Investment fuels HCIG’s global growth ambitions

A Leeds-based talent investment group is targeting international growth after securing new funding to expand its specialist engineering and construction business.

Human Capital Investment Group (HCIG) has received investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

The backing will support the launch and growth of Stratum Partners, HCIG’s specialist talent business serving mission-critical infrastructure markets.

Led by managing director Max Fanning alongside HCIG founder Ross Bayston, Stratum provides engineering, commissioning and construction talent across sectors including data centres, energy, power infrastructure and complex technical construction.

Max and Ross say the funding will primarily provide working capital to scale international operations and support the business as it targets major infrastructure projects globally.

A particular focus will be the rapidly expanding data centre and digital infrastructure markets, where growth in artificial intelligence and cloud computing is increasing demand for both capacity and the specialist talent required to deliver new facilities.

HCIG sees significant opportunities in the US, where investment in hyperscale data centres, power-intensive infrastructure and major construction projects is driving demand for specialist engineering and commissioning expertise.

Max said: “Building Stratum has been about creating something genuinely specialist – a business focused entirely on the project delivery, commissioning and MEP talent that mission critical infrastructure depends on. 

“The US data centre market is growing at a remarkable pace, and this investment gives us the platform to build our team and establish ourselves as a go-to partner in the market. 

“It’s an exciting time to be getting a business like this off the ground.”

Ross added: “This investment represents a significant milestone for both HCIG and Stratum Partners. 

“We’ve already proven the model and, with new investment, are now scaling at pace. 

“Driven by surging global demand across data centres, power and energy, our focus is on building specialist talent businesses supporting critical infrastructure. 

“What stood out with NEL was their understanding of ambitious founder-led businesses and their pragmatic, partnership-led approach throughout the process. 

“The relationship felt commercially aligned from day one.”

The investment follows HCIG’s organic launch of three previous ventures and will also support further development of its operational infrastructure.

Its longer-term strategy is to build a portfolio of specialist talent businesses serving global infrastructure, energy and technical markets, using an operator-led model to launch and scale new ventures.

Susan Snowdon, investment executive at Gateshead-headquartered NEL, who led on the investment, added:“The investment into Stratum Partners comes at an exciting time for both the business and the wider sector. 

“We regularly speak to companies facing recruitment challenges, and with Ross’ background and expertise, I have every confidence that he and his team will make a meaningful difference to the businesses they support. 

“I wish them every success as they deliver on their growth plans.”

The business was introduced to NEL by Dan Cooper, partner and head of Outsourced | FD at Ryecroft Glenton. 

Dan added: “I was delighted to have assisted Ross and Max in securing investment to fund the launch of Stratum Partners. 

“It is a great example of how strong relationships across the professional adviser community can create real value for businesses, connecting them with the right partners and funding solutions to support their ambitions. 

“I wish them every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter and look forward to following the business’s progress as it grows and develops.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, which is operated by the British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help a range of small and medium sized businesses, driving innovation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, scale, and thrive.

NEL Fund Managers are also managing NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which offers investments from £25,000 to £100,000 to new and growing businesses.

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