Foresight: South Yorkshire sees growth push with new £20 million funds
Funding | Mar 19, 2025 | Foresight Group
The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority has initiated two significant funds to catalyze the growth of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire— each with a £20 million commitment. The South Yorkshire Debt Fund is managed by FW Capital, providing loans to businesses seeking capital, new equipment, and recruitment. The South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund, led by Foresight Group, offers equity investments to help SMEs grow and innovate. Foresight's investment strategies often coalesce funding rounds reaching up to £15 million by pairing with its existing funds. These funds not only aim to bolster economic growth within South Yorkshire but also foster job creation and regional innovation. Jayne Dunn, Chair of the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, emphasized the importance of these funds in stimulating regional development while Joanne Whitfield from FW Capital and Claire Alvarez from Foresight highlighted their thrill at playing a role in this transformative investment.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Private Equity
- Regional Development
Geography
- United Kingdom – The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority and the funds are based in the UK, with businesses in South Yorkshire being the primary beneficiaries.
- South Yorkshire – Specifically mentions geographic focus on South Yorkshire, targeting local SMEs for growth and innovation.
Industry
- Financial Services – The article discusses funds managed by investment and fund management groups providing financial services to boost regional business growth.
- Private Equity – The piece involves the management of equity investment funds, a critical aspect of private equity, targeting the growth of SMEs in South Yorkshire.
- Regional Development – Focuses on regional economic growth and job creation in South Yorkshire through targeted financial support for local businesses.
Financials
- £20 million – Each fund has a £20 million commitment to support SMEs in South Yorkshire.
- £2 million – Maximum loan or equity investment available per SME under each respective fund.
- £11.1 billion – Total fund amount managed by the South Yorkshire Pension Fund.
- £410.8 million – Value of UK-based funds managed by FW Capital.
- £15 million – Typical maximum size of funding rounds in which Foresight Group co-invests alongside its other funds.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Yorkshire Pensions Authority | Initiator | Government | A public body responsible for the South Yorkshire Pension Fund, initiating the investment funds to support SMEs. |
| FW Capital | Fund Manager | Company | Manages the South Yorkshire Debt Fund providing loans to SMEs to fuel growth and development. |
| Foresight Group | Fund Manager | Company | Manages the South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund, offering equity investments to innovative and growing businesses. |
| Councillor Jayne Dunn | Chair | Person | Chair of the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, advocating for the investment initiative. |
| Joanne Whitfield | Fund Director | Person | Represents FW Capital, ensuring their excitement and commitment to supporting SME growth. |
| Claire Alvarez | Partner | Person | Represents Foresight Group, highlighting their role in managing the Equity Fund for sustainable growth. |