Downing LLP supports continued expansion of Special Educational Needs Group Bridges Care and Education

28/10/22
5 min
Social care
News

Investment manager Downing LLP has committed £12.5 million to support the continued expansion of Bridges Care and Education (BCE), an operator of special educational needs schools in the UK that trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge. 

This investment funds the acquisition of two sites in the Plymouth area – one in the city centre and another in the nearby village of Yelverton. Both sites will be refurbished and opened as schools for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum condition - including Asperger’s syndrome - and associated challenging behaviours. 

Spaghetti Bridge is working closely with local placing officers and commissioners, who have highlighted a severe lack of high quality independent special schooling provision in the local area.  

Downing has now completed seven property acquisitions with BCE as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. In addition to the Plymouth and Yelverton properties, the group is also operating and developing schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil and Cricklade.  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing LLP, said: “We look forward to continue strengthening our relationship with the management team at Spaghetti Bridge. They have proven themselves to be exceptional operators with a great track record of opening and filling schools and delivering high quality outcomes. 

“The growing need for SEND schools is expanding rapidly and the general shortfall in high-quality provision is becoming prominent. Spaghetti Bridge is at the forefront in tackling these issues and, as a sustainable investor, Downing is proud to be supporting this project and making a difference.” 

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said: “There is an urgent need for additional SEND school plans, and we are committed to providing further support. Our partnership with Downing LLP is integral to our growth and we are delighted to continue working with them.” 

 

Downing’s Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.  

Typically, it looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.  

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into investment decision-making and shares best practice and supports companies to help drive a positive contribution to society and the environment. 

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team. 

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Investment manager Downing LLP has committed £12.5 million to support the continued expansion of Bridges Care and Education (BCE), an operator of special educational needs schools in the UK that trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge. 

This investment funds the acquisition of two sites in the Plymouth area – one in the city centre and another in the nearby village of Yelverton. Both sites will be refurbished and opened as schools for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum condition - including Asperger’s syndrome - and associated challenging behaviours. 

Spaghetti Bridge is working closely with local placing officers and commissioners, who have highlighted a severe lack of high quality independent special schooling provision in the local area.  

Downing has now completed seven property acquisitions with BCE as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. In addition to the Plymouth and Yelverton properties, the group is also operating and developing schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil and Cricklade.  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing LLP, said: “We look forward to continue strengthening our relationship with the management team at Spaghetti Bridge. They have proven themselves to be exceptional operators with a great track record of opening and filling schools and delivering high quality outcomes. 

“The growing need for SEND schools is expanding rapidly and the general shortfall in high-quality provision is becoming prominent. Spaghetti Bridge is at the forefront in tackling these issues and, as a sustainable investor, Downing is proud to be supporting this project and making a difference.” 

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said: “There is an urgent need for additional SEND school plans, and we are committed to providing further support. Our partnership with Downing LLP is integral to our growth and we are delighted to continue working with them.” 

 

Downing’s Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.  

Typically, it looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.  

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into investment decision-making and shares best practice and supports companies to help drive a positive contribution to society and the environment. 

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team. 

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

Investment manager Downing LLP has committed £12.5 million to support the continued expansion of Bridges Care and Education (BCE), an operator of special educational needs schools in the UK that trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge. 

This investment funds the acquisition of two sites in the Plymouth area – one in the city centre and another in the nearby village of Yelverton. Both sites will be refurbished and opened as schools for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum condition - including Asperger’s syndrome - and associated challenging behaviours. 

Spaghetti Bridge is working closely with local placing officers and commissioners, who have highlighted a severe lack of high quality independent special schooling provision in the local area.  

Downing has now completed seven property acquisitions with BCE as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. In addition to the Plymouth and Yelverton properties, the group is also operating and developing schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil and Cricklade.  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing LLP, said: “We look forward to continue strengthening our relationship with the management team at Spaghetti Bridge. They have proven themselves to be exceptional operators with a great track record of opening and filling schools and delivering high quality outcomes. 

“The growing need for SEND schools is expanding rapidly and the general shortfall in high-quality provision is becoming prominent. Spaghetti Bridge is at the forefront in tackling these issues and, as a sustainable investor, Downing is proud to be supporting this project and making a difference.” 

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said: “There is an urgent need for additional SEND school plans, and we are committed to providing further support. Our partnership with Downing LLP is integral to our growth and we are delighted to continue working with them.” 

 

Downing’s Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.  

Typically, it looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.  

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into investment decision-making and shares best practice and supports companies to help drive a positive contribution to society and the environment. 

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team. 

Downing's Mysa Care continues to grow specialist care business
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Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

Investment manager Downing LLP has committed £12.5 million to support the continued expansion of Bridges Care and Education (BCE), an operator of special educational needs schools in the UK that trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge. 

This investment funds the acquisition of two sites in the Plymouth area – one in the city centre and another in the nearby village of Yelverton. Both sites will be refurbished and opened as schools for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum condition - including Asperger’s syndrome - and associated challenging behaviours. 

Spaghetti Bridge is working closely with local placing officers and commissioners, who have highlighted a severe lack of high quality independent special schooling provision in the local area.  

Downing has now completed seven property acquisitions with BCE as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. In addition to the Plymouth and Yelverton properties, the group is also operating and developing schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil and Cricklade.  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing LLP, said: “We look forward to continue strengthening our relationship with the management team at Spaghetti Bridge. They have proven themselves to be exceptional operators with a great track record of opening and filling schools and delivering high quality outcomes. 

“The growing need for SEND schools is expanding rapidly and the general shortfall in high-quality provision is becoming prominent. Spaghetti Bridge is at the forefront in tackling these issues and, as a sustainable investor, Downing is proud to be supporting this project and making a difference.” 

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said: “There is an urgent need for additional SEND school plans, and we are committed to providing further support. Our partnership with Downing LLP is integral to our growth and we are delighted to continue working with them.” 

 

Downing’s Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.  

Typically, it looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.  

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into investment decision-making and shares best practice and supports companies to help drive a positive contribution to society and the environment. 

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team. 

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Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: Downing, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AF.

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