Leeds-based HCIG Secures Strategic NPIF II – NEL Investment to Accelerate Growth of Stratum Partners
Leeds-based Human Capital Investment Group (HCIG) is set to accelerate its expansion across global mission critical infrastructure markets following a strategic investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
The investment will support the launch and growth of Stratum Partners, HCIG’s specialist engineering and construction talent business, focused on delivering engineering and commissioning talent and specialist talent solutions across mission critical infrastructure sectors including data centres, energy and power infrastructure, and complex technical construction.
HCIG acts as the platform behind Stratum Partners, providing the strategic, operational and financial foundation for its growth. The long-term vision is to build a portfolio of specialist talent businesses serving global infrastructure, energy and technical markets through an operator-led incubation and growth model – differentiating the group from a traditional recruitment business and positioning it as a scalable platform within critical infrastructure markets.
Stratum Partners is led by Managing Director Max Fanning, alongside HCIG founder Ross Bayston, focusing on the delivery of specialist engineering, commissioning and construction talent across critical infrastructure markets. Max commented on the recent investment: "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."
The investment represents a key point for the business, providing growth capital to accelerate the delivery of an already proven model. Following the successful organic launch of three previous ventures, the funding enables HCIG to scale at pace internationally, whilst continuing to strengthen its operational infrastructure and long-term platform strategy.
A key focus for the business will be the continued growth of the global data centre and digital infrastructure markets. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure is creating unprecedented demand for data centre capacity and the engineering and commissioning talent required to design, build and deliver these complex facilities.
This is particularly evident within the US market, where significant investment into hyperscale data centres, power-intensive infrastructure and large-scale construction projects is driving demand for highly specialised talent solutions across engineering, commissioning and technical construction disciplines.
The funding will primarily support the working capital requirements associated with scaling international operations, positioning the business to support major infrastructure delivery projects across global mission critical markets.
Ross Bayston, Founder of HCIG, said: “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.”
Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL, led on the investment and commented: “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’s 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. He 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.”
NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans can provide investments in the NPIF II area with a primary focus on the North East regions of Northumberland, Tyneside, Durham, South Teesside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland and Hartlepool.
Operated by the British Business Bank, the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II provides loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment of up to £5m to help a range of small and medium-sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North. The fund increases the supply and diversity of early-stage finance, supporting businesses that might otherwise struggle to access funding and helping to break down barriers to growth.
NEL Fund Managers also manages NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, offering £100,000 to £2m to established businesses looking to realise their growth potential.
For more information about NEL, please visit www.nel.co.uk or contact the investment team on 0345 369 7007.
Pictured from left to right: Managing Director of Stratum Partners Max Fanning, Founder of Human Capital Investment Group (HCIG) Ross Bayston, and NEL Investment Executive Susan Snowdon.