News

West Yorkshire-based Amity Brew Co is expanding into the UK trade and overseas markets with investment from Finance Yorkshire.

The company – founded in 2020 during the Covid lockdown – is opening a new production facility in Bradford to increase the supply of beers to its existing taproom in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley.

The £150,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund will support Amity Brew’s fit out of the new brewing operation at Albion Mills in Greengates.

The increase in brewing capacity will also enable the company to increase its sales elsewhere, including the supply of new markets in Europe, Asia and Scandinavia.

Amity Brew was founded by experienced beer experts Rich Degnan and Russell Clarke.

Rich said: “We are ambitious to expand our offer to customers across West Yorkshire as well as further afield. With the support of Finance Yorkshire, our new brewery operation will enable us to stay true to our vision of community, friendship and good beer while extending our reach to a much wider customer base.”

Finance Yorkshire’s investment has also enabled Amity Brew Co to strengthen its team with the appointment of Josh Waldock as sales and events manager. A well-known figure in the craft beer industry, Josh brings over a decade of experience and a passion for connecting people and building relationships.

“My journey started behind the bar where I developed a deep appreciation for the art of brewing and the stories that come with every pint,” said Josh. “Whether it’s collaborating with like-minded breweries, organising unforgettable events or exploring new ways to grow, I’m all about making meaningful connections that drive results. I’m excited to be part of Amity as we build something special in Bradford and beyond.”

Alex McWhirter, CEO of Finance Yorkshire, said: “In a short space of time, the Amity Brew team have established a solid and exciting brand which is ready to broaden its appeal to a larger home and a new and developing overseas market.

“Finance Yorkshire is looking forward to supporting Amity with investment for its new brewery and equipment which will help fulfil the team’s enthusiastic growth ambitions – particularly as a community-orientated business.”

Evolution AM Holdings, the parent company of Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion, has secured a £400,000 growth loan from British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group. 

Supporting the commercialisation of Evolution AM’s latest innovation, Medusa, the funding will drive research and development, marketing efforts, and job creation to enhance product rollout and client service, positioning the business at the forefront of the rapidly expanding 3D printing market. 

Evo 3D, which distributes and sells large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) 3D printers, alongside Rapid Fusion, an original equipment manufacturer, are strategically poised to capitalise on the growing demand for 3D printing technologies. The market, valued at approximately $20 billion in 2023, is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2032, with industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy driving growth. 

Jake Hand, Group Managing Director at Evolution AM which is based at Skypark on the edge of Exeter, said: "This South West Investment Fund loan is helping us bring Medusa to market, a product we believe will redefine standards in the 3D printing sector. Our experienced team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology, ensuring that we can be leaders in this vibrant industry and we’re delighted to work with the team at FSE as we scale for further growth." 

Rob Ward, FSE Investment Manager for the deal, commented: "We are thrilled to fund this young and dynamic business as it continues to leverage its strengths, which include a strong track-record of sales, a robust R&D pipeline, and fully owned intellectual property. The commitment to innovation and strategic approach to growth makes Evolution AM an ideal portfolio addition and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the 3D printing space." 

Since their inception in 2021 and 2023, Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion have both experienced significant growth in a competitive landscape. The parent company forecasts an impressive increase to approximately £6 million turnover in the next three years. 

The secured loan will facilitate the creation of skilled jobs within the local area, contributing positively to the economy. Evolution AM says it is committed to building sought-after solutions across a range of sectors and applications, aspiring to become the market leader in innovation and technology within the 3D printing industry. 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: 
"The South West Investment Fund is here to unlock the potential of ambitious businesses across the region, and Evolution AM is a great example of that. Their innovation in 3D printing, especially with the launch of Medusa, demonstrates the kind of cutting-edge technology being developed right here in the South West. We’re proud to support their journey as they scale, create skilled jobs, and push the boundaries of what's possible in additive manufacturing." 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. 

Following initial investment in 2022, Clothes Doctor, leader in premium eco-friendly laundry care products, has secured a £500,000 follow-on equity from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). The funding comes via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group, as part of a £1 million round that includes funding from private investors.  

The investment aims to fuel the company's global expansion and further its commitment to sustainable innovation, creating several new jobs across the business. 

Founded in 2017, Clothes Doctor has grown rapidly with its range of plastic-free, palm oil-free, and vegan-friendly laundry care products. With more than 100,000 customers and 190 high-end wholesale clients across 65 countries in five continents, the company has positioned itself as a frontrunner at the premium end of the £106 billion global clothing care market. 

With its biodegradable, Made in Britain formulations, Clothes Doctor products can be used as an alternative to expensive and time-consuming dry cleaning. The decision to use aluminium containers, which are lighter and more recyclable than plastic, further underscores their commitment to sustainable production.  

Lulu O’Connor, Clothes Doctor Founder and CEO, said: " This investment marks a pivotal moment for Clothes Doctor. With FSE's support, we're not just expanding our reach; we're redefining eco-friendly laundry care on a global scale. Our innovative products, such as our 'spritz' line and our renowned wool and cashmere detergents, are setting new standards in the industry. We're committed to continual innovation and sustainability, and this funding will propel us into new markets and opportunities." 

The latest funding follows a £500,000 CIOSIF investment from FSE in 2022, since which, Clothes Doctor has seen a 300% increase in revenue. Although CIOSIF is closed to new investees, the fund managers are able to support businesses that have previously benefited from the fund. 

Meg Salt, FSE Investment Manager, commented: " We are incredibly impressed by the strides Clothes Doctor has made and our continued investment reflects our confidence in their innovative products and strategic vision. Lulu is a collaborative, forward-thinking founder and under her leadership the company has shown remarkable growth. This is a fantastic opportunity to further support a strong management team in a highly-scalable business and we are excited to continue to work with Clothes Doctor as they expand their global footprint." 

As Clothes Doctor looks to the future, this investment will not only support its expansion into new markets but also reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable laundry care. The company remains committed to delivering premium quality, innovative products with a focus on eco-credentials and exceptional customer care. 

Funding through CIOSIF came to an end for new investees in December 2023 but wider funding is now available through the British Business Bank’s £200m South West Investment Fund providing loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m. 

CIOSIF has been supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. 

Ayrshire-based Ailsa Reliability Solutions has successfully secured a £500,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group. The funding will enable the company to expand its workforce, enhance software capabilities, and meet the growing demand for its state-of-the-art asset and plant monitoring services.

Ailsa Reliability Solutions has rapidly established itself as a multi-award-winning provider of bespoke connected solutions that enable engineers to monitor the condition of equipment and machinery, improving reliability and predictive maintenance. Operating across sectors such as oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and renewable energy, Ailsa Reliability has helped clients achieve substantial savings by reducing unplanned downtime, increasing operational efficiencies and reducing wasted energy.

With plans to create 10 high-quality new jobs and invest in software development, the funding will enable Ailsa Reliability to boost operational capacity and capitalise on increased customer interest.

Jamie Burns, Founder and Managing Director of Ailsa Reliability Solutions, said: “We are delighted to receive this investment, which will help drive the company towards our vision of becoming a globally recognised brand for helping clients save money and become more planet positive in their operations. As an early-stage business it is refreshing to find a lender that is able to focus on our significant potential for growth, helping us grow our team and continue delivering through innovation and client-centric solutions.”

Jim Pritchard, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: "Ailsa Reliability’s robust pipeline coupled with its understanding of the market and clear vision for the future, presented a compelling case for investment. We are excited to support the team’s expansion plans, which are built on solid financial forecasts and a proven track record of delivering significant savings and efficiencies to their clients.”

Since its inception in September 2020 Ailsa Reliability has consistently delivered impressive results for its blue-chip clients, including reducing reliability related failures by up to 80%, generating savings of over £20 million in plant downtime, contributing to the reduction of over 2000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and helping to generate 40GW of green energy. With a strong pipeline of business from new and repeat customers, Ailsa Reliability is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, solidifying a position as a leader in its sector.

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Investment Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “Scotland has a proud history of engineering and manufacturing, with next generation connected technology playing an important role in future proofing the sector. The Investment Fund for Scotland was established to help entrepreneurs all over Scotland access the funding they require to develop and thrive, and Ailsa Reliability Solutions is in a great position to support firms to save energy and minimise downtime.”

The purpose of the Investment fund for Scotland is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland. The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

SportsPro, an Edinburgh-based provider of pro and amateur sportswear, has secured a £750,000 growth loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group.  

The funding will enhance SportsPro's brand development, marketing efforts, and operational capacity while supporting the creation of six new roles within the company. 

SportsPro designs and manufactures sportswear, training apparel and team wear for professional sports clubs, players and athletes as well as local sports teams, junior teams and sports fans. 

The company boasts a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, including the iconic Hummel, which provides kit to a portfolio of professional sports teams for both club use and sale to fans. Its commercial partnerships include top football clubs such as Sunderland FC, Coventry City FC, Kilmarnock FC and Wycombe Wanderers FC, as well as associations with organisations in rugby, netball, and esports. 

Ian Russell, Executive Director of SportsPro, said: “This Investment Fund for Scotland loan is testament to our strong trading performance since launching just three years ago, and highlights our potential to scale operations significantly over the next twelve months. The funding enables us to expand our reach in the grassroots community sports market as well as in female sports wear, and we look forward to working with The FSE Group as we grow.” 

With a sportwear market worth £15billion and over 43,000 grassroots football clubs, the UK alone presents a significant opportunity for SportsPro to expand its reach. Whilst continuing its growth across professional teams, the company also aims to strengthen its digital sales channels and develop new sports fashion apparel ranges, including retro strips for football and rugby. 

Dave Young, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “As UK licence holder for Hummel, one of the oldest and most iconic sports brands in the world, SportsPro is well-positioned to expand its support to both professional and community sports teams across the UK in the years ahead. The funding will allow SportsPro to accelerate its growth plans, increase its operational capacity, and further develop its range of offerings across the team and individual sportswear marketplaces.” 

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations & Regions Investment Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “SportsPro has ambitious expansion plans. It is an exciting business in a sector with huge prospects, which is exactly the type of opportunity we are looking to support through the Investment Fund for Scotland. We would encourage any other businesses in Scotland looking for financial support to realise their potential to explore the range of options the fund offers and kick off their plans for growth.”  

The purpose of the Investment fund for Scotland is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland. The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.