A Sheffield company behind high profile 海角视频 bridge schemes including the iconic glass walkway at London Bridge has secured a funding deal worth almost £1.4m.
EKSPAN was launched more than 30 years ago, yet for most of that time it operated as part of larger corporates, including more recently the USL Group. In 2023, however, the company completed a management buy-out to returned to independent ownership. It is now led by the management team which includes Max Angerer, Jon Spence, Michael Fenton and Jordan Gerrard.
Over the last two years it has expanded from 36 to 52 employees and taken on additional office space close to its existing premises in Sheffield. It operates as a principal contractor, subcontractor and supplier, with its own in-house engineering design team supports a full range of services. Its expertise includes structural repair, protection and strengthening across the building, civil engineering and marine sectors.
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Recent high profile schemes have included London Bridge walkway, the M25 Gade Valley Viaduct and the A1139 Nene Bridge, an arterial route for Peterborough. Now the team plans to ramp up growth plans and increase turnover by 50% in the next three years, on the back of almost £1.4m in debt funding.
The funding for EKSPAN is the largest loan to date from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Max Angerer, managing director of EKSPAN, said: “Securing this funding is a significant milestone for EKSPAN and comes at exactly the right time in our journey. Since returning to independent ownership, we’ve been focused on building a dynamic, highly skilled team and investing in our in-house manufacturing to set us apart in the market.
“This support from NPIF II will allow us to accelerate our growth plans, expand our capabilities here in Sheffield and strengthen our position as the leading independent bridge engineering specialist in the North. Our goal is to increase turnover and continue delivering some of the 海角视频’s most challenging and innovative bridge projects.”
Andy Tyas of Mercia Debt added: “EKSPAN has been renowned for its bridge engineering expertise for over 30 years. Max and the team have built a strong learning culture and created a fresh impetus for growth. As the 海角视频 embarks on a fresh era of infrastructure delivery, this funding will help them to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
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Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “NPIF II was created to support ambitious businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber to achieve their growth plans, and EKSPAN is a standout example. With longstanding engineering expertise and a clear vision for the future, the team is leading on some of the 海角视频’s most complex infrastructure projects. We’re excited to back its next phase of growth.”
Hart Shaw Corporate Finance in Sheffield office provided fundraising advice to EKSPAN.