Foresight Group, a leading listed private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has announced the first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund at £90 million. The new fund has received cornerstone commitments from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Clwyd Pension Fund, and Merseyside Pension Fund, with a final target of £130 million.
The third North West fund will continue Foresight’s mission of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region by providing flexible equity investments between £1 million and £15 million. The fund will invest across multiple sectors and transaction types, focusing on helping management teams scale their businesses, create jobs, and generate sustainable regional growth.
Since launching its first North West fund in 2015, Foresight has invested in more than 30 companies across the region, creating over 2,100 jobs. The first fund achieved an average return of 4x to investors as of June 2025, supporting the momentum for the new fundraise. These strong results highlight both Foresight’s strategic approach and the region’s expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Founded in 1984, Foresight has grown into one of the UK’s most active regional investors, with over £700 million in funds available for investment. The new North West fund represents Foresight’s eighth regional investment vehicle and its sixteenth overall across the UK and Ireland. The firm’s regional model emphasizes collaboration with founders and management teams to achieve long-term business growth while promoting measurable sustainability progress across its portfolio.
The firm’s investment philosophy is built on three principles: Invest, Build, and Grow. This approach focuses on working closely with owners and founders to strategically scale their companies, supported by a network of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
With the flexibility to invest up to £30 million per deal, Foresight aims to provide the capital and guidance ambitious businesses need to expand and thrive.
KEY QUOTES:
“The North West continues to be one of the UK’s most exciting regions for growing companies. We see outstanding businesses across all sectors, and this £90 million first close is a testament to the confidence investors have in both the region and Foresight’s approach. With each iteration of the fund, we’ve scaled up to meet the needs of more fantastic companies that deserve funding and support to reach their full potential.”
Claire Alvarez, Partner, Foresight Group
“We are delighted to back Foresight’s North West regional fund for the third time. The previous iterations of the fund have delivered strong returns, demonstrating the remarkable potential of SME businesses in the North West to succeed. It is a significant achievement for Clwyd Pension Fund to have provided capital to SMEs in our local communities, such as Buckley and Wrexham, in past funds, and we have full confidence in Foresight’s ability to identify further opportunities in our region. I’m personally thrilled to support this latest fund, enabling more local investments that drive growth and prosperity.”
Ieuan Hughes, Investment Officer, Clwyd Pension Fund
“Merseyside Pension Fund is proud to support Foresight Regional Investment Fund VIII and its focus on providing capital to ambitious North West businesses. Backing local SMEs is vital for driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening the regional economy, something that directly benefits our members and the communities in which they live.”
Alex Abela-Stevenson, Investment Manager, Merseyside Pension Fund
