THE most active investor in Ireland and the UK said it has injected £40 million into the north to date.
BGF has backed five companies, with the latest firm, Uform, receiving a multimillion-pound package along with Danske Bank in January 2019.
The Toomebridge firm designs, manufactures, paint finishes and distributes kitchen doors and components
Uform said it has had expanded its sales, finance, business development and IT teams, since the investment 12 months ago. It has also revamped its design centre.
BGF’s other investments here include coffee chain Bob & Berts. Following an initial £2m in 2017, the north coast-based chain opened eight more outlets, expanding into Scotland. It’s set to make the move to England in 2020.
Derry-based housebuilder Braidwater, backed in 2015 and 2018, pressed ahead with significant development projects in 2019, including a bid for 360 new homes in in Drumahoe in Derry.
Braidwater also launching a consultation on Glenmona, an 85-acre site in west Belfast, which would see a further 650 homes built if planning is approved.
BGF’s head in the north, Patrick Graham, said: “Despite wider uncertainty, we are still meeting ambitious entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland with exciting plans to scale and forge ahead.”
