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The British Business Bank's South West Investment Fund has marked its 100th deal in the region, having driven over £40 million of investment into new and growing businesses across the South West since its launch last year.

South West Investment Fund makes 100th deal

The British Business Bank‘s South West Investment Fund has marked its 100th deal in the region, having driven over £40 million of investment into new and growing businesses across the South West since its launch last year.

Somerset-based producer of free-range milks and creams Tom Parker Creamery has received a £750,000 equity investment from the fund in a deal brokered by fund manager Maven.

The South West Investment Fund is part of the government-backed British Business Bank’s £1.6 billion suite of Nations and Regions Investment Funds, which aim to boost the strength of the UK’s SME sector and long-term economic growth.

NRIF offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2 million, and equity investment up to £5 million.

The investment means the fund has delivered more than £20 million directly into smaller and medium-sized businesses in the South West, leveraging a further £20 million from the private sector, totalling more than £40 million overall.

Jody Tableporter, director UK & Regional Funds at the British Business Bank, said: “We’re thrilled to see the South West Investment Fund make its 100th deal, delivering over £40 million of investment since its launch last year.

“The volume of investments underscores the strength and ambition of growing businesses across the South West, and the critical and catalytic role of the fund in providing the capital needed for these businesses to innovate, expand, and create lasting impact in their communities.

“The latest investment in Tom Parker Creamery highlights our commitment to supporting sustainable, growth-oriented businesses in a broad range of sectors across the region.”

Other investments by the South West Investment Fund over the last year span digital, tech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, manufacturing, virtual reality, communications and hospitality.

Founded in 2018, Tom Parker Creamery is a producer of free-range milks and creams from British grass-fed herds.

Based at Wincanton in Somerset, the business produces natural, fully traceable, and sustainable dairy products. These include its unique free-range vitamin enriched whole milk; a flavoured free-range milk range; and free-range cream products, all sold in nostalgic glass bottles.

The company serves several of the major retailers including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Ocado. It has also won various awards including a Great Taste Award (2024), The Farm Shop & Deli Best Product (2024), International Cheese & Dairy Awards; Best Health Drink (2021) and the Great British Food Awards (2022 and 2021).

Investment from the fund has supported the relocation to a larger facility, allowing for a significant increase in production capacity as the company continues to grow its customer base.

The funding will also provide additional working capital, enable the business to increase its headcount, and support further product development.

Rob Yates, CEO of Tom Parker Creamery, said: “We’re extremely excited to be working with Maven and the South West Investment Fund to help take our business to the second phase of our growth plan.

“With the current rise in awareness of ultra-processed foods, our range of award-winning products made with free-range British whole milk and natural ingredients mean we’re well positioned to satisfy consumer demands in this area.

“With this support, the investment enables us to deliver our ambitious plans and meet the rising demands from major retailers and consumers.”

Rafi Khan, investment manager at Maven, said: “Tom Parker Creamery has carved out a unique space in the dairy market, driven by its commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced products.

“CEO Rob has built a strong brand, and we’re excited to back him and his team as they scale up and bring their exceptional products to more customers.

“The South West Investment Fund is there to support businesses just like this to grow whilst making a positive impact on the wider local economy.”

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