Crucial Engineering Secures £250k 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 access systems, has secured a £250,000 loan from Mercia Debt Finance, a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). This funding will enable the company to expand its operations, hire additional staff, and undertake larger projects. Founded in 2016 by Paul Van Heeswyk, Crucial Engineering has developed innovative products such as solar-powered vehicle access barriers and aluminium vault doors. With a move to larger premises and recent investment in new equipment, the company is positioned for significant growth and aims to expand its operational network beyond the region. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, aimed at supporting innovative businesses in Northern England, underscores its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and improving access to finance for SMEs.
Sectors
- Construction and Materials
- Security and Access Control Systems
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Both Crucial Engineering's headquarters and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund are based in the UK, making this geography relevant.
- Northern England – The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is specifically aimed at supporting businesses in Northern England.
Industry
- Construction and Materials – Crucial Engineering provides facades, shutters, barriers, gates, and turnstiles for commercial properties, making it part of the construction and materials sector.
- Security and Access Control Systems – The company's specialization in security access systems such as aluminium doors and vehicle access barriers situates it within this industry.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – The involvement of Mercia Fund Management and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II as financial backers highlights the relevance of the private equity and venture capital industry.
Financials
- £250,000 – The loan amount provided to Crucial Engineering by NPIF II through Mercia Debt Finance.
- £660 million – The total amount available under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) initiative.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial Engineering | Target Company | Company | A company specializing in aluminium doors and security access systems, based in Bradford. |
| Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures) | Bidding Company/Investor | Company | A private equity and venture capital firm managing the NPIF II, providing financial backing for Crucial Engineering. |
| Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) | Investment/Finance Provider | Company | A fund created to support innovative businesses in the North of England, managed by Mercia Debt Finance. |
| British Business Bank | Government Agency | Government | A government entity involved in supporting the NPIF II initiative. |
| Paul Van Heeswyk | Founder and Managing Director of Crucial Engineering | Person | The founder of Crucial Engineering, focused on growth and innovation. |
| James Gwynne | Fundraising Advisor | Person | Provided fundraising advice to Crucial Engineering. |