The first quarter has been significant for the South West region as the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund has aided several businesses in securing substantial funding.
- A digital consultancy, Changing Social Limited, secured £1.6m in equity funding to enhance its business operations globally.
- The South West Investment Fund facilitated over £5m in funding through Maven Capital Partners and FSE Group this quarter.
- Seafood restaurant group Rockfish and Kelp Industries are among other beneficiaries of this regional funding initiative.
- The fund underscores the importance of fostering innovation and economic growth across the South West.
In a remarkable stride for the South West region, the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund has reached a notable milestone, facilitating £5m in equity funding across the area. This achievement reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional businesses and fostering economic growth.
The digital consultancy, Changing Social Limited, emerged as a major beneficiary in this funding cycle, securing £1.6 million. Founded in 2018 by Steve Crompton and Georgie Kemp, the firm specializes in assisting businesses with the adoption and integration of Microsoft technologies, ranging from Microsoft 365 to advanced AI solutions. The funding is earmarked for investment in staff and development at their expanded headquarters in Bristol, as well as in other locations across the UK and overseas.
As Luke Matthews, a partner at Maven Capital Partners, articulated: “We’re delighted to invest in Changing Social, making it part of our growing portfolio in the South West. From its base in Bristol, it has a track record of working with clients across the UK and US, and is an example where an experienced, ambitious management team with a people-first ethos was a clear attraction for investment.” The investment marks an exciting phase for Changing Social as it scales operations and enhances its service delivery both domestically and internationally.
Joining in the success from the South West Investment Fund, the seafood restaurant chain Rockfish secured £1.25 million through The FSE Group. Rockfish’s expansion plan includes opening additional sites and growing its retail business, capitalizing on their strong presence across Devon and Dorset.
Similarly, Kelp Industries, based in Bristol, received £500,000 via Maven as part of a broader £4.3m funding initiative to advance its seaweed-based packaging technology. The commitment to sustainable and innovative business models in the region is palpable, underscoring a larger trend towards environmental responsibility.
Jody Tableporter, director at the British Business Bank, emphasized the broader impact of the fund: “The South West Investment Fund is designed to provide crucial funding that empowers growth in businesses across the region. The South West is home to a wealth of pioneering companies, from leaders in sustainable packaging to those pushing the boundaries of technology like Changing Social.”
The South West Investment Fund continues to be a pivotal force in advancing economic growth and innovation in the region.
