The British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund has announced a £1.15 million investment in CHC Insurance Services Limited (CHC), a strategic malicious risk advisor. The funding, delivered through fund manager Maven Capital Partners, was supported by incumbent investor Committed Capital and a high-net-worth angel investor who contributed £1.55 million alongside Maven.
CHC, established in September 2017, operates as an insurance intermediary and risk advisor. It provides broking services in the malicious risks sector and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Samphire Risk, acts as a managing general agent for such risks. The company serves clients across five continents, including those operating in complex and high-risk environments. Its clientele includes national governments, multinational corporations, charities, NGOs, and high-profile individuals.
CHC offers comprehensive advice and guidance to its clients in understanding, managing, and transferring malicious risks. The company assists clients globally with issues such as political violence, terrorism, sabotage, kidnapping, extortion, maritime piracy, reputational crises, evacuation, and cybercrime. This new equity finance will enable CHC to invest in its technology and infrastructure, expand its frontline team, and enhance its service offerings to a broader clientele worldwide.
The CHC senior team; From left to right: Sally Seaman (Broking), Matthew Dawes (CFO), Claudia Palmer (Advisory), Diana Britton (Financial Controller), Jerry Smith (Head of Advisory), Rafi Khan (Maven), Julian Vero (Managing Director), Lizzy Upton (British Business Bank).
Julian Vero, Managing Director of CHC Global, commented: “As an FCA-regulated Lloyd’s of London insurance broker and Lloyd’s cover holder through our subsidiary Samphire Risk, we take pride in our Bristol foundations and connections. Investment from SWIF/Maven signifies an exciting advancement in our business development and maturity. The funding and backing from our new investors allows CHC to reinforce our core and prepares us to capitalize on the many opportunities within our target sector.”
Rafi Khan, Investment Manager at Maven, stated: “CHC is a high-growth business with a highly scalable product. Considering the current volatile risk environment, the company is well-positioned to aid high-profile clients across various sectors in managing their malicious risk exposures. The business has a strong leadership team, and we are excited by their continued pursuit of ambitious growth plans.”
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, highlighted: “CHC demonstrates an excellent example of a South West business providing specialized expertise on a global scale. The South West Investment Fund is designed to support ambitious businesses like CHC, helping them scale up, innovate, and extend their scope. We are happy to support their growth as they continue to expand their services and consolidate their market position.”
The South West Investment Fund provides several commercial finance options, including loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million. Maven oversees the equity aspect of the fund in the northern part of the region, supporting early-stage and established businesses with funding ranging from £150,000 to £5 million. Past investments by Maven through the fund include support for Microsoft adoption specialist Changing Social, sustainable packaging innovator Kelpi, global wireless solutions provider Blu Wireless, and healthcare buy-and-build operator Covestus.
The South West Investment Fund aims to foster sustainable economic growth by encouraging innovation and creating local opportunities for new and expanding businesses throughout the region.
