We have secured investment from global private markets manager CVC, supporting the next chapter of our partner-led business and strengthening our ability to invest in our people, capabilities and client service.
The investment follows three years of significant progress for our business. Since 2022, we have grown from around 800 people to more than 1,650, working across 16 UK offices.
Most of this progress has been organic. We have expanded into sectors including defence and security, science, healthcare, education and infrastructure, while continuing to develop the expertise and capabilities of our people. Our long-standing client relationships remain central to our success, with 88% of revenue coming from repeat clients. Recent work includes Manchester’s skyline, motorsport venues globally, the Northern Line extension and energy efficiency upgrades for Marks & Spencer.
Targeted acquisitions have complemented that growth by adding specialist expertise in areas including data centres, motorsport tracks, masterplanning and project controls. They have also extended our presence into Wales and the South West, where acquired offices have grown into full multidisciplinary practices.
CVC has acquired its stake from Horizon Capital, our partner since April 2023, with our Equity Partners remaining significant shareholders. The investment will support us in continuing to strengthen our people, services, offices, technology and business infrastructure, and in taking on larger and more complex projects for clients across the UK. Importantly, it builds on the partner-led model that has shaped our success rather than changing it.
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. ”
Adrian O'Hickey
Senior Partner
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.
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.
Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner at CVC
It has been a pleasure to work with Adrian and the wider partnership over the past three years. The business has grown significantly while maintaining its commitment to exceptional client delivery, which remains at the heart of its success. We wish the team every success in the next stage of its journey.
Luke Kingston, Managing Partner at Horizon Capital
