Christopher Ward shows precision watch manufacturing to MP

The UK’s leading mechanical watchmaker, Christopher Ward, showcased its precision manufacturing to Joshua Reynolds MP, when he visited the company’s headquarters on 7 May.

Christopher Ward demonstrated how support from BGF has accelerated its growth journey. BGF invested £6.25 million in Christopher Ward in July 2019, taking a minority stake in the Maidenhead-headquartered premium watchmaker. The investment was explicitly designed as a long-term partnership, aligning with the founders’ ambition to build a globally recognised British luxury brand.

Mike France, CEO and Co-Founder of Christopher Ward, said: “Christopher Ward was founded on the belief that a British watch brand could compete on a global stage through great design, technical innovation, fair pricing and a direct relationship with the customer. Support from BGF has played a significant role in helping us realise that ambition, investing in our people, our infrastructure and our product development capabilities, as demand for the brand has grown internationally.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Joshua Reynolds MP to our headquarters, and we are proud to be part of a growing British sector, with strong roots in Maidenhead and an increasingly global reach.”

Since BGF’s investment, Christopher Ward has accelerated its growth trajectory, using the capital to strengthen marketing in the UK and US, invest in digital and operational systems, expand international reach, and build manufacturing and product development capability. BGF’s support has helped to drive rapid revenue growth, facilitate entry into new international markets — particularly North America — and create increased investment in production and brand infrastructure.

The MP visit, organised by UK Private Capital, highlighted Christopher Ward’s innovative direct-to-consumer model for luxury watchmaking, becoming the world’s first online-only, premium watch brand. It operates at the premium end of the market while remaining price-competitive, and has won multiple industry awards, including British Watch Brand of the Year (for the third consecutive year) in 2025.

Commenting on his visit, Joshua Reynolds, MP for Maidenhead, said: “Christopher Ward is a brilliant example of the kind of ambitious, world-class business that calls Maidenhead home, and it was a real privilege to spend time with Mike and his team.

“From a converted chicken shed in Cookham to winning at the Oscars of watchmaking in Geneva, their story is genuinely inspiring. What struck me most was the craftsmanship on display, the pride the team take in what they do, and the fact that all of it is happening right here on our high street. Maidenhead is incredibly fortunate to have a company of this calibre choosing to base itself in our town.”

Alistair Brew, Regional Partner at BGF, said: “Christopher Ward is a great example of a business building an internationally recognised brand from a UK base, and demonstrates the strength of high-growth companies across the South East. Mike and the team have combined exceptional product quality with a clear long-term vision and, since our investment in 2019, have continued to scale the company’s global reach. I’m delighted Joshua Reynolds MP was able to see first-hand the craftsmanship and talent behind their success.”

Research from UK Private Capital shows that, in 2025, private equity and venture capital-backed businesses headquartered in the South East of England supported 342,000 jobs and contributed £27bn of GDP. In that year alone, private capital invested £1.2bn into the region.