Bradford based edtech firm receives seven-figure funding to continue international expansion

A Saltaire based software developer has secured a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK to facilitate growth and international expansion.

BTL, a global provider of assessment services and technology, will use the funding from HSBC UK to develop its “state-of-the-art Surpass” assessment platform, which provides awarding bodies within the education sector secure technological solutions, both in the UK and overseas.

Having recently moved headquarters into a larger facility in Salts Mill, Saltaire, Bradford, BTL will use HSBC UK funding to grow its development team and expand supply to new marketing verticals.

The investment will primarily be used for software development in language testing, as well as continued development of additional frameworks for user-customisable question types in the finance, healthcare and general qualification sectors.

The HSBC UK funding will additionally facilitate the company’s global growth, including supporting continued expansion in the US, as well as entering new markets in South Africa and South-East Asia and expanding into new markets in the US and Middle East.

Sue Harris, finance director at BTL Group, said: “As BTL continues to grow in size, we’re hugely grateful for the support from HSBC UK in giving the business a strong foothold to develop our market-leading technology and take bigger strides into new markets.

“The investment from HSBC is a fantastic opportunity for growth, as all profits made from this package will go back into the business and allow us to grasp new opportunities. Expanding our global presence is a key priority over the next five years and this funding will accelerate our international growth to exciting new levels.”

Jamie McCullough, corporate relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “As a local business furthering its global expansion, BTL has demonstrated rapid growth over the past few years with an innovative approach to technological development and a genuine passion to improve assessment in the education sector.”