09 Aug 2017

BVCA announces North West Management Team Awards shortlist

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Leading companies in the North West have been shortlisted in the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Management Team Awards 2017.

Produced in association with Grant Thornton UK LLP, the awards recognise and reward brilliant businesses up and down the country that have been backed by private equity and venture capital investors, as part of our annual celebration of UK companies.

The regional awards will be announced at the North West dinner in Manchester on 14 September, as part of the BVCA National Dinner Series. They will then go forward into the national final to compete against our other regions, before the winners are announced at the BVCA Gala Dinner on 30 November in London.

The shortlist for the North West Management Team Awards 2017:

The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant
Backed by: Palatine


Cocktail specialist bar and restaurant chain

The judges applauded Simon Potts and his young team for creating a new and profitable concept, based around a theatrical cocktail experience. Since opening their first site in December 2010, they have built a strong, creative employee culture, evidenced by being listed in the Sunday Times 100 best companies to work for. Ambitious plans to grow from nine to 19 sites over the next two years look achievable.


ATG Access
Backed by: LDC


High security barrier systems maker

The judges were impressed with this focussed, engineering business, its deep expertise and continuing innovation in its chosen specialist niche in the security sector and its global distribution network. The team have ambitious plans for further investment in product and expansion by acquisition.


Bright Blue Foods
Backed by: Endless


Manufacturers of ambient cakes and bakery products

Jonathan Lill was brought in as CEO by Endless in March 2016 and has led the transformation of this business, bringing in key senior hires, restoring customer service levels and making key investments. In a very competitive industry for retailer own-brand manufacture, current year profit performance is impressive.


Brookson
Backed by: Riverside


Provides financial back office services for self-employed contractors and micro businesses

Martin Hesketh and his team have broadened this provider of technology-enabled financial services from its base in contractors and SMEs, adding an NHS division and with plans to add other verticals to its scalable platform. Smooth implementation of new products is evidenced by good growth in revenue and profits, with significant further potential.


ChargePoint Technology
Backed by: EV Group and LDC


Manufacturer of specialist high containment and sterile transfer valves

ChargePoint manufactures transfer valves, becoming preferred supplier to major pharmaceutical companies based on the quality of its products and reliable customer service. It has built a business exporting across the world and is growing rapidly. Chris Eccles and his team have created an innovative culture, investing in product enhancements and in capex.


Elucigene Diagnostics
Backed by: Percipient Capital


Genetics testing kit maker

The judges were impressed with the way this team had combined investment in innovative diagnostic solutions for infertility, cystic fibrosis and other diseases whilst still maintaining strong, profitable growth. Elucigene has also built a wide international presence for a relatively small company in its sector.


Excelsior Technologies
Backed by: Enact (Managed by Endless)


Manufacturer of flexible packaging for the food and confectionery sector

Enact acquired this flexible packaging business when it was in difficulties in December 2014 and, working with Keith Chapman, delivered an impressive turnaround. Keith and his team have rapidly improved margins, invested in R&D and design, restored profitability whilst also growing headcount. Their efforts were recognised in the £33m exit to Mondi Group in February.


Gusto Restaurant & Bar
Backed by: Palatine


Italian-style restaurants

Sue Crime and her team have doubled the size of this restaurant chain since the Palatine investment in 2014. Alongside strong, profitable growth and fostering an individual culture and loyal workforce in each site, they have invested heavily in central management and systems. This is a very well-run business positioned for further growth.


Kids Planet
Backed by: Business Growth Fund


Nursery school operator

Clare Roberts has built a profitable, premium chain of child nurseries, rated number one in the UK by Ofsted and with an enthusiastic and committed workforce. This passion for quality across the business, combined with a funding partnership with Business Growth Fund, will support her plans to roll out to 40 sites.


Kindertons
Backed by: Sovereign Capital


Specialist provider of outsourced accident management services

The company has used the investment from Sovereign Capital in 2013 to support two value enhancing acquisitions, driving growth in revenues, job creation and EBITDA. A strong focus on customer service has also supported organic growth and in May featured in the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report.


The Light Cinemas
Backed by: Connection Capital


Independent cinema chain

Keith Pullinger and John Sullivan have created a distinctive new customer experience in the otherwise consolidated UK cinema market, showing strong growth as they roll out new locations. They work closely with local developers and councils and have ambitious plans to go from seven to 35 sites in the next five years.


M24Seven (formerly known as Metronet)
Backed by: Livingbridge


Internet infrastructure provider

This business had an active 2016, integrating two significant acquisitions as well as bringing in Lee Perkins as CEO alongside several other senior hires, rebranding to M24Seven, and supported by a new, strategic investment from Livingbridge which has backed the business since 2014. The business is showing strong organic growth and now has an opportunity to build a market-leading position.


Sambro International
Backed by: Elysian Capital


Maker of licensed toys and accessories

Tom Duffy has been with this business since it started, including leading the MBO in February 2016 with backing from Elysian. He and his team are driving a new phase of growth, notably in overseas markets. The judges were impressed with the growth they are achieving in revenue and earnings in a competitive industry.


Travel Counsellors
Backed by: Equistone


Bespoke travel and holiday provider

The company has a distinctive business model, providing bespoke travel and holiday packages through its expert travel professionals. The judges were impressed with the strong growth since the Equistone investment in 2014. This is underpinned by a strong focus on recruiting the best talent, combined with investment in supporting IT and booking systems. International growth is also increasing.


Utiligroup
Backed by: NorthEdge


Software provider to the UK energy market

Matthew Hirst and his team saw an opportunity to provide software and information in the changing energy market, partnering with NorthEdge in their 2014 MBO. The judges were impressed with the pace at which they have built this business and the strong value creation for shareholders, culminating in the exit for £100m to Energy Services Group in April this year.



Notes to editor
  1. The BVCA Management Team Awards, produced in association with Grant Thornton UK LLP, are the only awards to celebrate the achievements of private equity and venture capital-backed management teams. There are eight regions in total, each with their own judging panel, and all winners are automatically forwarded to the national final, the results of which will be presented at the BVCA Annual Gala Dinner on 30 November in London. Please click here for more information.

  2. The North West judging panel consists of: Jonathan Bell, LDC; Ryan Bevington, Maven Capital Partners; Mathew Bryden-Smith, Grant Thornton; Pete Clarke, Livingbridge; Andy Gregory, Business Growth Fund; Ian Kelly, Matrix, Utiligroup; Kieran Lawton, Palatine Private Equity; Chris Morris, Citation; Steve O’Hare, Equistone Partners..

  3. The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body for the UK private equity and venture capital industry. The BVCA has over 650 member firms, representing the vast majority of UK-based private equity and venture capital firms and their advisers.

  4. Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. These firms help dynamic organisations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, forward-thinking advice. Proactive teams, led by approachable partners in these firms, use insights, experience and instinct to understand complex issues for privately owned, publicly listed and public sector clients and help them to find solutions. More than 35,000 Grant Thornton people, across over 100 countries, are focused on making a difference to clients, colleagues and the communities in which we live and work. The UK Grant Thornton member firm provides services to over 40,000 privately held businesses, public interest entities and individuals. It is led by more than 185 partners and employs more than 4,200 of the profession's brightest minds. Find out more at www.grantthornton.co.uk.




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