Foresight Group (Foresight), a leading regional private equity and real assets manager, has invested in Hull-based engineering consultancy Alan Wood & Partners, with funding provided by ThinCats, part of Shawbrook Group.
Founded in 1968, Alan Wood & Partners provides civil, structural, geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, alongside building consultancy and project management services.
The company operates from seven regional offices in Hull, Leeds, Lincoln, Scarborough, Sheffield, Stockton-on-Tees and York. It employs more than 100 skilled technical professionals, serving clients across the commercial, residential, industrial, health, education, infrastructure and heritage sectors.
Foresight’s investment will support Alan Wood & Partners’ next phase of growth, including expanding its footprint across the UK following the recent opening of its Teesside office. The investment will also help strengthen service lines in high-growth areas such as infrastructure, modern methods of construction and renewable energy, while enhancing digital engineering capabilities and developing talent pipelines across its offices.
Over nearly six decades, Alan Wood & Partners has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, innovation and the delivery of complex engineering solutions. Backed by multidisciplinary teams and a collaborative culture, the business has played a key role in major construction and infrastructure projects across the region and beyond, helping shape the built environment through practical, cost-effective design.
Funding to support the transaction was provided by ThinCats, part of Shawbrook Group.
We are incredibly proud of the reputation Alan Wood & Partners has built over nearly six decades, and we see significant opportunity ahead as the demand for high quality engineering and consultancy services continues to grow. Partnering with Foresight gives us the strategic support and investment we need to accelerate our plans, strengthen our technical capabilities and expand our presence across the country. We're excited about what this partnership enables for our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.Mark Coates, Managing Director of Alan Wood & Partners
Tavia Sparks, Director at Foresight Group, added:
“Alan Wood & Partners is exactly the type of high-quality, regional business we are committed to supporting. With a strong heritage, a skilled and motivated team, and a clear growth trajectory, the company is well-placed to capture increasing demand for resilient infrastructure, sustainable design, and modern construction solutions.
"We look forward to working closely with the management team as the business enters its next growth chapter."
Michelle Heptinstall, Senior Director, Financial Sponsors, Shawbrook Group, commented:
“Alan Wood & Partners is a well-established business with a strong reputation, deep regional roots and exciting growth potential. We were pleased to support Foresight’s investment, providing funding that will help the business build on its technical strengths, expand its presence across the UK and continue delivering high-quality outcomes for its clients. This transaction reflects Shawbrook Group’s continued commitment to supporting ambitious, high-quality businesses and their investors.”
Alan Wood & Partners was advised by Smailes Goldie (corporate finance) and Gosschalks (legal).
Foresight was advised by Clarion (legal), Interpath (financial DD), Catalysis (management DD), Aon (insurance DD), TPCS (cyber DD) and PMSI (commercial DD). ThinCats (part of Shawbrook Group) provided debt funding.