Quality Bearings Online Secures £500K NPIF II Loan for South American Expansion
Deal News | May 16, 2025 | Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures)
Quality Bearings Online, a Leeds-based company renowned for its international bearings supply, has secured £500,000 in loan funding from NPIF II through Mercia Debt Finance, a move that will enable it to expand its operations into South America. The funding aims to support further growth initiatives, such as a new division focusing on aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering, along with the creation of three new jobs. Since its inception in 2012, Quality Bearings has advanced quickly, with exports constituting a significant portion of its business. The loan comes as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II's initiative to foster business growth across the North of England, providing diverse financial access to small and medium-sized enterprises. With the backing of the NPIF II, Quality Bearings intends to amplify its global reach, especially within South America, and continue its pioneering role in the e-commerce bearing supply sector.
Sectors
- Manufacturing
- E-commerce
- Investment
Geography
- United Kingdom – Quality Bearings Online is based in Leeds, United Kingdom.
- South America – The article mentions plans to expand exports into South America, highlighting this region as a significant target market.
Industry
- Manufacturing – Quality Bearings Online supplies bearings, a key component in manufacturing and engineering processes.
- E-commerce – Quality Bearings utilizes e-commerce to distribute its products globally, highlighting the industry’s growing trend towards online sales.
- Investment – The involvement of NPIF II and Mercia Fund Management demonstrates elements of venture capital and private equity investment in supporting business growth.
Financials
- £500,000 – The loan amount secured by Quality Bearings Online from NPIF II.
- £660 million – The total fund size of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Bearings Online | Target Company | Company | A Leeds-based company specializing in the global supply of bearings. |
| Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures) | PE Firm | Company | Manages Mercia Debt Finance and is responsible for providing funding through NPIF II. |
| Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) | Loan Provider | Company | An investment fund targeting the economic growth of businesses in the North of England. |
| NPIF Mercia Debt Finance | Loan Management | Company | A part of Mercia Fund Management responsible for managing debt finance. |
| Denny Maude | CEO | Person | CEO of Quality Bearings Online. |
| Simon Riley | Leader | Person | Leader at Quality Bearings Online. |
| British Business Bank | Investment Manager | Company | Senior Investment Manager involved in overseeing the funding. |
| Leeds City Council | Business Advice | Government | Provided business growth advice to Quality Bearings. |