Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending supports FDS Group’s expansion plans
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) provides £3m growth capital facility to support FDS Group’s expansion plans.
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has completed a £3m growth capital facility for FDS Group, a specialist in smoke ventilation systems.
ACABL structured a comprehensive funding package that includes a Confidential Invoice Discounting (CID) line and a Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) loan. This facility is designed to support the group’s growth ambitions – both organically and through potential strategic acquisitions. These may include opportunities for vertical integration over the coming years.
The funding marks a return to external finance for FDS Group. Since 2021, the business has self-funded its working capital. The decision to re-engage with external funding reflects its strong market position and growth potential.
Founded in 2001 and based in Greenhithe, Kent, FDS Group specialises in consultancy, contracting, and maintenance services for all building types, with a particular emphasis on high-risk residential buildings. It provides fire safety strategies, conducts essential inspections, and installs and maintains life safety systems, primarily focusing on smoke control systems. FDS’s clients include contractors, architects, consultants, and developers. The company has successfully completed over 10,000 projects to date, all delivered on time.
To support its expansion plans, FDS Group has appointed Alan Wheal as a strategic adviser. Alan is the former Managing Director of EA-RS and a previous ACABL client. He brings valuable sector experience to the business.
Commenting on the transaction, Andy Riley, Co-founder and Director, FDS Group, said:
“The important aspect of this facility with Arbuthnot is that we can continue to grow alongside them, rather than having to extract ourselves from one bank and move to another.
The combination of Confidential Invoice Discounting and the Growth Guarantee Scheme – along with Arbuthnot’s backing for future M&A of up to £35 million – has given us the headroom to drive our growth throughout the journey. This is a level of support we wouldn’t have received from other offers and frankly didn’t think was possible.”
Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL, said:
“We are very pleased to support FDS Group with this growth capital facility. Their exceptional track record of completed projects and industry recognition speaks volumes about the quality of their services.
This transaction underscores our commitment to delivering tailored funding solutions – both in scale and flexibility – that empower businesses with strong growth potential and a clear strategic direction.”
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