A Nottinghamshire based outdoor clothing and equipment company has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme.

The £1.5million investment from the MEIF will help create 16 new roles, fund seasonal stock purchase, product development in footwear and e-bike lines and enable the UK to take over the bike frame painting function from China.

Alpkit designs, manufactures and sells a range of specialist outdoor apparel, equipment and bicycles suitable for challenging environments and extreme activities at a significantly lower price point than large, high-end competitors. 

The company is also a certified B Corp, committed to the highest standards of social and environmental impact. The company’s registered charity, Alpkit Foundation, supports sustainability focused community projects.

David Hanney, Alpkit CEO, said: “With a buoyant outdoor market and strong brand positioning we have built a business with £12m+ turnover that has great potential for further growth. With challenging exchange markets and supply chain issues dominating trading conditions for many businesses in recent months, we are delighted to receive this MEIF funding, which gives us the ability to expand our employee base and seize the opportunities available to us.”

Chris Bailey, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “Alpkit’s  knowledgeable and experienced management team has established a strong revenue stream that is capable of further acceleration, thanks to a viable expansion strategy that includes increasing physical stores in the UK as well as their international online presence. Alpkit’s growth momentum has remained resilient, despite wider economic factors impacting businesses currently, and we are happy to be supporting them on their growth journey.”

Alpkit’s community focus and sustainability credentials reflect its culture and resonate with its customer base. It is well-positioned to take advantage of a booming outdoor market across camping, hiking, climbing, trail running, outdoor swimming and cycling and is estimated to be worth over £7.5bn in the UK alone.  

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank added: “The MEIF aims to finance innovative, sustainable and high growth oriented Midlands businesses that create a positive economic impact in the region. Alpkit’s success is a very good example of that, and showcases the benefits that SMEs in the Midlands have and can aim to achieve with MEIF funding.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank. The FSE Group manages a section of MEIF that provides investments between £100,000 and £1.5 million to support growing SMEs across the region.

Carbon-negative rum producer Two Drifters Distillery has secured a loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF), via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, enabling the business to increase production capacity and expand trade distribution in both domestic and international markets.

The Devon distillery is a rum producer making its spirit entirely from scratch — fermenting, distilling, ageing and bottling on-site. Two Drifters operates an all-electric distillery powered by 100% renewable energy and applies a self-imposed internal carbon tax to guide procurement and operations toward the lowest-carbon options available. This framework positions the brand as one of the UK’s most sustainability-led rum producers.

The loan will allow the distillery to scale production to meet rising demand from the on-trade and retailers, and support continued overseas expansion, where interest in British rum — and sustainable production — is growing.

Co-founder Dr Russ Wakeham said:

“This support comes at exactly the right moment. Demand for our rum is increasing in the UK and internationally, and this loan allows us to build stock, strengthen production and keep full control of the business as we grow. The South West Investment Fund understands the needs of manufacturers, which makes it an ideal fit for us.”

Co-founder Gemma Wakeham added:

“We’ve always believed that British rum can stand alongside the best in the world — and that it can be made more sustainably. Running an all-electric distillery, using renewable energy, and applying our own internal carbon tax keeps us accountable to that. This funding will help us produce more, serve more customers and build the Two Drifters brand across new markets.”

Investment Manager at The FSE Group, Hannah Sprague added:

"Two Drifters is a great example of a South West business combining innovation with sustainability. Their approach to carbon-negative production and renewable energy is impressive, and we’re pleased to support their plans to grow both in the UK and overseas. It’s exciting to see businesses like this driving positive change in the drinks industry."

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

Edinburgh based media production company LS Productions is targeting more global contracts after delivering high-profile campaigns for top brands, including recent work for Glenmorangie featuring Harrison Ford, as well as expanding into original content following the release of ‘Irvine Welsh - Reality is Not Enough’, which closed this year's Edinburgh Film Festival. 

The 360 production company has successfully secured a £800,000 growth loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, to build on its successes to date and expand its reach beyond Scotland.   

Founded in 2006, LS Productions is one of the UK’s largest independent production services companies, delivering high-profile campaigns and productions for some of the world’s biggest brands, agencies and studios including Nike, Google, Dior, and Apple TV. The experienced team has produced a variety of Grammy-nominated, BRIT, and BAFTA award-winning work across fashion, advertising, film, and TV for clients all over the world. 

LS Productions provides end-to-end production management, as well as a location and logistics database via its proprietary, AI-driven platform.   

The funding will be used for a range of activities including sales & marketing initiatives; new staff hires and scaling of proprietary technology. 

Marie Owen, CEO and co-founder of LS Productions, said: “The goal is to take our award-winning capabilities into new markets and this loan will allow us to accelerate our growth plans significantly, ultimately enhancing our ability to secure major international productions. Creative industries are a hugely important contributor to Scotland’s economy, and we are excited to use this investment to continue driving innovation, create more jobs and encourage even more major brands to work with a Scottish-based production company.” 

David Young, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “LS Productions is an award-winning production company with a strong track record of delivering high-profile projects for key industry players. Expertise across multiple industry segments position this talented and experienced team to capitalise on the opportunities in this multi-billion-pound industry and we look forward to working with them as they continue their growth journey.” 

LS Productions’ focus on an ambitious global growth trajectory will in turn help strengthen Scotland’s production infrastructure and economy by creating jobs, supporting local talent, creating value across the supply chain and reinforcing Scotland as a world-class filming destination and production control hub. 

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at Nations & Regions Investment Funds, the British Business Bank, added: “LS Productions has built a strong reputation from Scotland, working with some of the biggest names in film, fashion, and advertising. Its plans to expand globally while continuing to invest in people, technology, and local infrastructure are exactly the kind of ambition the Investment Fund for Scotland was designed to support. This funding will help create new opportunities for Scottish talent and strengthen the country’s position on the global production stage.” 

The purpose of the British Business Bank’s £150million Investment fund for Scotland is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland. The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.  

PALLITE Group Ltd, the Wellingborough-based manufacturer of sustainable supply-chain products, has achieved significant international growth with support from The FSE Group. Since receiving its first Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) loan via FSE in 2021, PALLITE has increased staff numbers by over 30%, expanded into six new overseas offices, and boosted global sales by 125%.

The MEIF funding enabled PALLITE to maintain momentum during a challenging period marked by COVID-19 and Brexit, while advancing its strategic expansion plans. Alongside its UK manufacturing base, the company now also operates facilities in Milwaukee and Belgium, and will commence manufacturing in Surabaya, Indonesia in early 2026.

PALLITE’s commitment to sustainability has earned it multiple accolades, including the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation (2023), the UK Warehousing Association Sustainability Award (2022), and the Prix Stratégies Logistique de l'Innovation Durable (2025) in France. Its innovative honeycomb cardboard pallets, crates, and PIX® storage solutions deliver significant carbon footprint reductions, helping businesses address Scope 3 emissions and meet evolving ESG requirements.

Recent regulatory developments, such as the UK Government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging fees coming into effect in 2025 and 2026, are accelerating demand for eco-friendly solutions. PALLITE is well positioned to support companies transitioning to sustainable practices, offering products that weigh over 80% less than traditional wooden pallets—delivering cost efficiencies and substantial CO₂ savings.

Robert Audas, Chairman of PALLITE Group Ltd, said: “The MEIF funding from FSE enabled PALLITE to sustain momentum across our existing markets while continuing to advance our strategic expansion plans. During a period of significant uncertainty arising from both COVID-19 and Brexit, FSE provided the crucial stability and confidence needed to support our UK manufacturing operations and remain on course with our growth objectives, including the successful opening of our manufacturing facility in the United States in 2022.”

Chris Bailey, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “PALLITE is an outstanding example of how innovative, sustainability-driven businesses can scale rapidly with the right financial backing. Since our first investment in 2021, the company has achieved exceptional growth in sales, employment and international footprint, while remaining firmly committed to reducing environmental impact. We are proud to have supported PALLITE on its journey and look forward to seeing the impact of its next phase of global expansion.”

With a customer base that includes many of the world’s leading brands and top global logistics providers, PALLITE’s next phase of growth will focus on internationalising its product lines and investing in new designs to meet evolving market needs. The company continues to demonstrate how British manufacturing innovation, backed by targeted growth finance, can compete and lead on a global stage.

Springpod, the award-winning careers technology platform, has secured a second £650,000 loan from the Greater London Investment Fund (GLIF), managed by The FSE Group, to fuel its next phase of growth and innovation.

Springpod delivers a market-leading digital platform offering virtual work experience programmes, university subject tasters, apprenticeship pathways, and recruitment solutions. The company’s services, provided free to students aged 14–18, empower schools to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks and advance world-class career guidance across England.

Since The FSE Group’s initial investment in 2022, Springpod has more than doubled annual revenue and engaged over one million students in its programmes. The company has raised £5.3 million in new equity, expanded into the United States, and added high-profile clients such as Amazon, Barclays, and Network Rail. Springpod’s commitment to innovation has been recognised with industry awards, including Innovator of the Year and EdTech Innovation of the Year in 2024.

The latest funding supports strategic expansion through key hires in Greater London, targeted marketing, and continued development of Springpod’s platform. New AI tools will deliver tailored coaching programmes and interact in real time with students, helping to prepare them for real world situations in a safe environment and at their own pace.

Sam Hyams, CEO and Co-Founder of Springpod, commented: “Our mission is to democratise access to quality work experience and careers education. The FSE Group’s continued support enables us to scale our impact, enhance our product suite, and respond to the dynamic demands of the market. We are excited to accelerate our growth and deliver new solutions that empower the next generation.”

Stephen Mitchell, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Springpod has demonstrated impressive, continued growth and innovation since our original investment. Their team have also been focused on diversification of the client base, now delivering their valuable proposition to corporates and education partners in both the UK and USA. They are positioned well for continued expansion and we are delighted to continue supporting their growth journey.”

The UK market opportunity for Springpod is estimated at £1.1 billion annually, with digital transformation reshaping recruitment and education pathways. Springpod’s platform serves the entire student development journey and sits at the intersection of virtual work experience and university engagement.

With their marketing leading solutions and continued innovation, Springpod is poised to meet the increasing demand for scalable digital outreach to early-talent audiences.

Torbay-based QLM Technology, located at the EPIC Centre, has secured £1million in equity funding from the South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group.

The investment is part of a £3.5 million funding round to support the development and commercial scaling of QLM’s advanced methane monitoring technology.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and the drive to reduce emissions is central to global climate targets. However, many leaks remain undetected or unquantified. With tightening international legislation requiring companies to monitor and report methane emissions, QLM says its breakthrough solution provides an essential tool for industry.

QLM’s innovative quantum lidar camera can see, locate and quantify methane at distance with high sensitivity, speed and accuracy. The company’s solution delivers autonomous, continuous, real-time monitoring at scale and low cost. The technology aims to help operators across oil and gas, utilities, wastewater, waste and biogas sectors to meet regulatory and environmental standards.

The new funding will support continued product development across software and industrial applications and will help expand QLM’s channel partnerships and market reach.

Paul Hughes, CEO of QLM, said: “We’re delighted to receive this investment from The FSE Group and the South West Investment Fund, which will help us accelerate development and expand deployment of our unique lidar-based methane detection systems. Our mission is to give operators the tools to detect and prevent methane emissions quickly, accurately and cost-effectively, helping to reduce one of the most harmful greenhouse gases and make real progress toward global net-zero goals.”

Ralph Singleton, FSE’s Head of Equity South West, added: “QLM has developed a world-class, IP-protected technology backed by a strong management team with deep industry experience. Their solution addresses a clear and growing global need, supported by legislation and increasing environmental accountability. We’re pleased to back a company that is not only commercially strong but also making a meaningful contribution to tackling climate change.”

 Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, from the British Business Bank said: added: “This investment in QLM Technology demonstrates how the South West Investment Fund is supporting the region’s most innovative businesses to grow and compete on the world stage. QLM’s cutting-edge methane detection technology has the potential to make a genuine impact in the fight against climate change, while creating skilled jobs and strengthening the South West’s position as a hub for clean-tech innovation.”

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.

Founded by a powered wheelchair user, Glasgow-based Freedom One Life is targeting new customers in the USA following a funding boost to support the overseas expansion of its manufacturing.

The business was born as a result of Alex Papanikolaou’s own experiences of using a powerchair, after being diagnosed cerebral palsy just a few weeks after birth and beginning to use a wheelchair at age 12. Feeling dissatisfied with every model he tried over the years, Alex founded Freedom One Life in 2013 and started developing designs for a better powered wheelchair option.

In recent years, the business has focused on exporting, with international customers now representing around 50% of sales. The distribution network currently includes partners in Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Norway, and it is actively seeking additional opportunities elsewhere in Europe and the USA.

Supporting the firm’s ambition to bring its flagship Series 5 model to even more wheelchair users across the globe, Freedom One Life recently secured a £500,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, delivered via The FSE Group.

An estimated 40% of the global market for powered wheelchairs is based in the USA, making it a key target for Freedom One Life. The business is also investing in further research and development work to increase manufacturing capacity and lower the costs of production, making the chair more accessible to a wider range of users. The team will also be expanding as the company grows, and Freedom One Life will be looking to add even more lived experience to the design and marketing team.

Led by Alex, the company’s goal since launch has been to combine lived experience with industry-leading design, developing several prototypes and progressing to achieve medical device certification. The Series 5 model champions independence, giving users a mobility product that is comfortable, compact, and reliable, enabling users to live the life they choose without the constraints of inferior or unsuitable powerchairs and was road-tested over 40,000km in real-world conditions. Powerchair users fed into every stage of the design process, from concepts to testing.

Alex Papanikolaou said: “So many powerchairs are not fit for purpose, and our research showed that people were full of frustrations and disappointments after being forced to accept the industry standard. Freedom One Life was built upon the experiences of so many powerchair users – including myself – who deserve the best possible product to help them live their lives to the fullest.

“The Series 5 is now being used by over 100 people all over Europe, and we love being sent incredible stories and photos from our customers who are out and about doing new and wonderful things that they didn’t previously think were possible. Now, we are setting up to break into the USA and see it as a huge opportunity to bring the product to even more people who will see the benefits of a more resilient and comfortable powerchair.

“Being a disabled business founder has not been without challenges, but I am incredibly proud to represent the community and show that success and growth are possible, especially with the right support. The funding from the Investment Fund for Scotland will be critical as we head into this next chapter.”

Launched in October 2023, the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland aims to improve access to finance and boost the Scottish economy, with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million available to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. The fund is part of the Bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth by supporting smaller businesses across Scotland.

Mark Sterritt, Director, Nations and Regions Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “Alex’s story is truly inspiring and his passion for improving the lives of other power wheelchair users has led to an incredible journey so far of product development. The business is on the cusp of further growth and it is great to be able to offer support via the Investment Fund for Scotland to help the business reach the next stage. Addressing imbalances in access to finance is one of the key reasons the fund was set up, whether in terms of geographical regions or under-represented groups, including disabled founders like Alex.”

Jim Pritchard, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Working with Alex and the Freedom One Life team has been hugely inspiring. From our first meeting it was clear that this isn’t just a business, it’s a mission to transform the lives of powerchair users, built on Alex’s own lived experience and determination to create something better. Seeing how the Series 5 is already giving people more independence is incredibly powerful, and we’re excited that this funding will help bring that same freedom to even more users across the globe.”

'Tech-for-good' enterprise, The Kindness of Strangers Ltd, has secured a £250,000 loan from The British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, to support the growth of the business.  

The Kindness of Strangers offers tailored, cost-effective fundraising solutions designed to level the playing field for smaller, volunteer-run non-profit organisations. By providing access to technology and guidance previously only affordable to larger charities, the business is helping to transform the fundraising landscape for grassroots causes. 

FSE has been working with The Kindness of Strangers since 2023 when it provided equity investment from the British Business Bank's Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund. Since then, the business has completed the development of its platform for the Church of England, Cornerstone, which is now being used by over 1000 churches. It has also developed a platform with the Parish Giving Scheme, which is now ready to be rolled out as a white-label product to small charities across all sectors. 

Mathew Neville, CEO of The Kindness of Strangers, said: "This new funding is a vital catalyst for our next phase of growth. It will enable us to expand our team and amplify our marketing efforts, ensuring that more small charities gain access to the technology and support they need. As a young business that has focused heavily on technology development, traditional high-street lending isn’t a viable option. This South West Investment Fund loan provides the crucial financial backing to accelerate our mission." 

Rob Ward, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: "The Kindness of Strangers has demonstrated impressive progress in developing platforms that truly address the needs of the non-profit sector. This loan will empower the business to scale its operations, strengthen internal capacity, and fully capitalise on the exciting opportunities ahead. We’re proud to support a company that is making technology accessible to smaller charities and helping them thrive." 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, from the British Business Bank said: "This £250,000 South West Investment Fund loan, building on earlier support via our Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund, will help The Kindness of Strangers scale a platform that has harnessed technology to provide smaller non-profits with the tools they need to fundraise effectively. That in turn can help these charities have a hugely positive impact on their communities." 

In 2023, the global charity software market was valued at approximately USD 4.6 billion, with forecasts suggesting it could nearly double to USD 9.8 billion by 20321. This growth reflects a wider shift across the non-profit sector, where organisations are embracing digital tools to improve transparency, efficiency, and engagement. As the non-profit sector continues to expand its reach and impact, the need for scalable, tech-driven infrastructure is seen as increasingly vital, driving sustained demand for charity software worldwide. 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. 

Cornish-based independent production company Bosena has secured a six-figure loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, via appointed fund manager The FSE Group, to support the continued growth of its portfolio of high-end TV and film projects. 

Bosena’s latest film, ROSE OF NEVADA, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and stars BAFTA nominees George MacKay (1917) and Callum Turner (Masters of the Air), has been garnering 5-star reviews with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The FSE Group has been working with Bosena since 2021, previously providing funding from the British Business Bank's Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund. Since then, the company has grown significantly, forging key relationships with industry leaders including Film4 and the British Film Institute (BFI), both of whom continue to back Bosena’s creative vision.  

The latest funding will support key growth activities, including website and product development, staff expansion, and broader strategic investment to enable the business to capitalise on its recent success. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from The FSE Group,” said Denzil Monk, CEO of Bosena. “This South West Investment Fund loan will allow us to strengthen our core team and infrastructure so that we can deliver ambitious, larger-scale projects with confidence. We’re proud to create work that reflects Cornwall’s unique cultural landscape while engaging with global audiences on the most urgent and relevant issues of our time.” 

Hannah Sprague, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “Denzil and the Bosena team have demonstrated a compelling combination of creative excellence and commercial acumen. Their clear vision, proven track record, and growing pipeline of high-end TV projects make this a very exciting business to support. We’re delighted to continue our partnership as they scale the business.” 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, from the British Business Bank said: "Having previously backed Bosena through one of our inaugural regional funds, we're pleased to see our South West Investment Fund support them on their continued growth journey. The business is attracting top-class talent to produce award-winning content for a global marketplace, and this new investment will allow them to build on that success." 

According to the BFI1, the UK’s independent film and high-end TV production sector is experiencing a period of dynamic growth, playing a major role in fuelling creative diversity and innovation. With global streamers, broadcasters, and public funders seeking distinctive voices and untold stories, companies like Bosena – rooted in local culture but with international relevance – are seen as well-placed to seize this expanding market opportunity.  

As Bosena looks ahead to delivering new projects through 2025/26 and beyond, the company says it will continue to invest in platforming underrepresented stories and voices. Its award-winning work in both English and the Cornish language is increasingly drawing attention from global audiences and collaborators, further cementing Cornwall’s reputation as a centre for world-class screen content. 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. 

Exeter-based sustainable travel business STAXY has secured equity funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, via appointed ​​Fund Manager, The FSE Group. The investment is part of a wider funding round that includes participation from Angel Investors Bristol.  

The funding will support STAXY as it accelerates through its ​​early growth phase, secures key commercial contracts, and further develops its proprietary technology ahead of a subsequent funding round. 

Founded in 2020 by friends from the University of Exeter and University of Bath, ​​​​​​STAXY is reshaping how people travel across sport, events, business and education. The AI-driven business was born out of a desire to make travel to ​​​​events more affordable, convenient, safe and sustainable, with an initial focus on the sports sector. The company’s flagship solution is already in use with Aston Villa F.C., and a new partnership is due to launch with the University of Manchester this month. 

The sporting world is increasingly under pressure to introduce measures to improve sustainability. Football alone accounts for 30 million tonnes of annual carbon emissions globally1, and across major sporting events fan travel represents the single largest contributor to their environmental impact2.  

​​​STAXY is tackling this challenge head-on with a smart travel platform that integrates directly into club apps and websites, giving fans access to cost-effective, green, and convenient travel options, while providing sports clubs and event organisers with invaluable data to help them create smarter, more sustainable travel strategies. 

“Travel to events is often expensive, inefficient, and environmentally damaging,” said Will Line, CEO and Co-founder of STAXY. “STAXY exists to change that. Our technology gives fans better options and clubs better data. With this new investment, we’ll be able to build on our early momentum, deepen our technology offering, and scale our impact across the events industry.” 

STAXY’s platform uses GPS and motion data from mobile devices, enhanced by Machine Learning, to provide clubs and event organisers with actionable travel insights. A bespoke sustainability dashboard delivers metrics on emissions, travel patterns, distance and cost, enabling better planning, accountability, and measurable progress towards net-zero goals. 

Matt Browning, Investment Manager at The FSE Group commented: “STAXY has developed a proven product that is already gaining strong traction with top-tier football clubs and the feedback from early customers is very positive. The committed and forward-thinking management team is supported by investors who are well-respected professionals in the industry. With a scalable business model and a clear path to growth, we’re excited to be supporting them at this critical stage of their journey.” 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, from the British Business Bank, said: “STAXY is the latest example of a tech-driven business in the region that has leveraged AI and data analytics to create a new opportunity. Their sustainable travel platform is helping organisations reduce both their costs and carbon footprint, and with South West Investment Fund support we look forward to seeing their continued growth.” 

Ben Cooper, Angel Investors Bristol, added: “We are delighted to support STAXY as they scale their innovative platform. Their mission to make event travel more sustainable, affordable, and efficient directly aligns with our focus on backing ambitious founders who are solving real-world problems with scalable technology. With early traction across leading football clubs and universities, STAXY is well-positioned to become a game-changer in sustainable travel, and we look forward to supporting the team as they accelerate their growth.” 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.