The Business Growth Fund (BGF), the £2.5bn equity investment company providing long-term capital to fast-growing small and medium-sized businesses, has set up a permanent office in central Bristol.
In a deal brokered by the Bristol office of property agents DTZ, the BGF has taken has taken 1,500 sq ft of grade A space on a five-year lease at Hartwell House, Victoria Street.
BGF, previously based in the Regus serviced office at Temple Quay, needed a permanent base in Bristol’s central business district.
An off-market opportunity was identified at Hartwell House in space unoccupied by accountants Baker Tilly.
The move comes as BGF’s regional team for the South West and South Wales has completed its fourth investment – a £5.4m injection of growth capital into Barry-based Swanbridge Hire and Sales (SHS), a specialist provider of high-specification industrial scaffolding services. This is the Bristol-based team’s first investment in a Welsh business.
BGF regional director Paul Oldham said: “We initially established ourselves in the Bristol market in serviced offices.
“However, as the team has grown and our involvement in the region has increased, we required a base in the city from which we can continue to expand. We are delighted to be moving to a permanent home in Hartwell House. The location will allow us to build on the success we have already had in the South West.”
DTZ surveyor in Bristol Andy Smith added: “BGF’s requirement was for 1,500 sq ft of grade A accommodation in central Bristol. Following a search of the options on the market it became apparent that the right building was not openly available. After some lateral thinking and an exploration of alternative options, the space at Hartwell House was identified, with the location and specification meeting the BGF’s corporate image and business needs.”
Pictured: Paul Oldham, BGF regional director, with Andy Smith of DTZ 
