Freshstream makes Smart investment

A group containing the UK’s leading security technologists, including SmartWater® and Perimeter Intruder Detection (PID) Systems, has received a major investment from Freshstream, allowing it to target new sectors with enhanced risk mitigation services to meet the important security needs of a diverse set of customers across new geographies.

Designed to facilitate the shift from labour to technology-based security solutions in the construction, infrastructure and property management sector, the Group’s technologies combine PID System’s market leading remote mobile CCTV products with SmartWater’s proprietary forensic marking technology, recognised as one of the country’s most powerful crime deterrents.

These powerful risk mitigation solutions are supported by another division of the group, the Centre for Infrastructure and Asset Protection (CIAP™), which has recently been appointed as crime analysts for the police, to provide early warning of new and developing security risks to national critical infrastructure companies, such as BT and the National Grid.

Operating UK wide from its HQ in Telford, the group is a fast growing and market-leading business with a long and successful heritage in the UK. With a large addressable market in the UK, for which mobile security and forensic systems currently have low penetration, the business has significant headroom to grow with a differentiated, data-driven and genuinely unique offering versus its competitors, with a clear focus on its key markets. It has maintained growth through COVID-19 with record sales achieved during the lockdown period.

Freshstream’s investment in the business will allow the Group to target new sectors and to develop its services to meet the important security needs of a diverse set of customers across new geographies. Most of the Group’s existing shareholders chose to roll invest into the new company, being impressed with both Freshstream’s approach and ambition.

Heligan Group and Grant Thornton advised on the investment.

The Group’s CEO, Phil Cleary, commented:
“We were courted by a number of Private Equity houses, but my management team were impressed by Freshstream’s flexibility, speed and intelligence, making it an easy decision for us to choose to partner with them.

Their support and advice will enable us to accelerate our progression into new complementary services, sectors and new geographies. We were also impressed by Freshstream’s track record of working with high growth companies, providing financial support, experience and strategic guidance. We are delighted to be working with them.”

Reza Fardad, Partner at Freshstream, commented:
“We are delighted to have partnered with the team at SmartWater® and PID Systems during their next phase of growth. The group provides a truly differentiated offering and has a strong track record of delivering solutions that reduce crime and protect the property of its clients. We look forward to working with the team to develop the business further.”