Fresh Group completes management buyout backed by NVM

freshNVM Private Equity (NVM) has supported the management buy-out of The fresh Group (fresh) with £5.7 million of investment. The funding will help the existing management team to continue to build the business from both its existing client relationships, and by leveraging its expertise in the retail and financial services markets to attract new clients; across a range of sectors and geographies.

fresh is a multi-award winning creative events agency, specialising in the UK retail and financial services industries. The business primarily organises internal corporate events for employees, loyal customers and suppliers. These events are used as a platform to communicate, incentivise or reward. fresh also offers a number of other group services such as video content, design, branding and digital marketing; and recently formed an exhibition division offering high impact exhibition stands.

fresh is one of the larger participants in a highly fragmented UK corporate events market estimated to be worth c£1 billion and is on track to deliver an impressive 30% year-on-year growth plan as it builds on its position as a retail sector specialist, whilst looking to secure new clients in untapped industry sectors.

The business is headquartered in Cheadle, Cheshire with other offices in Greater Manchester and London. fresh was founded in 2004 by business partners Julie Besbrode and Nick Porter who, over the last ten years, have continued to invest in and develop the business such that it delivered turnover of £13.6 million in 2013.

NVM has backed fresh’s ambitious incumbent management team of Patrick Howells (Managing Director), Antony Wilson (Financial Director) and Damian Besbrode (Operations Director). As part of the buy-out, Julie and Nick will partially exit the business.

For the full press release click NVM