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 […]
Read moreMajor 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 […]
Read moreThe Municipal Journal, a leading UK publication for local and national government officials, published an article written by Andrew Levitt, investment director with the Bridges Social Sector Funds. In this opinion piece, Andrew argues that local government commissioners should consider using outcomes-based contracts financed by social impact bonds as a way to deliver local services more […]
Read moreThe B Corp movement, a global community of for-profit companies with an explicitly social or environmental mission, came to the UK in September. Bridges – which had been involved with the preparations for the launch and itself certified as a B Corp this summer – played a prominent role: in addition to publishing a report […]
Read moreFollowing the launch of the B Corp movement in the UK earlier this year, James Taylor from Bridges Ventures explores the pros, cons and uncertainties of the most recent certification to make its mark in the world of responsible business and ethical trade. Read the article here.
Read moreBridges Ventures co-founded The Gym alongside John Treharne in 2007 after incubating the concept in-house, in line with its ‘health and well-being’ impact focus The Gym pioneered the low-cost gym model in the UK and now has more than 60 sites About a third of its 360,000 members were not previously members of a gym […]
Read moreThe Gym Group, a low-cost gym business that Bridges built alongside entrepreneur John Treharne, was listed successfully on the London Stock Exchange this month, valued at £250m. Founded in 2008, Bridges has worked intensively to roll-out a group that now operates 66 gyms in the UK, with revenues of £45m last year. The Gym has […]
Read moreWe are delighted to report that Babington Group (a Bridges Sustainable Growth Fund II portfolio company) won the ‘Further or Vocational Education Provider of the Year’ category at the 2015 EducationInvestor Awards last night. Babington delivers high-quality training and apprenticeships that help people achieve their career goals across a number of sectors, including Accountancy, Business […]
Read moreSimon Ringer, Partner and Head of the Bridges Property Funds, discusses how refurbishing SME office space to incorporate environmental features can be good for the planet, good for tenants – and good for investor returns. Read the full article here.
Read moreThe Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania published a new report: “Great Expectations: Mission Preservation and Financial Performance in Impact Investments,” authored by the Wharton Social Impact Initiative. The study evaluates the financial performance of 53 impact investing private equity funds relative to public market indices such as the Russell 2000 and other benchmark […]
Read moreWe are delighted to announce that Hackney Community Transport (HCT), a Social Entrepreneurs Fund-backed business, has won the Social Enterprise Overall Winner at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2015. CEO Dai Powell was also one of 15 business leaders to be honoured as a Social Entrepreneur UK Winner. Now in its 17th year […]
Read moreBridges Ventures and joint venture partner Evenacre won a prestigious award for their redevelopment of the office building at 158/170 Edmund Street in Birmingham. The scheme was named ‘Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace’ in the Midlands and East Anglia section of the British Council Offices’ annual awards, which are designed to recognise top-quality design, innovation and functionality […]
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