AN industrial services firm, located in Merthyr Tydfil and Pembroke Dock, has benefitted from a £3.5 million investment - the largest single deal completed by the Investment Fund for Wales to date.

It’s a significant milestone as the IFW continues into its third year: a £3.5 million equity investment made by fund manager Foresight Group - into Advantiv Limited.

Phillip Sampson, Principal, Private Equity at Foresight Group, said:

“We’re proud to support Advantiv as they accelerate their growth plans. This investment reflects the Investment Fund for Wales ability to back profitable, well-established businesses with strong market position, where partial shareholder liquidity forms part of a planned succession.

“The funding will help strengthen the team, enhance systems and automation, and support expansion into new locations - positioning Advantiv to serve more customers with the same high standards of delivery. We look forward to supporting Andy, Alistair and the wider team through their next phase of growth.”

Advantiv’s Pembroke Dock office is at 8 Bridge Innovation Centre (Science & Technology Park, SA72 6UN). A UK-based industrial services and procurement company, it provides a broad portfolio of engineering products, technical site services, and procurement solutions to clients across the commercial, industrial and manufacturing sectors, positioning itself as a “one-stop shop” for industrial supply and engineering support.

The Investment Fund for Wales was established by the British Business Bank to drive sustainable economic growth by providing access to finance for SME businesses across the whole of Wales.

Since its launch in November 2023, the IFW has invested more than £37 million into 93 Welsh businesses across the Nation, through three appointed fund managers; BCRS Business Loans, FW Capital and Foresight. This includes crowding in co-investment of £9.5m.

Andy Burgess, Director at Advantiv said:

“This investment will support us in recruiting and developing high-calibre staff across sales, commercial and operational roles to build on our South Wales base. Strengthening our team will enable us to execute our growth strategy more effectively while maintaining high standards of service and delivery.

“Our plan includes opening more locations to provide more local service support across the UK, which will enable us to expand our presence in existing markets and pursue new growth opportunities.

Alistair Crouch and Andy Burgess, Directors at Advantiv Limited with Irfan Ashfak (centre,) of Foresight
A landmark £3.5m investment into Advantiv from the Investment Fund for Wales marks two years of the fund. (Rebecca Thompson Photography)

“We offer an unlimited product and service portfolio and an ability to provide solutions to any industrial or commercial sector, private or public. Partnering with Foresight will accelerate our growth, increase employment and return some of the investment to the regions we operate in. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our team, our customers, and our vision for the future.”

Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank added:

“We’re incredibly proud to see how the Investment Fund for Wales is helping to nurture home-grown talent, attract private investment and drive sustainable economic growth throughout the country.”

To find out more and to apply for funding, visit: www.investmentfundwales.co.uk .