Positive Planet lands six-figure funding boost

A Manchester-based sustainability consultancy is accelerating its growth plans after securing a six-figure funding boost to expand its services and create new jobs.

Positive Planet has received investment from NPIF II-FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. 

Bosses say the funding will provide working capital to support rapid growth and the creation of 13 roles, while helping the company expand into broader ESG reporting. 

They add this will strengthen its ability to support SMEs and larger businesses navigating compliance and trading requirements.

Adam White, co-founder at Positive Planet, said: “We launched Positive Planet with a belief that climate change presented a need for companies to future-proof their operations and most had little idea of how to get started or what to do. 

“It’s here that our team can support them. 

“What sets us apart is our focus on delivering a return on investment for businesses that we work with so they can consider what they can get back from their sustainability focus. 

“We’ve invested our own money into the business so far but we’re now looking to take the business to the next level. 

“At this stage of our growth, traditional lenders haven’t been able to offer the kind of support we require so the backing of the NPIF II Fund and FW Capital will be instrumental in driving this next part of our growth. 

“It’s really important that we work with a funder who understands our business.” 

Positive Planet supports more than 500 companies across the UK with ESG reporting and net zero strategies, from measuring carbon footprints to delivering sustainability programmes.

Founded four years ago by Adam and Stephen Henry, the firm relocated last year to new offices at Sixty Fountain Street in Manchester city centre.

Laura Rees, fund manager at FW Capital, added: “Positive Planet is a young and rapidly growing business that is leading the charge to support organisations to move from intent to positive impact with regards to sustainability and future proofing their business. 

“Adam and Stephen have established a forward-thinking niche business that has been growing quickly and needed access to additional working capital to meet this pace.” 

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Supporting ambitious businesses that are helping to drive the transition to a more sustainable economy is a key priority for the British Business Bank. 

“Positive Planet is a great example of a North West business doing exactly this, while also creating skilled jobs in the region and driving economic growth. 

“NPIF II is designed to help more ambitious companies like Positive Planet scale, innovate and break down traditional barriers to finance.”

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