The British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland has delivered over £25 million in financial support to Scottish businesses since it launched 18 months ago, supporting 58 firms across the country to develop and grow.

Alongside the significant investment from the Bank, an additional £26 million in private sector funding has also been committed, making the total investment into Scotland over £52 million so far.

Launched in October 2023, the Investment Fund for Scotland aims to improve access to finance and boost the Scottish economy, with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million available to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. Delivered through its dedicated fund managers – DSL Business Finance, The FSE Group and Maven Capital Partners.

Pets-Cetera, a luxury pet accessories boutique in the west end of Glasgow, is among the latest businesses to receive funding via the smaller loans portion of the fund, managed by DSL Business Finance. While on maternity leave from her day job, owner Catriona Blue seized the opportunity to acquire the established retail business, which had been put up for sale. After a year of planning, Catriona received the keys earlier this year following the agreement of a £50,000 loan.

Catriona said: 

"I grew up on a farm and helped my parents to run the business there, so I was keen to find another opportunity to be my own boss alongside my professional career. With a young family, it is inevitably busy, but the children will hopefully gain lots of happy memories of spending time at the shop. I am excited to see the business develop and in future would love to open Pets-Cetera in other locations and add dog grooming services to the offering."

F-CAD, a Glasgow-based engineering design firm, has also recently secured support from the Investment Fund for Scotland. The company provides advanced computer-aided design (CAD) modelling, reverse engineering – analysing existing products to recreate or improve them – and design-for-manufacture services. By partnering with businesses, F-CAD helps turn early-stage ideas into production-ready designs, strengthens in-house design capabilities, and shortens the time it takes to move from concept to market.

Ryan Ferguson, Managing Director at F-CAD, said: 

"We are an ambitious business based in Glasgow and the support through DSL Business Finance will enable us to accelerate growth plans. We’ll be expanding the team and investing in new equipment to allow the business to scale up and continue to diversify our customer base. In the months ahead, we hope to target additional international contracts in new markets, supporting manufacturing and innovation in the UK and further afield."

Other businesses that have been supported through the fund include Aberdeen based biotechnology firm NCIMB, Glasgow private healthcare provider Elanic Hospital, and Perthshire hospitality firm Bee Happy Breaks.

Mark Sterritt, Director, Nations and Regions Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: 

"Achieving this scale of investment in a relatively short time frame is great to see, and even more encouraging is the additional finance that has been committed through other institutions and syndicates. Scotland is a proud nation of small businesses, many supporting local economies and jobs, as well as embracing emerging technologies in exciting high-growth sectors that have the potential to shape industries.

The Investment Fund for Scotland has encouraged business owners in all parts of Scotland to use finance to build their teams, expand into new markets and develop new products, with many of them exploring debt finance for the first time. Common among these entrepreneurs is an appetite for growth and being able to access support along the way is a crucial aspect of success. The £150 million fund was established to improve access to finance for growing businesses with investment strategies that best meet their needs, regardless of who they are or where they are based, and it is great to see the impact so far."

Backed by Haatch and the South West Investment Fund, the startup automates the most painful parts of mortgage advice—starting with admin. 

Startup JammJar is coming out of stealth with a platform designed to overhaul how mortgage brokers operate—by eliminating the admin that slows them down. With backing from early-stage investors Haatch and the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via fund manager The FSE Group, the company is launching publicly today with a goal to become the Al operating system for the UK's mortgage advice industry. 

The UK's mortgage market is worth £l .9 billion annually, with over 85% of mortgages arranged through brokers. But the tools those brokers rely on are "built for compliance, not productivity," says JammJar co-founder and CEO Karl Griffin. That means 14+ hours a week spent on repetitive tasks—data entry, note-taking, document management—often across siloed systems. 

JammJar replaces that with a single Al-native platform that listens to broker calls, updates the CRM in real time, auto-generates documents and suitability notes, and even matches clients with suitable lenders based on live eligibility criteria. 

"Most broker software hasn't evolved in a decade. We're rebuilding the tech stack around the advisor—not the admin," says Karl Griffin, CEO, a former enterprise sales lead at Zoopla and founder of a digital mortgage firm. 

JammJar is designed for how brokers actually work—by integrating phone calls, video, email, CRM, and sourcing in one place. As soon as an advisor finishes a client call, the system generates a complete Fact-Find and updates the case record, automatically. 

"It's been transformational," said Felicity Chappell, Director at Mortgage Select SW, an early customer. "The Al writes the Fact-Find instantly. Our advisors can focus on advice, not forms—and our clients get a smoother, faster experience." 

JammJar has already signed its first customers through a closed beta and is now opening a waitlist. Investors are betting that it can scale fast in a market long overdue for innovation.  

"JammJar are addressing a huge pain for mortgage advisors. Over 80% of clients fall out of the process due to clunky, manual workflows," said Charlie Weavers-Wright of Haatch. "The team have deep industry experience—we're proud to back them early." 

"We were deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of the founding team and the groundbreaking solutions they've brought to a market ripe for disruption," added Matt Browning of the South West Investment Fund, via appointed fund manager The FSE Group. 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager from the British Business Bank said: “Supporting ambitious and innovative businesses like JammJar is what the South West Investment Fund is designed to do and we wish the team every success with the launch of their AI-powered platform.” 

The UK has over 37,000 regulated mortgage advisors, with most firms still using outdated CRMs or off-the-shelf solutions not built for financial services. Many operate virtually, under pressure from both compliance requirements and consumer demand for digital experiences. 

Griffin believes that gives JammJar a wedge: "We're not building a generic CRM or shiny chatbot. We're building infrastructure—one that brokers actually want to use because it saves time, improves compliance, and helps them grow." 

Backed by Haatch and the South West Investment Fund, the startup automates the most painful parts of mortgage advice—starting with admin. 

Startup JammJar is coming out of stealth with a platform designed to overhaul how mortgage brokers operate—by eliminating the admin that slows them down. With backing from early-stage investors Haatch and the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via fund manager The FSE Group, the company is launching publicly today with a goal to become the Al operating system for the UK's mortgage advice industry. 

The UK's mortgage market is worth £l .9 billion annually, with over 85% of mortgages arranged through brokers. But the tools those brokers rely on are "built for compliance, not productivity," says JammJar co-founder and CEO Karl Griffin. That means 14+ hours a week spent on repetitive tasks—data entry, note-taking, document management—often across siloed systems. 

JammJar replaces that with a single Al-native platform that listens to broker calls, updates the CRM in real time, auto-generates documents and suitability notes, and even matches clients with suitable lenders based on live eligibility criteria. 

"Most broker software hasn't evolved in a decade. We're rebuilding the tech stack around the advisor—not the admin," says Karl Griffin, CEO, a former enterprise sales lead at Zoopla and founder of a digital mortgage firm. 

JammJar is designed for how brokers actually work—by integrating phone calls, video, email, CRM, and sourcing in one place. As soon as an advisor finishes a client call, the system generates a complete Fact-Find and updates the case record, automatically. 

"It's been transformational," said Felicity Chappell, Director at Mortgage Select SW, an early customer. "The Al writes the Fact-Find instantly. Our advisors can focus on advice, not forms—and our clients get a smoother, faster experience." 

JammJar has already signed its first customers through a closed beta and is now opening a waitlist. Investors are betting that it can scale fast in a market long overdue for innovation.  

"JammJar are addressing a huge pain for mortgage advisors. Over 80% of clients fall out of the process due to clunky, manual workflows," said Charlie Weavers-Wright of Haatch. "The team have deep industry experience—we're proud to back them early." 

"We were deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of the founding team and the groundbreaking solutions they've brought to a market ripe for disruption," added Matt Browning of the South West Investment Fund, via appointed fund manager The FSE Group. 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager from the British Business Bank said: “Supporting ambitious and innovative businesses like JammJar is what the South West Investment Fund is designed to do and we wish the team every success with the launch of their AI-powered platform.” 

The UK has over 37,000 regulated mortgage advisors, with most firms still using outdated CRMs or off-the-shelf solutions not built for financial services. Many operate virtually, under pressure from both compliance requirements and consumer demand for digital experiences. 

Griffin believes that gives JammJar a wedge: "We're not building a generic CRM or shiny chatbot. We're building infrastructure—one that brokers actually want to use because it saves time, improves compliance, and helps them grow." 

• British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund has driven almost £66m of investment into businesses across the region
• Latest deals include a medtech business and a social enterprise

The British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund is marking its 150th deal having driven almost £66m of investment into new and growing businesses across the region.

Launched in 2023, the £200m fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses across the whole of the South West, offering loans from £25,000 up to equity investment of £5m.

The British Business Bank is the UK’s government-backed development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses.

Latest figures show the South West Investment Fund has delivered £33.3m of direct investment, leveraging a further £32.4m from the private sector via 150 deals, with 135 businesses across the region receiving funding (some businesses have received more than one round of investment).

To date, 26 businesses have received £18.4m of equity finance, while 25 businesses have received debt finance totalling £9.6m. Smaller loans, totalling £5.4m, have been made to 84 businesses.

Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The South West Investment Fund was established to unlock the growth potential of the region’s businesses and we’re delighted to have marked the fund’s 150th deal. With investment reaching businesses at all stages in a wide range of sectors, we are supporting economic growth across the South West and catalysing private sector investment almost pound for pound.”

Among the most recent deals is an investment in Lutra Health, a medtech platform revolutionising eyecare, and AutonoMe, a social enterprise enabling neurodiverse people and those with learning disabilities to live and work more independently.

Lutra Health, which is headquartered in Exeter, secured £350,000 from the South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager The FSE Group, as part of an ongoing fundraise also involving South West-based venture capital firm QantX.

The funding will allow Lutra to grow its team over the next three years and expand the reach of its platform which connects patients, optometrists, and eye surgeons to streamline the eyecare journey. This expansion will support key NHS initiatives set out in the recent spending review, such as enhancing digital capabilities and integrating services across care settings.”. The company said trials of its platform had shown a 91% reduction in cataract outpatient visits and a 54% reduction in surgical wait times.

Charles Solanki, CEO and co-founder of Lutra Health, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding from the South West Investment Fund, which will help us advance our technology and expand our team, ultimately improving patient care and streamlining processes across the eyecare spectrum. This funding marks a pivotal step towards our goal of transforming eyecare delivery.”

Meg Salt, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, said: “Lutra’s founding consultant eye surgeons have leveraged their clinical expertise and commercial savvy to address significant inefficiencies in existing eyecare pathways. Having been in communication with the business over the past year, we’ve witnessed exceptional trial feedback and the securing of both NHS and private hospital contracts, giving us confidence in Lutra’s ability to scale into a profitable company with a strong growth trajectory.”

AutonoMe, based in Weston-Super-Mare, received a six-figure investment from the South West Investment Fund through fund manager FW Capital. Founded by former SEND lecturer William Britton, AutonoMe supports neurodiverse individuals and those with learning disabilities by combining mobile technology with mentorship to develop skills for independent living and employment.

William Britton said: “AutonoMe was born out of the frustration I had surrounding the limited learning tools available for neurodiverse individuals and people with learning difficulties. I used my background as a Lecturer and Video Production experience to create a blended model of tailored learning tools using mobile technology alongside a real-life person as a mentor. I’ve been steadily growing the business and have now reached the point where I need additional finance to take the business to the next stage. This investment is instrumental to our growth.”

Ben Donati, Investment Executive at FW Capital, added: “AutonoMe has created a fantastic app that helps people with learning difficulties get into paid employment and live independently. Will and his team are passionate about this product and it’s making a real difference to confidence and success achieved by those with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.”

The South West Investment Fund operates across the whole of the South West region including Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. There are four appointed fund managers through which applications can be made, depending upon location.

Find out more at www.southwestinvestmentfund.co.uk

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.  

Health and Care Innovations (HCI) has secured a £375,000 equity investment from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group.

As part of an £880,000 funding round, the investment will drive the growth of HCI’s CONNECTPlus digital health platform and healthcare video library to help manage patient care.

HCI is already working with over 10% of NHS acute trusts, with ICBs and with Mater Hospital in Ireland and Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia in Spain, educating and supporting patients at home so that they can self-manage their conditions more confidently and reduce demand on the health system.

This reduces the number and length of appointments and calls in order to reduce elective care waiting lists and outpatient appointments and focus resources on the patients with the greatest need. As the world grapples with the growing demands of multimorbidity, HCI's integrated approach offers a singular platform for managing multiple conditions and treatments that simplifies life both for patients and health systems. 

CONNECTPlus addresses the needs of "the whole patient," supporting over 70 conditions already, plus remote monitoring tools and digital pathways of care. Alongside, their health and care video library offers over 1,000 patient-facing videos, providing patients with the vital information and education needed to manage their conditions effectively at home.

The ability to deliver in multiple languages means that the challenges around equality and diversity can be easily addressed.

Richard Wyatt-Haines, CEO and Founder of HCI, said: "We too often see people undergoing treatment or suffering from conditions they don't understand, which increases their anxiety. It also increases the demands they make on the health systems and services around them. It's not fair, and it's not necessary. There's so much more that can be done to help both patients and healthcare workers. HCI is here to do that. Our comprehensive solution empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health and we are delighted to receive this investment, which will enable us to expand our reach, to both healthcare providers and patients in need.”

Ralph Singleton, Head of Equity South West at The FSE Group, commented: "HCI's client base already includes over 20 NHS organisations, multi-national insurance companies, and hospitals in European territories. With an experienced team well-versed in NHS program delivery and a robust and adaptable solution for complex healthcare challenges, HCI is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming healthcare delivery. We are thrilled to support the team in their journey to innovate patient care."

Jody Tableporter from the British Business Bank said: "The South West Investment Fund was established to support ambitious and innovative businesses like HCI that are harnessing technology to scale their own operations and deliver even greater impact. By investing in HCI’s CONNECTPlus platform, the fund is backing a business that aims to transform patient care, improve efficiency within the healthcare system, and enhance support for both patients and healthcare providers. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment."

Richard Wyatt-Haines added that CONNECTPlus delivers improved quality of care and quality of life for patients, reduced costs and demand on healthcare providers, increased productivity and improved work experience for clinicians and admin teams, as well as increasing overall capacity within health organisations.

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.