BGF Announces Major Investment Drive for Welsh and South West Businesses
Equity investor BGF has revealed ambitious plans to significantly increase its deal flow across Wales and the South West of England, identifying a substantial £500 million to support the growth of regional businesses. This forms part of the firm's wider £3 billion UK-wide investment pledge, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic development in these areas.
Successful Exits Highlight Regional Potential
Last year proved particularly fruitful for BGF's regional portfolio, with two notable successful exits showcasing the investment potential in Wales and the South West. The most prominent was the £60 million acquisition of Ammanford-based Victorian Sliders by Inwido, a Nasdaq Stockholm-listed window manufacturer and one of Europe's largest in the sector.
This transaction delivered an impressive 3.2 times return on BGF's £18 million equity investment in the sash window specialist. Since BGF's initial £14 million investment in 2021, followed by a £4 million follow-on investment, Victorian Sliders has achieved remarkable growth, increasing revenue from £19 million to £33 million and expanding its workforce to 280 employees.
Additional Portfolio Success and Ongoing Support
BGF also completed its exit from Somerset-based fabric technology specialist Nonwovenn, concluding a nine-year partnership that delivered an outstanding 8.4 times money multiple. During this period, the business more than doubled its turnover, growing from £19 million in 2016 to £46 million in 2025.
Alongside these successful exits, BGF continued to actively support its regional portfolio throughout 2025 through:
- Board-level engagement and strategic guidance
- Senior executive appointments
- Strategic follow-on investments
- Access to BGF's extensive value creation network
One portfolio company demonstrating continued success is Cardiff-based PureCyber, which delivered another strong commercial performance in 2025 while expanding its specialist team and growing its customer base. BGF invested £5 million in this cybersecurity business in 2024.
Future Investment Pipeline and Regional Commitment
Looking ahead to 2026, BGF enters the new year with a healthy pipeline of opportunities, supported by increasing deal flow and ongoing exit activity across its portfolio. This momentum is underpinned by the firm's commitment to invest £500 million across Wales and the South West over the next five years.
Notably, this regional investment forms part of BGF's broader UK strategy that includes at least £300 million earmarked specifically for female-powered businesses, highlighting the investor's commitment to diversity and inclusive economic growth.
Executive Perspective on Regional Growth
Alex Garfitt, partner at BGF, commented on the firm's regional performance and future outlook:
"2025 proved to be a standout year for exits, with Victorian Sliders and Nonwovenn demonstrating what can be achieved through supportive partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.
Across the region, ambitious management teams continue to invest, hire and scale. As deal flow strengthens and exit activity continues, we enter 2026 with confidence and a strong pipeline of opportunities."
This announcement signals BGF's strong belief in the growth potential of businesses across Wales and South West England, backed by substantial financial commitment and a proven track record of successful partnerships that deliver both financial returns and sustainable business expansion.
