Despite the shifting global geopolitical landscape, private equity-backed businesses in Yorkshire are setting their sights on overseas growth. New research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO reveals that 64% of PE-backed mid-market companies view international expansion as their biggest growth opportunity over the next six months.
The bi-monthly Economic Engine survey shows that while the UK remains a core focus, investment is increasingly flowing into North America, Asia-Pacific, and the EU. This trend aligns with recent ONS data, which shows that businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber exported more than £39bn in goods and services, contributing to a resilient international trade picture.
While independently owned businesses are more likely to double down on domestic investment, with 95% planning to ramp up UK spending, PE-backed firms are leveraging their unique access to funding and strategic support to bridge the gap into global markets. This ambition is already paying off locally; PE-backed businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber achieved an average annual EBITDA growth of 47% over the last three years.
Nick Millward, partner at BDO in Yorkshire and the North East, said:
“There’s no doubt that geopolitical uncertainty has made regional businesses take a step back and reassess where investment is being channelled. However, what’s clear is that the appeal of international markets remains strong. PE-backed businesses are well-equipped with the strategic support and funding to explore global expansion, whether through M&A, joint ventures, or exporting. This level of ambition will be vital in helping to fuel the regional economy.”
The findings highlight the significant role private equity plays in the region, with 30 Yorkshire-based companies recently ranking among the top 245 PE-backed businesses across the UK.
