong returns. Following the deal, we reinvested in Uform and are continuing to support the business.