Crucial Engineering secures £250,000 funding for expansion
Deal News | Mar 03, 2025 | Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures)

Crucial Engineering, a Bradford-based company specializing in aluminium doors and security systems, has secured a £250,000 loan from Mercia Debt Finance through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. This funding is aimed at supporting the company's growth following its move to larger premises and recent high-tier contract wins. Established in 2016 by Paul Van Heeswyk, Crucial Engineering has grown to employ over 30 staff and counts major clients such as Travis Perkins and CBRE among its clientele. The company has developed innovative products like a solar-powered vehicle access barrier and aims to expand its operations beyond the region. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II aims to promote sustainable economic growth in the North of England by providing financial support to small and medium-sized businesses. Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia Fund Management, sees Crucial Engineering as a prime candidate for growth, with David Wright recognizing the company's potential. The financing will help create three new jobs and foster regional economic growth. Commercial Expert's James Gwynne provided fundraising advice to Crucial Engineering.
Sectors
- Construction and Manufacturing
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article focuses on Crucial Engineering, based in Bradford, UK, and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, aimed at promoting growth in Northern England.
Industry
- Construction and Manufacturing – Crucial Engineering operates in the construction and manufacturing sectors, supplying aluminium doors and security access systems for commercial properties.
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – The article involves Mercia Fund Management and Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, both of which are part of the private equity and venture capital industry.
Financials
- 250,000 GBP – The loan amount provided to Crucial Engineering by NPIF II for expansion.
- 660 million GBP – Total size of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Crucial Engineering | Target Company | Company | A Bradford-based company specializing in aluminium doors and security systems. |
Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures) | Private Equity Firm | Company | The management entity providing the loan through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. |
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) | Funding Provider | Company | A fund aimed at promoting economic growth in Northern England through financial support. |
Paul Van Heeswyk | Managing Director | Person | Founder and Managing Director of Crucial Engineering. |
David Wright | Representative of Mercia Debt | Person | Involved in supporting Crucial Engineering’s growth plans. |
James Gwynne | Fundraising Advisor | Person | Provided fundraising advice to Crucial Engineering. |
Lizzy Upton | Senior Manager at the British Business Bank | Person | Commented on the role of NPIF in supporting innovative businesses like Crucial Engineering. |
Commercial Expert | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided fundraising advice to Crucial Engineering. |