5th May 2016
Bridges Social Sector Funds honoured for their catalytic impact
We are delighted to announce that the Bridges Social Sector Funds won two (out of five) awards at the prestigious Cabinet Office Social Investment Awards 2016. Now in their second year, these awards are intended to “highlight the innovation and dedication of world-leading social investors and enterprises”. The Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund (SEF) won the […]
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6th January 2016
The Hub pharmacy acquires 11th site, in Hyde
The Hub pharmacy, a community pharmacy group backed by the Bridges Sustainable Growth Fund III, has continued its buy-and-build strategy by acquiring its 11th site: the Market Street, Hyde branch of HBS Pharmacy. The branch is an excellent fit within the Hub group as it already offers a number of community-focused health services. Under its […]
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8th March 2016
Bridges-backed Alina Homecare acquires The Care Division
Alina is a provider of homecare services with a focus on best practice and innovation The Care Division is a specialist provider of supported living services for people with learning and other disabilities in the South of England This is the fourth acquisition for Alina, which was founded in 2014 with backing from Bridges Ventures […]
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18th April 2016
Bridges exits apprenticeship provider Babington Group after strong growth
Babington is now one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship and traineeship providers Revenues have increased eight-fold under Bridges’ ownership During the period it has provided training to more than 32,000 learners and helped over 3,700 formerly unemployed people to find jobs Sale price of £22m represents an IRR of 33% for Bridges Bridges Ventures (“Bridges”) […]
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26th April 2016
In the press: Bridges exits Babington Group for 33% return
Bridges recently sold the Babington Group, a leading UK provider of apprenticeships and traineeships, to RJD Partners for £22m, representing an internal rate of return for Bridges of 33%. We backed the business in 2009, as part of our Education and Skills impact theme. Since then, Babington has increased revenues eight-fold, while supporting over 32,000 […]
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28th April 2016
Wembley project receives planning permission
The Bridges Property Alternative Fund and joint venture partner HUB have received a resolution to grant planning permission for a redevelopment project in Wembley, London. The project will see what is currently a disused office block converted into two 21-and 26-storey towers. The building will contain a total of 239 homes for sale or rent; […]
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17th December 2015
Big Society Capital films showcase HCT Group and Ways to Wellness
Big Society Capital has created two short films highlighting the impact being made by two social sector organisations that have benefited from Bridges’ investment. HCT Group, a social enterprise bus operator that uses its profits to provide community transport services and training, raised a pioneering £4m round of investment from a group of social investors […]
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30th November 2015
Bridges makes European debut with investment in Viva Gym in Spain
Viva is a chain of low-cost gyms with 16 sites across 11 Spanish cities It improves health outcomes by broadening access to gym facilities This is Bridges’ first investment in mainland Europe, and the eighth from Bridges’ Sustainable Growth Fund III It builds on the expertise the firm developed in this sector as co-founder of […]
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7th December 2015
Wholebake makes the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100
Wholebake, a manufacturer of great-tasting gluten-free energy bars under its brand 9BAR, has been included in this year’s Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, a highly-regarded ranking of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies by sales. Wholebake, which is backed by Bridges Sustainable Growth Fund III, has enjoyed annual revenue growth of 45% over the last […]
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7th December 2015
Bridges-backed Alina Homecare acquires Extra Mile Care
Alina Homecare is an innovative homecare business which delivers high-quality care across the South of England It is backed by Bridges Ventures, the specialist sustainable and impact investor Extra Mile Care, based in North London, is its third acquisition Alina Homecare (“Alina”), the innovative homecare business, has completed its third deal with the acquisition of […]
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16th November 2015
HCT repayments mark social investment milestone
In 2010, HCT raised a pioneering £4m round of social investment from a group of investors led by Bridges Ventures After surpassing all its growth and impact targets, HCT has now been able to provide a successful exit for its original social investors Its success illustrates the potential for social enterprises that access the right […]
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12th October 2015
Bridges & Chancerygate buy Beeston Business Park from VBRi for £22m
Major regeneration planned for site near Nottingham which comprises just under 50 acres of industrial and office space, including 20 acres of cleared land for development JV partners Bridges and Chancerygate intend to refurbish existing buildings and develop new commercial space, thus creating jobs and boosting economic dynamism in the local area The site was […]
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