Investor view

Often an overlooked aspect of private equity value creation, organic growth is essential for materially improving companies’ professionalism, geographical reach and product and service offering. This section explores ways in which private equity and venture capital investors are responding to the current situation and how they are protecting and supporting their UK SME portfolio companies.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Wholebake, backed by Bridges Fund Management

Investing in employees has played a key role in driving organic growth at healthy snack bar company Wholebake, says Tom Redpath, Investment Director & Head of Value Creation at Bridges Fund Management.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Ribble Cycles, backed by True

Redefining the brand, enhancing the customer experience and working with teams have all helped to drive organic growth at Ribble Cycles, says Will Pearson, Portfolio managing director & CFO at True.

Organic Growth Masterclass: InPost, backed by Advent International

Increased accessibility, new management and marketing have delivered organic growth at Polish parcel business InPost, says Nick Rose, managing director of Advent International.

Organic Growth Masterclass: The Reefer Group, backed by Miura Partners

Innovation around sustainability and ESG is one of the factors that have driven organic growth at semi-trailer business The Reefer Group, says Ignacio Moro, Investment Director of Miura Partners.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Binding Site, backed by Nordic Capital

Upgrading the management team, expanding into new markets and driving innovation has enabled organic growth at specialty diagnostic company Binding Site, says Jonas Agnblad, Nordic Capital Partner & Co-head of Healthcare.

Organic Growth Masterclass: The Artisanal Spirits Company, backed by Inverleith

Upgrading the user experience, expanding the product range and pursuing international growth have significantly driven organic growth at the The Artisanal Spirits Company, says Paul Skipworth, Managing Partner at private equity firm Inverleith.

Value Creation Masterclass: Woodall Nicholson, backed by Rutland Partners

Targeting multiple markets has enabled specialist vehicle designer and manufacturer Woodall Nicholson add considerable value to its business, says Jason Birt, Investment Director at Rutland Partners and John Randerson, Chief Technology Officer at Woodall Nicholson.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Logoplaste, backed by The Carlyle Group

Expanding the client base, strengthening the management team and making strategic bolt-ons have helped packaging firm Logoplaste power ahead through organic growth, says Alex Wagenberg, managing director and partner at The Carlyle Group.

Organic Growth Masterclass: musicMagpie, backed by NVM Private Equity

Pivoting to online and rethinking the USP of the business has been key to driving the organic growth of sustainable re-commerce business musicMagpie, says NVM Investment partner Andy Leach.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Collingwod Lighting, backed by Baird Capital

Empowering employees, expanding the product range and improving digital capabilities helped power organic growth at lighting business Collingwood, says Baird Capital’s Partner James Benfield and Director Andy Dyer.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Excelsior, backed by ENACT private equity

Chris Cormack, partner at ENACT, explains how strengthening the team and working more closely with existing customers has helped flexible packaging business Excelsior power ahead.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Grayce, backed by Literacy Capital

Richard Pindar, Chief Investment Officer at Literacy Capital, explains how targeting larger clients and giving the business the confidence and ambition to scale up has been the key to success for business consultancy firm Grayce.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Barber, backed by RJD Partners

Frank Bulman, partner of private equity firm RJD Partners, explains how their portfolio body art business Barber became a leading ecommerce platform in the European tattoo industry.

Organic Growth Masterclass: United Group, backed by BC Partners

Nikos Stathopoulos, Partner of private equity firm BC Partners, explains how organic growth strategies have helped telecoms business United Group deliver outstanding results.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Knjaz Miloš, backed by Mid Europa

Filip Kisdobranski, Operating Executive of private equity firm Mid Europa, explains how new product development helped their portfolio drinks business Knjaz Miloš deliver organic growth.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Avira, backed by Investcorp

Gilbert Kamieniecky, Managing Director of private equity firm Investcorp, explains how their cybersecurity portfolio firm Avira achieved organic growth success.

Organic Growth Masterclass: WIT Fitness, backed by VGC Partners

Andrew Lister, Partner at VGC, explains how WIT followed a four-point strategy to accelerate its growth.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Lintbells, backed by Inflexion Private Equity

Ben Long, Partner at Inflexion, explains how Lintbells secured growth by enhancing its ecommerce platform.

Organic Growth Masterclass: Global Freight Solutions, backed by Phoenix

Richard Daw, Phoenix Equity Managing Partner, explains how Phoenix Equity helped Global Freight Solutions transform its sales and marketing functions to accelerate growth.

Organic Growth Masterclass: DMW Group, backed by Growth Capital Partners

Alexander Thomson, Investment director at Growth Capital Partners, explains how DMW Group secured growth by expanding service offering, maintaining culture and investment in people.