Foresight Group Plans Over £1 Billion Investment in SMEs
Funding | Jul 13, 2025 | Foresight Group
Foresight Group, a leading private equity investor, is set to invest over £1 billion into growing companies across the UK and Ireland over the next five years. The firm, which manages £1.8 billion in assets, primarily targets SMEs outside of London, aiming to fill a structural investment gap. Foresight focuses on diverse high-growth sectors and remains sector-agnostic, supporting companies with flexible capital ranging from £0.5 million to £15 million. In 2025, the firm has invested in businesses like Ad Signal Limited and Functional Gut Group, aligning with its strategy to support the economic potential of emerging enterprises. With regional offices expanding, including new locations in Bristol and Exeter, Foresight continues to partner with local governments and pension funds, boosting job creation and economic development.
Sectors
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- SME Growth and Development
Geography
- United Kingdom – Foresight Group is primarily targeting SMEs across the UK, with new office openings in Bristol, Exeter, and Sheffield.
- Ireland – The investment strategy also includes SMEs located in Ireland, as part of its regional expansion plan.
Industry
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – The article discusses Foresight Group's strategies and investments as a leading private equity investor.
- SME Growth and Development – The article highlights Foresight Group's focus on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in high-growth sectors.
Financials
- £1 billion – The total planned investment over the next five years in SMEs across the UK and Ireland.
- £200 million annually – Annual investment into SMEs, mostly outside of London and the South East.
- £1.8 billion – Assets under management across Foresight Group's private equity and venture capital funds.
- £0.5 million to £15 million – Typical investment size range for Foresight Group's investments in SMEs.
- £250 million – Investment into smaller companies since April 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foresight Group | Investor | Company | A leading regional private equity investor and infrastructure fund manager with a focus on SME investments. |
| Eden Mobility | Portfolio Company | Company | A specialist mobility scooter retailer based in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, which is experiencing significant growth. |
| Ad Signal Limited | Portfolio Company | Company | A content intelligence platform for the media and entertainment industry based in Yorkshire. |
| Functional Gut Group | Portfolio Company | Company | A healthcare company offering diagnostic testing for digestive health issues based in Manchester. |
| Claire Alvarez | Partner | Person | Partner at Foresight Group, involved in supporting SMEs' growth ambitions. |