Multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy Ridge and Partners LLP has secured investment of more than £40m from private equity investor Horizon Capital LLP.
The investment supports the next phase of Ridge’s “quality, innovation and growth’ vision, which sets a strategy for expanding expertise and nurturing talent in a progressive way”.
Ridge currently employs 1,000 people and is forecast to generate turnover of £105m across its 12 UK offices in 2023.
Adrian O’Hickey, Ridge senior partner (pictured), said: “This is a transformational deal for Ridge – a catalyst for some of the most ambitious changes in our strategy. We’ve already been successful in turning up the dial on this business, introducing new initiatives and developing our people. We want to continue that progress, with the benefit of new investment, while maintaining our core values of quality, collaboration and agility all the way.
“Progressive growth is crucial for us and that means creating better and more sustainable places while offering cutting edge services for our clients and career opportunities for our colleagues.
“Horizon Capital’s focus on professional services and technology makes them a strong fit for Ridge and protects the personal culture of our 75-year-old business. Horizon understands the personal touch that distinguishes the Ridge culture and our willingness to exploit the latest technology to work more efficiently and more accurately.”
Luke Kingston, Horizon managing partner, added: “Horizon is providing the first institutional capital to Ridge in its 75-year history. Its partners have already taken opportunities for sustained growth in recent years, and we will help them to be even more ambitious in the firms and talent they reach out to.
“This professional expertise will be vital in the next few years as the UK upgrades its infrastructure and brings its building stock up to net zero standards. The winners in this market should be the consultants who have the trust of their clients and a track record of maintaining the highest standards throughout their businesses.”
