Leeds based event technology specialist plans for growth via £13.75m investment

Leeds based audio visual (AV) and event technology specialist, Blue-i Group, has announced a £13.75m investment from London headquartered growth investor BGF.

Founded in 2002 by Lee Bradshaw and Stevie Warne, Blue-i Group delivers “state-of-the-art” AV, set and stage asset hire, coupled with technical and project management services, for the live events and theatre industries.

Partnering with production company clients across pharma, automotive, technology, government, theatre and creative arts sectors, Blue-i has delivered projects for the United Nations, UK Government, Honda and Ebay, as well as West End productions including Frozen, Wicked, Starlight Express and Tina Turner the Musical.

BGF’s investment will fuel Blue-i’s recruitment plans to expand its technical teams and continue to deliver the business’ “industry-renowned” service-led proposition built over its 20-year history, as well as accelerate a capital investment programme which will support European sales growth.

Lee Bradshaw, co-founder and managing director of Blue-i Group, commented: “We’ve built a successful, and profitable business because we understand the value of providing high-quality technical equipment and asset hire, as well as the knowledge and experience of technicians and engineers to support our clients.

“Our service-led proposition sets Blue-i Group apart in a competitive marketplace and that has positioned us well for growth. We’ve identified promising markets in the UK and overseas, and we are confident of the opportunity that exists to capitalise on the continued demand for live events and theatre which has bounced back strongly post pandemic.

“Throughout the process, BGF developed a deep understanding of our business and its potential and Stevie and I look forward to working with Stuart Warriner and the wider BGF team on the next stage of the Group’s growth journey.”

The deal was led by Chris Boyes and James Baker, investors in BGF’s Yorkshire team. As part of the investment, Stuart Warriner, former lead M&A partner at PWC in Yorkshire, will join as non-executive chair. Warriner was appointed through BGF’s Talent Network, one of the largest groups of board-level non-executives in the UK and Ireland.

Chris added: “Blue-i Group has established itself as an industry-leader, building an impeccable reputation for the quality of service it delivers to its clients across the live events and theatre sectors. The team are creative and technical in equal measure and their talent and drive is evident in the business’ performance to date.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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