• Swindon & Wiltshire M&A, deals
• Tuesday May 27 2025

Capital investor pledges £400 million to South West businesses

Capital investor BGF has pledged £400 million to businesses in the South West as part of its £3 billion UK-wide commitment to support high-potential companies over the next five years.

The promise builds on the £624 million BGF has already invested in the region since 2011.

The £3 billion pledge includes £300 million for female-powered businesses, one of the largest commitments of its kind.

This follows an initial £25 million investment into the Invest in Women Taskforce (IWT), which unlocked more than £250 million last year.

Ned Dorbin, partner for the South West and Wales said: “The South West is a vibrant region with a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Our £400 million commitment is a sign of confidence in the region’s ability to generate high-growth businesses and long-term economic impact.”

BGF says its new £3 billion commitment will boost the UK’s scale-up economy, supporting both established and earlier-stage businesses.

The company recently invested £9 million in Plant-Ex, a Bristol-based natural food ingredients business, to underpin significant international growth.