News

Revolution-ZERO has secured £1 million equity from the South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group. The initial £1.6 million round, which includes funding from private angels, will help create 20 new jobs while supporting the overall growth of the business, which is based in Truro in Cornwall.

Founded in 2020, Revolution-ZERO is a medical textile solutions provider, with a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Initially focused on reusable masks, the company has since expanded to include surgical textile solutions and decontamination/sterilisation units equipped with an RFID tracking system.

Operating as a circular economy system, Revolution-ZERO significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with single-use medical textiles, including emissions, waste, water, and toxicity, while also lowering costs for healthcare providers.

Founder and CEO, Tom Dawson, said: "We are thrilled to receive this South West Investment Fund investment via FSE, which will not only accelerate our growth but also further our mission to provide sustainable and effective medical textile solutions. Our end-to-end service model has already shown significant potential in reducing single-use item dependency in healthcare settings and this funding will help us scale these solutions more rapidly."

The BCorp certified company secured accreditations required to supply the NHS in 2021 and has since experienced rapid growth, expanding to 23 staff and more than tripling turnover. With ambitious plans to achieve six operational medical textile processing units by 2026, rising to 24 by 2028, Revolution-ZERO aims to become a £25 million turnover business within the next three years.

Anna Staevska, FSE Investment Manager, commented, "Revolution-ZERO's innovative approach to medical textiles is a game-changer for the healthcare industry. By addressing critical issues related to supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental impact, they are setting new standards for sustainability in the sector. We are excited to support their continued growth and success."

In the UK alone, approximately 53,000 tons of single-use regulated medical textiles are consumed annually, costing the NHS more than £400 million. Revolution-ZERO aims to disrupt this market, which is valued at £405 million annually in the UK and £4 billion across Europe.

Paul Jones from the British Business Bank added: “Revolution-ZERO is transforming the medical textile industry, offering reusable solutions that significantly reduce environmental impact and cut healthcare costs. We’re pleased that the South West Investment Fund has supported the company at this pivotal time to help them scale up and grow.

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. The South West Investment 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.

News

Business leaders, social enterprises, and Third Sector organisations from across the Cambridgeshire region gathered in Peterborough (19 September) to hear about two new local government initiatives worth nearly £9.5 million, aimed at supporting growth, innovation and regional economic and social prosperity.

The launch event, led by Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and Cllr Anna Smith, Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, provided an opportunity for attendees to explore how they can access loans, digital resources, and strategic support funded by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and the UK Government.

The Combined Authority Business Growth and Social Impact Investment Fund represent a key part of the region’s economic recovery and transition towards Net Zero, building business growth, developing new infrastructure and increasing capacity within the Third Sector.

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: ‘By offering targeted support to local businesses and the Third Sector, we’re not just driving economic growth and creating new jobs, but empowering our communities to thrive and prosper. The resources we are putting in place today will fuel innovation and create lasting benefits for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.’

Small-to-medium sized businesses within the region who successfully apply for the programme will be able to access loans and equity investments between £100,000 and £500,000 over the next three years, with a focus on key sectors such as IT, Life Sciences, Agri-Tech, Advanced Manufacturing, and Green-Tech. This investment is expected to create or retain around five hundred jobs and contribute to reducing the regions CO2 emissions.

Third sector, community interest and social enterprise organisations who are eligible for the programme will be able to access up to £100,000, with funding aimed at helping to create or safeguard eighty-five jobs, while delivering wider benefits for local communities through enhanced social impact and sustainability. Funding applications will be administered by Allia and FSE on behalf of the CPCA.

Cheryl Weeks, Head of Funds South East and East of England at The FSE Group, said, ‘We are delighted to be working alongside Allia to deliver the CPCA Business Growth and Social Impact Investment Fund. We look forward to working with the wider business support ecosystem and the SMEs to help support their growth ambitions.’

Martin Clark, Allia Chief Executive. ‘As a long-standing member of the local third sector, Allia knows the challenges of growth and works to help those in the sector to start, grow, thrive and survive. Having the right forms of grant and loan funding is a critical component of this and we are confident there will be strong interest in the fund, which we hope will achieve some great growth and impact stories over the coming years.’

Deputy Mayor Cllr Anna Smith spoke at the launch and stated ‘This is such an important initiative which will help break down barriers to growth and allow more businesses to scale up. I’m excited that it also allows social enterprises, those businesses that operate for the good of the community, to grow and increase their impact.’

Article from: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/

Find out more about the CPCA Business Growth and Social Impact Investment Fund.

Vacancies

Job Title: Accounts Assistant Financial Accounting

Reporting to: Fund Management Accountant

Location: FSE CIC Fleet office

As Accounts Assistant you will be involved in the preparation of accounting and administrative functions for the organisation and support the Fund Management Accountant with a wide range of accounting processes and procedures.

This role is a full-time, flexible role that requires strong organisational and numeracy skills, operating in a small but busy finance team. The successful candidate will have the ability to work from both home and the office should hybrid working be desired, with the expectation of at least two days in the office and three from home.

  • Process payments, inter-company invoices, fund management fees and input data into accounting software and databases.
  • Provide proactive support in the preparation of monthly fund management account, SPV accounting, understanding of fund contracts and ensuring accurate fund management fees are charged and reconciliation of inter-company transactions.
  • Weekly preparation of fund cash flow needs, , Treasury management, Fund drawdown requests and ensuring LPA cash transfer commitments are met on time.
  • Maintain regular communication with both internal and external stake stakeholders on fund needs ensure financials are accurate and timely.
  • Provide support to loan system administrator in checking Loan DD batches, client loan statements preparation and reconciliation between loan system and accounting system.
  • Maintaining of fixed assets register/operation, End of month control of financial tasks (tick lists); group journals, banking, operation and control.
  • Check all entity balance sheets account monthly against defined parameters for anomalies confirm debtors / creditors / accruals / prepayments control schedules are in line with accounting system.
  • Quarterly VAT group calculations and submission to HMRC, management of VAT structure and coding; and control month end processing cycle.
  • Financial accounting checking of reporting structures; Nominal ledger account structure / setup /control / documentation, G/L process control and documentation.
  • Intercompany payments and reconciliation
  • Adhoc query resolution and backup for bookkeeping role.

Key Requirements

  • A proven track record in financial administration/bookkeeping and double entry.
  • Excellent IT skills, particularly in Excel and able to produce reports
  • Thorough attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
  • Solid time management skills with the ability to prioritise
  • Excellent communication and problem solving skills.

Qualifications required

  • Minimum AAT or QBE

What we offer:

  • A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience.
  • Pro rata annual leave based on FTE of 25 days plus Bank holidays in England & Wales. You will also get your birthday off.
  • Ability for you to use 1 day for Corporate Social Responsibility purposes annually.
  • 8% employer contribution to pension scheme.
  • Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary
  • 50% funded private medical scheme, income protection and health cash plan scheme.

About The FSE Group:

  • For 20 years our primary goal has been to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £335m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking an integrated approach to the funding needs of our clients.

Our Purpose

  • With a passion for, and successful history in, managing and deploying market gap funds with an economic impact purpose, we focus on more than pure commercial return to support the growth of SMEs. We promote diversity. We support underrepresented geographies. We are insightful in determining how we can improve an evolving funding landscape and we stimulate sustainability by successfully recycling smaller funds. We are more than money.
  • The core values we live by as FSE employees are Collaboration, Innovation, Inclusivity, Sustainability and Delivery.
  • With one of our core values being inclusivity, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer and treat all applications fairly and welcome job applicants from all communities and affinity groups.

All applicants must have unrestricted access to work in the UK.

To apply please send CV with role title in email subject line to HR@thefsegroup.com

No agencies

 

News

Your Beans Ltd, trading as Beans Coffee Club, has secured a £100,000 expansion loan from the Thames Valley Berkshire (TVB) Funding Escalator via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group. The funding will be used to drive business growth, with a particular focus on expanding sales and marketing activity.

Beans Coffee Club is an online platform connecting coffee enthusiasts with over 20 independent UK roasters, offering a curated subscription service that personalises coffee selections based on individual preferences. Unlike single-roaster subscriptions, Beans Coffee Club provides access to 130 different coffees, ensuring a unique and tailored experience for every customer.

The TVB loan will enable Beans Coffee Club to hire a new marketing expert and engage the services of a marketing agency. This strategic investment aims to scale the business, enhance brand visibility, and capitalise on the growing trend of home-brewed, café-quality coffee.

Fiona Jones, Co-founder of Beans Coffee Club, said: "As a relatively early-stage business there are limited options to raise funding from mainstream finance providers but The FSE Group fills this gap with their funding for newer companies that are looking to expand. We’re delighted to be working with them as we enter the next phase of our growth journey; their support will be instrumental in helping us reach new customers and continue to promote the incredible work of independent UK roasters."

Paul Smith, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: "Beans Coffee Club has demonstrated a proven and scalable business model with impressive year-on-year growth. The professional input from new hires and marketing partnerships, funded by this loan, will be critical to delivering their ambitious growth plans. We are excited to support such a driven and innovative team."

Beans Coffee Club has shown strong growth since its inception; annual sales have almost tripled since 2022 and the company is looking to achieve five times this over the next three years. By leveraging its proprietary coffee matching technology, strong environmental commitments, and partnerships with leading brands DeLonghi and Espresso Solutions, the business is looking to continue its upward trajectory.

With over 80% of the UK population drink coffee daily, and the direct-to-consumer freshly roasted coffee market valued at £500m, this is a booming market. Beans Coffee Club’s focus on sustainability, fair pricing for roasters and farmers, and recyclable packaging resonates with the growing consumer demand for ethical and high-quality products.

TVB Funding Escalator is an £11.3m initiative funded by Berkshire LEP. The escalator, which includes an Expansion Loan Scheme and a Trade Finance Loan Scheme, provides eligible companies with loans between £50,000 and £500,000 for activities that will deliver high-growth and employment opportunities.

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As appointed Fund Manager for the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) and South West Investment Fund (SWIF), The FSE Group is helping ambitious SMEs (small and medium enterprises) overcome hurdles to their growth, providing loans from £100,000 to £2million.

As a provider of finance  for business expansion, we’re more interested in your forecasts than your historic trading performance. As long as you can show that your business is growing and has gained commercial traction such as some sales, confirmed orders etc, we don’t mind if it is early stage, resurgent, recently changed ownership, or pivoting in a new direction.

Where mainstream finance providers will look for evidence that past performance can service your borrowings, we’re interested in the opportunity you are seeking to take tomorrow and not yesterday’s profit. We’re open to taking the time to explore the opportunity so, even if you’ve been unable to access funding before, come and talk to us.

We aren’t about ticking boxes for a computer algorithm to make a lending decision. We want to get to know you; we’re interested in the challenges you’ve overcome, the bumps in the road, and your ambitions. We want to hear your business story to date and understand the opportunity you are seeking to fund. Yes, we undertake desktop research to complement the information you provide to us but fundamentally our appraisal process is personal; no computer-generated responses.

We’ll provide you with a dedicated Investment Manager who will work with you to present the best possible case to get your funding over the line. Complexity in the transaction is likely to be a given in many of our deals and our team are well-qualified to deal with this. They’ll meet with you as much as it takes to fully understand the proposal and will help ensure it’s in the best shape possible before being reviewed by independent experts.  

Our relationship-led approach doesn’t end with the money landing in your bank account - we don’t lend to you and then forget about you. You will be supported by a FSE Manager to contact throughout your time with us. Many of our customers come back to us for further funding, sometimes because the original plan needs additional finance and sometimes to fund an entirely new strategy. We will always try and support you on your growth journey; we’re with you for the long term.  

Our funds exist to break down barriers to accessing finance, which means you don’t need assets as collateral. Unlike many mainstream lenders, we don’t rely on charges over property to be able to support you. We take a debenture (a charge over company assets) and a limited personal guarantee from the shareholding directors to underwrite their confidence in the growth forecasts of the business. We are transparent from day one with our security requirements.

Of course we will need to gain all the information needed to decide whether your business is one we can invest in. These are not grants; they are commercial funds providing loans that need to be repaid. Our industry professionals will be looking to support you while lending responsibly so we are thorough in getting to know you and your business; our due diligence is robust. That said, we’ll ensure this is clear and straightforward and if you’re not suitable for these funds, we’ll let you know quickly, steering you to alternative funding sources where appropriate.

At FSE we’re really proud of the work we do to engage with businesses from diverse backgrounds and from across the whole of an area where we operate. This includes less-experienced teams, those operating in hard-to-reach geographical areas, those with female leaders and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. We have really strong female representation amongst our leadership at FSE and we are committed to ensuring that diversity is reflected across the range of businesses we work with.

The British Business Bank’s Investment Funds operate as commercial funds with commercial returns required. Investment decisions are made by the fund’s appointed fund managers [The FSE Group], not the British Business Bank.