Foresight Group, a prominent regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has unveiled ambitious plans.
The organisation aims to inject £100 million into dynamic and rapidly growing companies situated in South Yorkshire and the North West.
The South Yorkshire region has been highlighted as a critical focus for Foresight Group. With an investment of £15 million originating from the South Yorkshire Pension Fund, this fund is dedicated to bolstering ambitious enterprises across South Yorkshire and the North West.
Foresight Group’s portfolio in South Yorkshire boasts significant investments. One of these is Martek Marine Ltd, a trusted supplier based in Rotherham that provides crucial safety and crew protection equipment to the global shipping industry.
Additionally, they have invested in M.R. Machine Knives in Dinnington, a company known for its manufacturing of blades for the food, packaging, and processing sectors.
Roxy Leisure, a Yorkshire-based competitive socialising bar group, has also benefited from Foresight’s investments. Operating under the Roxy Ballroom, Roxy Lanes, and King Pins brands, it has seen significant growth.
The Roxy Ballroom in Sheffield city centre, established post-investment, employs more than 30 people.
Previous investments from Foresight in South Yorkshire include the AIM-listed Zoo Digital, underscoring their commitment to the region.
Foresight Group’s investment strategies span regional growth, buyouts, and venture capital funding. These investments aim to support founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams in realising their growth ambitions or releasing equity.
They focus on innovative, fast-growing companies within sectors such as enterprise software, advanced engineering, and deep tech, fostering responsible and rapid scaling.
Rob Jones, a director at Foresight Group, remarked, “Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region is a key growth area for Foresight. From its great industrial heritage, the region is now a hotbed of entrepreneurship and home to cutting-edge companies in the technology, precision manufacturing, and engineering sectors which present excellent growth opportunities.”
Jones emphasised their broad investment approach, stating, “We invest in companies across all sectors and transaction types, including management buyouts, management buy-ins, equity release, and growth capital.”
Foresight Group has received backing from local authorities, such as the South Yorkshire Pension Fund. Their aim is to unlock the potential of the region’s dynamic businesses.
The group is keen on engaging with entrepreneurs, management teams, and their advisers to discuss growth strategies. They believe in forming genuine partnerships with founders and management teams.
The company’s investment teams are passionate about regional development, helping to create jobs and support local communities. Foresight’s network includes experienced contacts and non-executives from various sectors.
This extensive network can offer advice and mentoring, assisting founders and management teams in achieving their business aspirations.
Foresight Group’s £100 million investment plan for South Yorkshire and the North West highlights their commitment to regional growth.
By fostering innovation and supporting local enterprises, they aim to spur economic development and entrepreneurial success in these regions.