Bristol-based dental group Oasis Healthcare has won two awards in an annual celebration of excellence in private equity and venture capital.
Oasis, a leading provider of NHS and private dental treatment throughout the UK, headed the Large Company Team and Social Responsibility Team categories at British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) South West Management Team Awards 2016. 
Oasis, which is backed by Bridgepoint, employs 5,500 people, including 1,600 dentists, across 360 sites.
In April it was ranked 18th on the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 after having achieved 99% profit growth between 2014 and 2015, and growing its practice by 65% through the acquisitions of Apex Dental Care and Smiles Dental.
Since the investment by Bridgepoint in 2013, the management team led by Justin Ash has created a national brand with a commitment to growth, excellence and a strong company culture.
The award judges said: “Justin Ash and his team have led this business on a very successful growth plan since 2011. They have gone against the grain in building a strong unifying Oasis brand and this has been a platform for impressive organic growth, particularly in private treatment, alongside their large-scale acquisition programme.”
The awards, now in their eighth year, are produced in association with accountants Grant Thornton.
They recognise and reward the achievements and success of businesses across the UK which are backed by private equity and venture capital funds.
The other regional winners were:
* Bath-based Independent Vetcare – the UK’s fastest-growing veterinary group with more than 200 practices and backed by Summit Partners – which won the Mid-Market Team award
* Public sector cloud infrastructure services provider Skyscape Cloud Services, based in Corsham and backed by Business Growth Fund, which won the Venture or Growth Company Team Award, and
* Chris Ormrod of Taunton-based frozen desserts firm Ministry of Cake, backed by LDC, who topped the CEO category.
Chair of the South West judging panel Paul Oldham, who is also regional director at Business Growth Fund, said: “The awards are unique in their celebration of companies backed by private equity and venture capital, and I am delighted to see such a unique set of winners for the South West this year.
“From vets and dentists, to IT providers and cake makers, the South West is home to an impressively diverse range of businesses, each one a leader in their field and all perfect examples of what ambitious, talented management teams can achieve with the right support.”
Grant Thornton regional head of corporate finance and awards judge Mark Naughton added: “It is a pleasure to be sponsoring these awards again. It is an honour to meet such a diverse range of successful businesses in our region, and great to be a part of celebrating the achievements of these private equity and venture capital-backed management teams. There was a high calibre of businesses nominated so this year’s panel had an extremely difficult task in deciding the winners.
“It has been extremely encouraging to hear such positive feedback from all the nominees about how supportive their investors have been during their respective journeys. The South West is establishing itself as a real entrepreneurial hotspot, nurturing a number of growing, ambitious businesses which are all helping contribute to a vibrant economy.
“Not only do these awards open doors to potential clients, they also strengthen business’ profiles in the wider corporate community. Congratulations not only to the winners but all those nominated.”
The awards were presented last night as part of the annual BVCA Wales South West Dinner at the Bath Assembly Rooms. The winners will now be entered into the national final to compete against other UK regions before the national winners are announced at the BVCA Gala Dinner on December 8 in London.
