BGF (Business Growth Fund) has appointed Will Copeland to the investment team in the Midlands. Copeland joins BGF from PwC where he worked as a manager in the transaction services team, providing due diligence to a variety of buyers, sellers and refinancers.
Based in BGF’s Birmingham office, Copeland joins a team of 10 investors covering the Midlands who, in addition to identifying investment opportunities, provide support to the companies they back.
So far this year, the team has made investments in Sertec Group, a manufacturer of stampings and welded assemblies; Paintbox Group, an automotive finishings supplier; Solid Solutions, the UK’s largest reseller of SolidWorks 3D design software and MPK Garages, the UK’s leading independent operator of fuel forecourts.
Set up in May 2011 to fill a funding gap for Britain’s growing smaller and medium-sized businesses, BGF has since invested over GBP166 million in 25 of the Midlands’ fastest growing companies. In total, the 25 businesses employ more than 7,200 people and generate revenue of more than GBP838 million.
Gavin Petken, Regional Director at BGF, says: “This year, BGF celebrates its fifth birthday with more than GBP850m invested nationally, across 126 companies. Momentum continues to build and we have had a strong start to 2016 with four new companies backed in the Midlands alone. We are delighted to have appointed Will to the team as we continue to grow our presence in the region.”
Copeland says: “BGF offers a flexible business funding and a supportive partnership. Its long-term, minority approach is resonating with a growing number of small and mid-sized businesses, and I’m delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time.”
