As ‘awards season’ unfolds, Bridges is delighted to share its success so far over recent weeks: six shortlists, three ceremonies and three wins!

Bridges was shortlisted in multiple categories at a handful of prestigious private equity and property awards; it is wonderful to see our work being recognised across the board.

• British Private Equity Awards 2023 (Unquote/Mergermarket)
  • Impact Investor of the Year – Winner
  • Responsible Investor of the Year
  • ESG Deal of the Year (Impact Food Group)
• Industrial Agents Society (IAS) Awards 2023
  • Best Investment Transaction (New Lane, Havant) – Winner
• Real Deals ESG Awards 2023
  • Impact Investor of the Year
  • Deal of the Year (Social) – Impact Food Group – Winner

Being selected for Impact Investor of the Year is a testament to the incredible hard work of our teams across the firm over the past 12 months, in particular those involved in designing and rolling out our new granular ESG/Impact investee goals, strengthened origination strategy, and our first ever ‘integrated’ set of reports. We’re proud to be among the first firms in the industry to be making these moves.

Best Investment Transaction refers to our highly sustainable 150,000 sq ft logistics development in New Lane, Havant. Bridges acquired the site in 2021, alongside our joint venture partner Kingsbridge Estates, and is another example of Bridges’ leadership in green logistics; not only reducing carbon emissions, but also resulting in lower running costs for tenants.

Rated BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the building incorporates a number of sustainable features, including rooftop solar photovoltaics, energy-efficient lighting, reduced water use and on-site heat pumps, with charging points to support over 800 electric vehicles. Once fully staffed, the site will support an estimated 900 jobs – around three times more than the building that previously occupied the site.

Finally, we’re thrilled that our work with Impact Food Group (IFG) has been recognised as Deal of the Year (Social) for its strong impact and commercial performance. Bridges initially invested into two separate high-quality school catering operators, Innovate and Cucina, and then brought the two businesses together to form Impact Food Group (IFG). By the time we exited IFG in 2022, the business was serving healthier food to over 270,000 students across more than 300 primary and secondary schools throughout England – up from 70 when we invested.

Thank you to the judges and hosts of each awards, and to all those who have supported us over the years. We’re determined to continue to make our vision of a more sustainable and inclusive future a reality.