FDS Group Secures £3m to fuel expansion from Arbuthnot Commercial ABL

FDS Group, a specialist in smoke ventilation and fire safety systems, has secured a £3m growth capital facility from Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ABL). This bespoke funding package combines a confidential invoice discounting line with a loan backed by the growth guarantee scheme, tailored to support the company’s ambitions for both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including vertical integration opportunities.

The funding marks a significant milestone for FDS, representing its first return to external financing in several years. Having previously self-funded its operations, the company’s decision to re-engage with outside capital reflects its growing market strength and its readiness to scale operations more aggressively.

Headquartered in Greenhithe, Kent, and established in 2001, FDS Group has delivered over 10,000 projects across high-risk residential buildings, offering comprehensive consultancy, installation, and maintenance services. The firm has earned a reputation for working collaboratively with contractors, architects, developers, and consultants to deliver fire safety solutions that meet stringent regulatory requirements.

As part of its renewed growth drive, FDS has brought on board Alan Wheal, the former Managing Director of EA-RS and a previous client of Arbuthnot Commercial ABL. His role as a strategic adviser is seen as instrumental, offering the company deep sector knowledge and valuable M&A experience to support its expansion strategy.

Internally, leadership at FDS sees the partnership with Arbuthnot as more than just a financial transaction. The flexibility of the facility, particularly the combination of invoice discounting and access to future M&A funding—up to £35m—was seen as crucial. It provides FDS with the operational headroom to pursue long-term growth without the disruption of switching financial providers mid-course.

Arbuthnot Commercial ABL echoed the confidence in FDS’s trajectory. The lender highlighted FDS’s exceptional track record and industry credibility as key factors in their decision to support the business. The transaction illustrates Arbuthnot’s broader commitment to offering adaptable financial solutions to companies with strong potential and a clear strategic vision.