BGF backs ambitious surveyors with £6.5m investment

A CHARTERED surveyor which has recently completed its expansion into Birmingham has secured a £6.5m investment to support its continued growth.

Anstey Horne, which is based in London, has secured the finance package from Birmingham-based BGF (Business Growth Fund).

The surveyors advises commercial and residential clients on complex property matters such as rights of light, daylight and sunlight, party walls, neighbourly matters and general building surveying.

The firm, which employs around 40 surveyors, has worked on some of the most recognised developments in the UK.

Owners and directors Lance Harris and Graham North, together with their extensive senior management team, have capitalised on London’s buoyant property scene and are now looking to explore growth options around the UK.

The company will use BGF’s funding to take advantage of the market opportunities through developing and growing its team of specialist advisors.

It was this strategy that led the firm to open to choose Birmingham as the location of its first office outside of London. The Temple Row office was opened in February.

The new finance deal coincides with the appointment by the firm of Clive R. Williams as its Non-Executive Director and Chairman.

Mr Williams is a leading professional services executive and non-executive, his previous roles included being Managing Partner at EY UK, CEO at Cap Gemini UK and Chairman of Lambert, Smith and Hampton.  

Lance Harris said: “This year, we have been busier than ever and continue to benefit from a strong pipeline. Bringing BGF on board gives us the capital to accelerate the growth we have been experiencing, at the same time as retaining control of the business.”

Mark Nunny, an investor at BGF who will sit on the board of Anstey Horne said: “Anstey Horne has grown rapidly on the strength of its people and its brand. Lance and Graham are leaders in their field and have built an impressive team around them. Alongside Clive, we are excited to support the whole team in their next phase of growth.”

The investment in Anstey Horne was led for BGF by Mark Nunny, Will Gresty and Thomas McDonnell.

Advisors to the transaction were:

For Anstey Horne:
Advisory – John Jackson, Astre Associates Ltd; Ian Jefferson, Wilkins Kennedy Corporate Finance
Legal – Steve Porter, Shoosmiths

For BGF:
Financial due diligence – WY Partners
Tax due diligence – Terry Heatley, Grant Thornton
Legal – Noel Ruddy, PDT solicitors