BioGrad Education has made history by becoming the first North West firm to receive investment from the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
This strategic financial support is set to enhance its STEM training capabilities, fostering innovation and addressing skills shortages across the UK.
Investment in Innovation
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has made its mark by supporting pioneering initiatives in the North. BioGrad Education has become the first company in the North West to benefit from this investment, which aims to foster innovation and growth among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative is crucial for nurturing advancements in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
The NPIF II, managed by the British Business Bank, seeks to overcome traditional funding challenges often faced by emerging businesses. By selecting companies like BioGrad Education, the fund is directly contributing to the region’s economic development and scientific prowess. This strategic investment underscores the potential of SMEs in transforming regional economies, thereby supporting the broader UK growth agenda.
BioGrad Education: A Pioneer in STEM
Founded at Liverpool Science Park, BioGrad Education is dedicated to producing a new generation of talented scientists. It offers laboratory and clinic-based courses aimed at students from A-Level to postgraduate levels. This investment will enable BioGrad Education to enhance its training programmes and expand its reach to a broader student demographic.
The funding will be utilised to acquire advanced laboratory equipment and create new job opportunities, thereby strengthening the organisation’s capacity to secure new contracts. Moreover, it will serve as working capital to support the launch of skills bootcamps across the UK, addressing the prevailing skills shortages in STEM fields.
Insight from BioGrad’s Leadership
Dr Natalie Kenny, CEO of BioGrad Education, has voiced her excitement about the investment’s potential. She highlighted the importance of providing students with hands-on experiences in scientific research and development. “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all route into research, science, and medicine, but our courses offer pre-experiences to students,” she stated.
These opportunities are instrumental in preparing students for real-world challenges, thus fostering a workforce adept in STEM applications. The CEO further emphasized the significance of strategic support from NPIF II and FW Capital, acknowledging the personalized approach of their investment executive, Caroline Turley.
The collaboration between BioGrad Education and FW Capital exemplifies a successful partnership that leverages financial backing to achieve educational and strategic objectives. It sets a precedent for future alliances aiming to fortify the educational landscape within the region.
The Role of FW Capital and NPIF II
FW Capital, through its Debt Finance initiative, has been integral in facilitating BioGrad Education’s access to necessary funds. Caroline Turley, an investment executive at FW Capital, praised BioGrad’s leadership for their entrepreneurial spirit. She remarked that their innovative approach positions them as leaders in STEM education and training.
Turley acknowledged the numerous awards BioGrad Education has received, crediting them for their exceptional work in scientific advancements and healthcare education. The recognition of their endeavours reflects the impactful work they are doing, which continues to inspire young individuals interested in pursuing careers in STEM.
Transformative Potential of NPIF II
The British Business Bank’s managing director, Ken Cooper, elaborated on the broader goals of NPIF II. He stated that BioGrad Education’s success is a testament to the support the fund provides to visionary companies in the North. By offering loans and equity investments, NPIF II facilitates the scaling and growth of enterprises across various sectors.
Such financial backing is pivotal in enabling companies to create new opportunities and address critical skills gaps, empowering a new generation of professionals in the process. The fund’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent in Northern regions aligns with national aims to bolster economic growth and innovation.
With loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million, the NPIF II is equipped to support a diverse array of business ventures, recognising their transformative potential within their respective industries.
BioGrad’s Growth Prospects
The investment represents a significant milestone in BioGrad Education’s growth trajectory. By securing this financial backing, the organisation is poised to expand its educational offerings and impact. The funding not only catalyses their immediate growth plans but also fortifies their ability to continually adapt to industry needs.
BioGrad Education’s ambition to innovate and lead within the STEM education sector is further supported by this development. The company is well-positioned to contribute to the Liverpool City Region’s reputation as a hub for scientific excellence.
Conclusion
The support from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II marks a pivotal chapter for BioGrad Education. As the first North West firm to secure this backing, BioGrad exemplifies the transformative impact of strategic investment in advancing the UK’s STEM capabilities and addressing skill shortages. The partnership with FW Capital underscores the vital role of tailored financial support in driving business growth and innovation within the region.
The support from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II marks a pivotal chapter for BioGrad Education.
As the first North West firm to secure this backing, BioGrad exemplifies the transformative impact of strategic investment in advancing the UK’s STEM capabilities and addressing skill shortages.
The partnership with FW Capital underscores the vital role of tailored financial support in driving business growth and innovation within the region.
