Six-figure investment to deliver £50m turnover for Burnley-based BCW Engineering

A Burnley-based provider of precision engineering for the aerospace and automotive sectors is targeting turnover growth with a new six-figure funding package.

BCW Engineering Limited (BCW) has secured a £200k loan from Lancashire Rosebud Finance as it looks to achieve a turnover of £50m in the next five years.

Since the company was established in 2002 by directors Alec Cassie and Andy Whelan with Paul Biggs, it has grown into a £20m-turnover enterprise operated by a 150-strong workforce.

Headquartered at Burnley’s engineering supply park Innovation Drive, BCW has doubled its factory space to more than 100,000 sq ft to shore up its growth plans and enhance its precision engineering offer.

The firm now plans to acquire and develop a new treatment plant for the aerospace sector, which will extend its on-site capabilities and create 12 jobs.

Brent Collins, the managing director of BCW Engineering’s manufacturing division, said: “BCW have welcomed the keen interest and encouragement of the Enterprise Ventures team during our growth period.

“This new funding will be utilised in gaining, amongst other objectives, NADCAP approvals which will further enhance the BCW Treatments business.”

Business loans and venture capital firm Enterprise Ventures manages Lancashire Rosebud Finance on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Limited.

Enterprise Ventures investment manager Peter Rooney commented: “We have been monitoring BCW Engineering’s significant growth for some time and having invested in skilled roles in key manufacturing sectors within Lancashire, they are now seen as a major employer in the Burnley area with ambitious plans for expansion.

“In the UK, the automotive industry generates around £50bn worth of revenue and the aerospace industry employs over 100k people, so we are pleased that Rosebud is able to support such thriving sectors.”

The head of business growth at Lancashire County Council, Andy Walker, said of the investment: “BCW are a fast-growing company who are already doing great things, supplying to some big name global brands.

“They’re focussed on driving innovation and looking to open up new business opportunities. It looks like they’ve got a very bright future ahead and we’re proud that Rosebud is helping them to further increase their potential.”

Enterprise Ventures is part of technology investment group Mercia Technologies PLC.