Ambrey Baker set to expand with funding boost

An industrial projects specialist is set to expand its team and accelerate growth after securing £5 million investment.

Lincolnshire-based Ambrey Baker has received the funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), through fund manager Mercia Ventures.

Founded in 1988 by Reg Baker, who now runs the business alongside fellow director Paul Waldeck, Ambrey Baker has more than doubled its revenue during the past three years.

The Sleaford company designs, builds and manages industrial facilities across the UK and Ireland, specialising in regulated sectors including food and drink manufacturing, cold storage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and defence.

Its services span feasibility studies and design and build through to refurbishment, decommissioning and relocation.

Reg says the company is on track to increase revenue by a further 50 per cent during the current financial year, with the £5 million funding set to support recruitment and help scale the business further.

Reg said: “After almost 40 years in business, we are entering an important new phase in the company’s development. 

“The partnership with Mercia Ventures and the MEIF II will allow us to strengthen our position and pursue our goal to become the ‘go to’ company for capital projects across complex regulated industries.”  

Employing around 70 permanent staff, Ambrey Baker works with manufacturers including Samworth Brothers, 2 Sisters Food Group, Warburton’s and Ginsters.

The company has completed more than 200 projects during the past two years, including a production hub in Telford for natural pet food company Different Dog and the conversion of a Leicester warehouse into a hi-tech food production facility for Samworth Brothers. 

Hannah Tapsell-Chapman, of Mercia Ventures, added: “Ambrey Baker has a proven track record for delivering projects in sensitive environments with minimal disruption. 

In the past few years, Reg and Paul have transformed their sales and marketing operation and taken the business from strength to strength. 

“The investment will enable them to continue their growth and establish Ambrey Baker as one of the leading independents of its type in the UK.”

 The £400 million MEIF II, operated by the British Business Bank, provides debt finance of £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help Midlands-based small and medium-sized businesses start, grow or innovate, aiming to boost sustainable economic growth, increase early-stage funding availability and improve access to finance for firms that might otherwise miss out.

David Tindall, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Ambrey Baker has built a strong reputation over many years for delivering specialist solutions to some of the UK’s most recognised manufacturing, food production and logistics businesses. 

“We’re pleased that the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is able to support the company at this stage of its growth.

“With its clear ambitions for the future, Ambrey Baker is well placed to build on the opportunities ahead. 

“This investment demonstrates the important role that access to finance can play in helping established Midlands businesses grow.”

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