CWC Group Secures BGF Investment to Expand Female-Led Care Operations
Deal News | Aug 11, 2025 | Business Growth Fund (BGF)
In a strategic commitment to support female-led businesses, BGF has invested in Northern Ireland's CWC Group, a family-owned healthcare company specializing in domiciliary, residential nursing, and disability care. This investment is a part of BGF's £300 million pledge toward female-powered businesses, under the Invest in Women Taskforce initiative, set to unfold over the next five years. Founded by Monica Byrne and Imelda McGrady in 1983, CWC is now managed by the founders' daughters, Aisling and Shauna Byrne. With this funding, the company plans to acquire new sites and expand its service offerings in specialist care to meet the high demand in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the company welcomes Paula Kane and David Jones to its board to bring in further expertise and strengthen its governance. BGF CEO Andy Gregory highlighted the impact of CWC’s leadership in transforming care services and noted this investment as a reflection of BGF's alignment with gender-balanced entrepreneurial practices. The broader ambition is to invest £3 billion over five years in high-potential businesses across the UK, emphasizing the significant role of female-led enterprises in economic growth.
Sectors
- Healthcare
- Investment Management
- Private Equity
Geography
- Northern Ireland – CWC Group is based in County Down, Northern Ireland and focuses on expanding its care services within this region.
- United Kingdom – BGF’s investment strategy, including the Invest in Women Taskforce, targets businesses across the UK.
Industry
- Healthcare – CWC Group is a specialist care provider offering domiciliary, residential, nursing, and disability care services.
- Investment Management – BGF is actively investing in businesses, particularly those led by women, as part of its strategic funding initiatives.
- Private Equity – BGF's investment in CWC Group demonstrates its role as a private equity investor providing capital to fuel business growth.
Financials
- 300 million – BGF's commitment to Invest in Women Taskforce, targeting female-led businesses over the next five years.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWC Group | Target Company | Company | A family-owned specialist care provider based in Northern Ireland, offering domiciliary, residential, and disability care services. |
| Business Growth Fund (BGF) | Investor | Company | A private equity and investment company committed to supporting high-potential businesses, including a focus on female-led enterprises. |
| Aisling Byrne | Chief Executive | Person | CEO of CWC Group, leading the company in expanding its care services. |
| Shauna Byrne | Chief Learning & Development Officer | Person | Responsible for overseeing learning and development at CWC Group. |
| Paula Kane | Non-Executive Chair | Person | Newly appointed Chair of CWC Group's Board, bringing prior experience as Founder and CEO of Ashdale Care Ireland. |
| David Jones | Non-Executive Director | Person | Joining CWC Group's Board with a background as a former Deloitte UK healthcare partner. |
| Chris Nixon | Investor at BGF | Person | Investor responsible for BGF's engagement with CWC Group. |
| Andy Gregory | CEO of BGF | Person | Chief Executive Officer of BGF, overseeing the firm's investment strategy. |
| Debbie Wosskow | Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce | Person | Leading figure within the Invest in Women Taskforce, committed to equitable capital allocation. |
| Hannah Bernard | Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce | Person | Works alongside Debbie Wosskow to drive funding into female-led businesses. |