Hi-Point Reaches New Heights with Funding and Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 25, 2025 | Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures)
In a strategic move to further its expansion, Sheffield-based Hi-Point Access has successfully raised £250,000 from NPIF II Mercia Debt Finance, under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), managed by Mercia Ventures. This financial injection will aid the scaffolding company in augmenting its resources and acquiring new equipment after its acquisition of Gap Scaffolding Services in Barnsley. Hi-Point, which operates with over 50 employees and caters to significant clients in the region, including Sheffield City Council and local universities, seeks to consolidate its presence in Yorkshire through this acquisition. The deal also provides an exit for Gap's founder Steve Griffiths and secures employment for its current staff. With this acquisition, Hi-Point continues to be a vital contributor to the North's economic landscape. The transaction was advised by Hentons Corporate Finance, introduced by Lloyds Bank, highlighting the collaborative efforts within the financial services sector in supporting regional growth.
Sectors
- Construction and Infrastructure Services
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article focuses on Hi-Point Access and the acquisition of Gap Scaffolding Services, both situated in Yorkshire, making the UK a central geographic context.
- Yorkshire, England – With Hi-Point Access's headquarters in Sheffield and Gap Scaffolding's location in Barnsley, the regional focus in Yorkshire is pivotal to the narrative.
Industry
- Construction and Infrastructure Services – The article is centered around Hi-Point Access, a scaffolding firm, and its acquisition of Gap Scaffolding Services. This falls under the construction sector, emphasizing infrastructure support services.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – Mercia Ventures and NPIF II's involvement in providing funding highlights the investment aspect of the transaction, pivotal within the private equity and venture capital industry.
Financials
- 250,000 – The funding amount raised by Hi-Point Access from NPIF II Mercia Debt Finance to facilitate acquisition and growth.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Point Access | Target Company | Company | A leading scaffolding company in Sheffield expanding its operations through acquisition. |
| Gap Scaffolding Services | Target Company | Company | Barnsley-based scaffolding firm acquired by Hi-Point Access, previously founded by Steve Griffiths. |
| Mercia Ventures | Private Equity Firm | Company | Provides funding through NPIF II to Hi-Point Access to support its acquisition and growth. |
| NPIF II Mercia Debt Finance | Investment Fund | Company | A subset of Mercia Ventures, providing debt finance as part of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. |
| Steve Griffiths | Selling Company Founder | Person | Founder of Gap Scaffolding Services, exiting upon the acquisition by Hi-Point Access. |
| Harry Bushell | Corporate Finance Advisor | Person | Advises Hi-Point Access on the acquisition through Hentons Corporate Finance. |
| Kate Darbyshire | Introduction Facilitator | Person | Introduced Hi-Point Access to Mercia Ventures through Lloyds Bank. |
| British Business Bank | Investment Facilitator | Government | Involved in the oversight and encouragement of NPIF II investments. |