Miracle Secures Major Investment to Fuel Expansion in UK's Playground Sector
Deal News | Nov 27, 2024 | Business Growth Fund (BGF)

Business Growth Fund (BGF) has invested £6 million in Miracle Design & Play, a Northampton-based company specializing in designing and installing playgrounds, fitness spaces, and more. Founded by Richard and Julie Howard in 2000, Miracle has established itself as a leading provider of bespoke playground solutions for UK housebuilders, boasting a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects. This investment marks a crucial phase in Miracle's growth strategy, enabling the company to enhance its operations, expand its market presence, and leverage advanced technology to further capitalize on the increasing demand for high-quality playgrounds in housing developments. The partnership with BGF is expected to create significant growth opportunities, including job creation and a strengthened position in the UK housebuilding sector. As part of this development, Haydn Mursell joins as Non-Executive Chair, bringing vast experience from the construction and housebuilding industries.
Sectors
- Construction and Housebuilding
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article is focused on the UK as Miracle Design & Play operates within the UK housebuilding sector, and BGF’s investment aims to expand Miracle’s presence across the UK.
Industry
- Construction and Housebuilding – The article involves Miracle Design & Play, which provides playgrounds and fitness spaces specifically for the housebuilding sector, indicating their integral role in the construction and housebuilding industry.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – BGF, a private equity firm, is involved in providing financial resources to Miracle, highlighting the relevance of the PE and VC industry to the article.
Financials
- £6 million – The amount invested by BGF into Miracle Design & Play.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracle Design & Play | Target Company | Company | A Northampton-based company specializing in the design and installation of playgrounds and fitness spaces for the housebuilding sector. |
| Business Growth Fund (BGF) | Investor | Company | A private equity firm that invested £6 million in Miracle Design & Play to support its growth strategy. |
| Richard Howard | Non-Executive Founder | Person | Co-founder of Miracle Design & Play, transitioning to a non-executive role post-investment. |
| Julie Howard | Co-Founder | Person | Co-founder of Miracle Design & Play. |
| Daniel Buckley | Managing Director | Person | Long-time employee at Miracle Design & Play, taking on the role of Managing Director. |
| Haydn Mursell | Non-Executive Chair | Person | Newly appointed Non-Executive Chair at Miracle Design & Play, with extensive industry experience. |
| Quercus Corporate Finance | Adviser | Company | Advised Miracle Design & Play during the investment process. |
| Mark Nunny | Deal Team Member | Person | Part of BGF’s Central and East deal team leading the investment in Miracle. |
| Amanda Hall | Partner at Quercus Corporate Finance | Person | Partner at Quercus providing advisory services during the investment process. |