Story Highlight
– Ridge secures investment from CVC for growth support.
– Firm’s revenues grew annually by 23% recently.
– Workforce increased from 800 to 1,650 employees.
– Significant client relationships drive 88% repeat business.
– CVC partnership enables larger, complex project capabilities.
Full Story
Ridge, a consultancy in the built environment sector, has secured investment from CVC to bolster its ongoing development, with equity partners holding considerable stakes in the firm.
Based in Oxford, Ridge offers a range of services, including planning, advisory, design, engineering, and project management throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. The consultancy engages with various industries, supporting developments across multiple sectors.
This investment comes on the heels of a robust growth period for Ridge, which has experienced a compound annual growth rate in revenue of about 23%. The firm’s workforce has more than doubled in size, increasing from around 800 to approximately 1,650 employees across its 16 offices in the UK.
Ridge’s expansion has largely been organic, characterised by strategic senior appointments that have allowed the firm to enter new markets, including defence, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Existing teams have also enhanced their capabilities and contributed to the establishment of additional offices nationwide.
Among its portfolio of significant projects, Ridge has played a key role in shaping the skyline of Manchester, developing motorsport venues worldwide, contributing to the Northern Line extension, and implementing energy efficiency upgrades for Marks and Spencer. The consultancy attributes a substantial portion of its revenue growth—estimated at 88%—to long-term client relationships that generate repeat business.
The partnership with CVC is expected to further enhance Ridge’s client offerings and workforce development, enabling the firm to undertake larger and more intricate projects while pursuing growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions.
Adrian O’Hickey, senior partner at Ridge, expressed pride in the investment, stating, “Securing investment of this calibre is a testament to what our people have achieved – a business that has doubled in size while staying true to what makes it Ridge.”
He elaborated, “This next chapter isn’t about Ridge becoming a different business – it’s about giving us the scale and capability to grow as we always have: delivering exceptional work, bringing more outstanding people into the business and staying focused on our clients. CVC understands the model that got us here and brings the resources and reach to help us go further.”
Dominic Murphy, managing partner of CVC, commented on the partnership, saying: “We are delighted to partner with Adrian and the team, who have built a differentiated business characterised by a multidisciplinary offering and strong regional presence, with deep client relationships and substantial runway for continued growth.”
Luke Kingston, managing partner of Horizon Capital, shared his thoughts on the firm’s trajectory, stating, “It has been a pleasure to work with Adrian and the wider partnership over the last three years. The business has grown significantly while retaining its absolute commitment to exceptional client delivery, which is at the heart of its success. We wish the team every success on the next stage of its journey.”
