SQW Group acquired by management with HSBC backing

SQW Group, a UK firm specialising in economic and social policy, innovation management and services to support scaleup SMEs, has been acquired by its management.

The deal has been led by the CEO, David Crichton-Miller.

Comprising SQW, Oxford Innovation, Oxford Innovation Services and Oxford Investment Opportunities Network (‘OION’), the group’s origins are in Britain’s two ancient university cities: Oxford and Cambridge.

It now employs over 250 people across regional offices in London, Oxford and Edinburgh, providing support to over 4,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses each year and raising investment capital for early stage companies.

Crichton-Miller said: “This transaction will enable the group to continue its strong growth of recent years by driving revenues through the continued expansion of our core business and the development of new markets that build on our expertise in enabling accelerated, sustainable growth in SMEs.

“We have a unique understanding of how to address the needs of these key drivers of the economy and remain dedicated to working with policy makers, funders and entrepreneurs, both to shape programmes and to deliver them for the benefit of the businesses and the economies they serve.”

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, was supported by HSBC UK Bank plc, with legal and financial advice provided by Penningtons Manches LLP and Liberty Corporate Finance.

Sir Michael Lyons will remain as chairman of the new company.